Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-11 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes1 CITY OF TAMARAC REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the regular meeting of the City Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Karen L. Roberts, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, and City Clerk Marion Swenson, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Mayor Karen L. Roberts led the Pledge of Allegiance. INTRODUCTION PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: a. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation recognizing Ilene Lieberman's election as Mayor of Broward County. Broward County Mayor Lieberman accepted and thanked Mayor Schreiber and the Commissioners for the proclamation and reception in her honor. b. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation proclaiming the week of February 22-28, 2004 as Engineers' Week. Assistant Director of Public Works Doherty accepted and thanked the Mayor and Commission for their continued support. C. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation proclaiming February 19, 2004 as Knights of Pythias Day in the City of Tamarac. Mr. Hochfeld accepted and thanked the Commission on behalf of Lodge 221 and all lodges in Florida. Mr. Hochfeld introduced District 10 Deputy Bernie Gissen, who thanked everyone. REPORTS 2. City Commission: Mayor Schreiber said it is a pleasure to honor the Knights of Pythias tonight. Mayor Schreiber spoke about his trip to Washington, D.C., and said he heard President Bush and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton speak. One of the common problems among cities is unfunded mandates. Mayor Schreiber cited the Homeland Security Act, and said while the money is given to the states it is not funneled down to the municipalities. February 11, 2004 1 Commissioner Sultanof said the Knights of Pythias contribute thousands of dollars to Joe DiMaggio Hospital and the Diabetic Childrens' Foundation, and he is proud to be a member. Commissioner Sultarof thanked the Knights for attending tonight's meeting. Commissioner Sultanof congratulated Broward County Mayor Lieberman on her election as Broward County Mayor. 1 Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco congratulated the proclamation recipients and said she is proud of her friend and neighbor, Broward County Mayor Lieberman, Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said at the annual meeting of the Woodlands Homeowners Association there was discussion of a proposed overlay zoning district. Residents are supportive and appreciative of efforts of the Commission and staff, and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked the City Manager, City Attorney, Community Development and Building and Code Compliance Departments. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she is looking forward to other good things happening in her district and the City. Commissioner Portner congratulated proclamation recipients Broward County Mayor Lieberman and the Knights of Pythias. Commissioner Partner said at Monday's workshop he brought up an item regarding the KidCare Program, and said there are 100,000 children in Florida who are not receiving health benefits because the governor is holding up funding for this program. Commissioner Portner added that he read in the newspaper that the legislature is reconsidering funding for this fiscal year which would mean health insurance for those children. Vice Mayor Roberts congratulated Broward County Mayor Lieberman and the Knights of Pythias. Vice Mayor Roberts said the Knights of Pythias work closely with the Bulldogs and she thanked them for their generosity. Mayor Schreiber added that he and Mrs. Schreiber will celebrate their 14t" wedding anniversary this Saturday and thanked the Commissioners and all who sent congratulatory cards. 3. City Attorney, City Attorney Kraft had no report. 4. City Manager: City Manager Miller congratulated Broward County Mayor Lieberman on her election. City Manager Miller reported that BSO will hold child safety seat belt inspections on Saturday, February 21$t at City Hall between 9:00 a.m. -- Noon, in conjunction with National Child Passenger Safety Week. Assistant Chief Forsberg has been selected to serve on the International Fire Service Instructors Association Working Committee for Fire and Life Safety Educators, which reviews and establishes professional qualifications and certifications for fire service educators. The Tamarac Twilight Series kicked off with 600 in attendance; the next performance will be on March 5t". The Annual Sweetheart Ball is scheduled for February 13th at the Tamarac Community Center, commencing at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco attended the opening day for T-Ball. There are 26 teams, with 300 children enrolled in the program. February 11, 2004 2 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman said Tamarac looks terrific. Broward County Mayor Lieberman said she sent two items to the City Manager that were approved at the Broward County Commission meeting. The County will institute redevelopment capital improvement programs for cities; Coral Springs is the first city approved for this program. In lieu of using TIF monies, there will be up front monies to the cities — it is a 5-year program. Additionally, Phase VI of the open space and green space program money is available, and Broward County Mayor Lieberman sent City Manager Miller a letter asking if there are any other items which Broward County should be aware of. Broward County Mayor Lieberman said for the eastern part of Tamarac requests should go to County Commissioner Eggelletion, for the central part of Tamarac, Broward County Mayor Lieberman, and for the western part of Tamarac County Commissioner Graber. Broward County Mayor Lieberman spoke of the Turnpike expansion and said Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Portner are very involved with this matter. The MPO has frozen funds for expansion until such time as there is an agreement regarding the noise barriers. Broward County Mayor Lieberman thanked Representative Ritter and Senator Campbell for raising money and awareness in Tallahassee. Broward County Mayor Lieberman thanked Vice Mayor Roberts for her work with Replant Broward; Commissioner Portner for his work on Parks and Recreation; Mayor Schreiber for his work on the Library; Commissioner Sultanof for his work on roads; and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco for her work in the Woodlands neighborhood. Mayor Schreiber thanked Broward County Mayor Lieberman and said he received a quick response to issues regarding the library. Commissioner Portner asked if Broward County pays more in turnpike tolls than the rest of the state, and Broward County Mayor Lieberman said it is possible, but absent information on tolls, a survey on trips from the mainline to Sawgrass was conducted and it appears that there is more than enough money for noise barriers. Commissioner Sultanof said the noise barriers should be included in the expansion project. Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72 Street, Tamarac, spoke about the increase in Comcast's bills. Mayor Schreiber replied that the City has no control over the cable fees. Mayor Schreiber added he would like City Manager Miller to look into the city providing cable TV. Mr. Schneider commended the commissioners on the work being done in the medians and said he would like to see palm trees included in the landscape. Mr. Schneider asked for information and instruction regarding 911 phone calls to be placed in the Tam -A -Gram, and said he feels our emergency calls should not be going through Broward County. Larry Feingold, 8810 McNab Road, Tamarac, spoke about additional existing postal facilities in Tamarac, and asked that the locations of the facilities be noted in the Tam -A - Gram. Michael Speranza, 5123 White Oak Lane, Tamarac, spoke about a cash bond for extension of a turn lane on Rock Island Road. Community Development Director King said this item was on the consent agenda — Item 6(b). February 11, 2004 3 CONSENT AGENDA 6. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved the addition of Temporary Resolution 10348 to the consent agenda as item 6(i). Temporary Resolution 10348, a Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, urging the Governor and the Florida Legislature to support the KidCare Program; authorizing the City Clerk to distribute copies to the appropriate parties; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing an effective date. On roll call Commissioner Portner voted "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval of all items on the consent agenda, including 6(i). On roll call Vice Mayor Roberts voted "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Commissioner Portner "yes". Motion carried. a. APPROVE the minutes of the January 28, 2004 Regular City Commission meeting. APPROVED b. "INSTALLATION OF REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS AGREEMENT" — "COMROCK PLAT": (TR10322) Executing the "Installation of Required Improvements Agreement" between Broward County, Michael A. Speranza, Trustee of the Michael A. Speranza, Sr. Trust, and the City of Tamarac for required improvements relating to the "Comrock Plat" located on the west side of Rock Island Road approximately 579 feet north of Commercial Boulevard (Case No. 2-AP-04). RESOLUTION NO. R2004-20 C. BID AWARD — WESTWOOD 24 WATER MAIN RELINING PROJECT: (TR10330) Awarding Bid No. 04-09B to, and executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc., for an amount of $786,600.00 for the Westwood 24 Water Main Relining Project; approving funding for this project from the appropriate Utilities Operational account; authorizing the appropriate City officials to administer the contract. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-21 d. SECOND AMENDMENT TO SITE LEASE AGREEMENT — AT&T WIRELESS SERVICES OF FLORID INC.: (TR10336) Executing the Second Amendment to Site Lease Agreement between City of Tamarac and AT&T Wireless Services of Florida Inc., for the expansion of existing facilities to accommodate additional telecommunications equipment. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-22 e. AGREEMENT BETWEEN CLAIRMONT AND BSO: (TR10337) Executing an Agreement with Clairmont Neighborhood Association, Inc. for the City of Tamarac through the Broward County Sheriffs Office to exercise jurisdictional authority for traffic control and enforcement within the property of the Clairmont Neighborhood Association, Inc. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-23 February 11, 2004 4 1 f. ASSIGNMENT, DELEGATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT — STREET FURNITURE ADVERTISING. INC. AND SHELTER ADS MANAGEMENT. INC.: (TR10334) Executing the Assignment, Delegation and Release Agreement among the City of Tamarac, Street Furniture Advertising Group, Inc., and Shelter Ads Management Inc., for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of bus shelters. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-24 g. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT — SHELTER ADS MANAGEMENT, INC.: (TR10335) Executing Amendment #1 to the Agreement between the City of Tamarac and Shelter Ads Management Inc. for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of bus shelters. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-25 h. SUPPORTING CITIES' OPPOSING BROWARD COUNTY'S EVALUATION APPRAISAL REPORT (EAR) DOCUMENT: (TR10340) Expressing support for various policy recommendations regarding Broward County's Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) Application as outlined in Exhibit "A", to protect the ability to redevelop and the Home Rule Authority of municipalities in Broward County (Case No. 2-MI-04); providing for distribution of Resolution. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-26 i. URGING GOVERNOR AND FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT KIDCARE PROGRAM: (TR10348) Urging the Governor and the Florida Legislature to support the KidCare Program; authorizing the City Clerk to distribute copies to the appropriate parties. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-27 END OF CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR AGENDA ORDINANCE — FIRST READING 7. AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE TAMARAC CODE — ARTICLE VIII. POLICE OFFICER PENSION PLAN: (TO2035) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 16, Pensions and Retirement, Article VIII, Police Officer Pension Plan, Section 16-733 Calculation of Benefit Amount; providing for clarification of the subsidy benefit of $220.00 per month for participants that retire on or after October 1, 2002, in accordance with Ordinance 0-2003-21; providing for codification. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Ordinance 2035, Revision February 4, 2004 on first reading by title. Vice Mayor Roberts seconded by Commissioner Portner moved approval. On roll call Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Vice Mayor Roberts "yes". Motion carried. APPROVED ON FIRST READING FEBRUARY 11, 2004 February 11, 2004 5 PUBLIC HEARINGS 7:00 P.M. OR THEREAFTER 8. AMENDMENT TO LAND USE ELEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — "BRUCE PLAT": (TO2036) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading adopting an amendment to the Land Use Element of the City Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Chapter 163, Sections 163.3184 and 163.3187 of the Florida Statutes, concerning a Small -Scale Land Use Plan Amendment proposal by Prestige Homes of South Florida, Inc. to change the use of land described as Parcel "A" of the "Bruce Plat", according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 135, Page 11 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida, located at the southeast corner of University Drive and NW 64th Street, from Commercial to Low Medium (5-10 du/ac) Residential through issuance of eighty-seven (87) reserve units and thirteen (13) flex units to allow for the construction of one -hundred (100) residential town home units comprising approximately of 8.19 net acres and 9.98 gross acres (Case No. 01-LUA-04); providing for amendment to the Land Use Element to reflect such change. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Ordinance 2036 on first reading by title. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval. Mayor Schreiber said he received a -mails from residents concerned about elementary school overcrowding, and asked that these a -mails be made part of the record (see attached). Mayor Schreiber said the School Board assured the Commission there would be no problems with overcrowding or transferring children for the next year or so; there have been communications between city representatives and the School Board and portable classrooms will be provided which should alleviate the overcrowding situation. Community Development Director King gave a presentation. Commissioner Portner said he received a memorandum from School Board Member Stephanie Kraft, which he would like to have added to the record (see attached). Community Development Director King said students residing in this development would go to Pinewood Elementary School. Mayor Schreiber added that he read a notice in the Sun Sentinel regarding boundary changes, and no Tamarac schools were involved. Vice Mayor Roberts said she is against the land use change from commercial to residential. It was her residents who sent the a -mails to Mayor Schreiber, and the portables will only alleviate the situation for one year. More than 14 students will be generated from a community of 100 town homes. Gerry Knight, Attorney for the applicant said the property has always been zoned commercial and to date it has not been developed. Commercial development would bring more traffic, noise and odors to the community. The residential designation is more comparable with the surrounding area, and the developer plans to dedicate a one acre park on the north side of the property and some land by the well field on the other side of the property. There will be one entrance to the property on University Drive. Schools are a significant issue and Tamarac entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the School Board in 2003; the developer worked out a mitigation plan for the project that is acceptable to the School Board staff. The project has paid over and above the impact fees in addition to ad valorem tax revenue that will be generated for the School Board. Additionally, there is a Charter School and a Catholic School close to the proposed development. Mayor Schreiber said development is the lifeblood of the City; there is a need to generate tax money to provide services, and it is the school board's responsibility to build schools large enough to handle the number of students generated from developments. Commissioner Portner agreed with Mayor Schreiber; younger people are moving into Tamarac and it is the February 11, 2004 6 1 School Board's responsibility to build schools to handle the numbers of students in each neighborhood. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing. Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72 Street agreed with Mayor Schreiber regarding the lifeblood of the City is its ability to generate income; however, he hoped the Commission would vote against changing the zoning from commercial to residential. Jay Koutcher, 8173 Royal Palm Court, Tamarac, spoke about the schools not accommodating overflow, and suggested one solution to the problem is Charter Schools. Mr. Koutcher said vacant commercial property should be looked at for Charter Schools. Traffic has increased in the past years, and commercial development will also produce revenue for the City. With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Schreiber closed the public hearing. Commissioner Sultanof said some land in Tamarac has been vacant for many years. Many local malls are vacant. This Commission has not raised taxes, but still supplies the services demanded and needed by the residents. Commercial development should be in the Commerce Park. Younger families are moving into Tamarac and we must provide affordable housing for them. Commissioner Portner said he brought up the subject of Charter Schools about a month ago, and staff is looking into it. On roll call Mayor Schreiber voted "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "no", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. APPROVED ON FIRST READING FEBRUARY 11, 2004 9. AMENDMENT TO LAND USE ELEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — "LYONS INDUSTRIAL PARK" PLAT: (TO2037) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading adopting an amendment to the Land Use Element of the City Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Chapter 163, Sections 163.3184 and 163.3187 of the Florida Statutes, concerning a Small -Scale Land Use Plan Amendment proposal by United Homes International, Inc. to change the use of land described as Lot 1, Block 1 of the "Lyons Industrial Park" Plat, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 71, Page 1 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida, located at the west side of NW 88th Avenue, approximately 1,500 feet north of NW 57th Street, from Commercial to Low -Medium (5-10 du/ac) Residential through issuance of thirty-two (32) flex units to allow for the construction of thirty-two (32) residential town home units comprising approximately of 2.41 net acres and 3.29 gross acres (Case No. 03-LUA-03); providing for amendment to the Land Use Element to reflect such change. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Ordinance 2037 on first reading by title. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call Vice Mayor Roberts voted "no", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", and Mayor Schreiber "yes". Motion carried. APPROVED ON FIRST READING FEBRUARY 11, 2004 February 11, 2004 7 QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 10. AMENDING PRIOR ZONING — LOT 7 BLOCK 7 OF THE "LYONS COMMERCIAL SUBDIVISION" PLAT: (T02034) Motion to adopt Ordinance on second . reading amending prior zoning of certain real estate property from B-1 (Neighborhood Business District) to B-2 (Community Business District), lands commonly known as Lot 7, Block 7, less the South 7 feet thereof of the "Lyons Commercial Subdivision" Plat, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 42 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida, located at 8301 West Commercial Boulevard (Case No. 43-Z-03); providing for amendment of the official zoning map to reflect such change. City Attorney Kraft said Item 10, Temporary Ordinance 2034 and Item 11, Temporary Resolution 10324 are companion items and could be heard together with separate motions on each item. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Ordinance 2034 on second reading by title. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval of Temporary Ordinance 2034. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10324 by title. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10324. City Attorney Kraft explained the quasi- judicial procedures and Robert Imperato, RC, Inc., and James Gilgenbach, Architect waived their quasi-judicial rights on behalf of the owner for Items 10 and 11. Community Development Director King gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber asked what assurances we have that the development will not adversely impact on the 57th Street Main Street Project. Community Development Director King said the feasibility study indicated the area could support additional hotel rooms. The architecture is similar to that of the existing hotel. Commissioner Sultanof asked if the original edifice is a hotel and Community Development Director King said it is. Commissioner Sultanof spoke about a Comfort Suites hotel in Orlando, which has the same facade on the front and back of the building, and asked if this could be done here as well. Commissioner Sultanof questioned the parking arrangements. Mr. Gilgenbach said the parking is similar to the existing building and the north and south sides of the building are identical. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call for Item 10, Temporary Ordinance 2034, Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", and Commissioner Portner "yes". Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 2004-05 11. REVISED DEVELOPMENT ORDER AND MAJOR REVISED SITE PLAN APPROVAL — MAINSTAY SUITES HOTEL: (TR10324) Motion to approve Resolution issuing Revised Development Order No. 198.5 and granting Major Revised Site Plan approval for Mainstay Suites Hotel to allow the construction of a 24,306 square foot, four-story, 39-room building addition to the existing Comfort Suites Hotel project with a pedestrian access from the project to the proposed Main Street Corridor, located at 8301 West Commercial Boulevard, specifically Lot 7 of Block 7, less the south 7 feet thereof of the "Lyons Commercial Subdivision" Plat, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 42 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida (Case No. 22-SP-03); providing for conditions of approval. On roll call for Item 11, Temporary Resolution 10324 Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes", February 11, 2004 8 Commissioner Partner "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Vice Mayor Roberts "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2004-28 END OF QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the regular commission meeting at 8:30 p.m. MARION SWENSON, CMC CITY CLERK 1 CI February 11, 2004 9 c OE SCHREIBER, MAYOR iiG OF,,.,..�,,,„. Page 1 of 1 • Debbie DeCrane From: CMartinvegue@aol.com Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2004 4:30 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: Tamarac Elem. Mr. Schreiber, I am writing to you because of an article in Sunday's Sun -Sentinel that mentioned that some of the students of Tamarac might be shipped out of our wonderful city for the next school year. I take great pride in the fact that I live in Tamarac and I bought my home in the area mainly because of the schools afforded to my children. I feel that if we allow for a change in the boundaries of Tamarac Elem. we are opening a Pandora's box which may lead to moving our children to any school the school board wishes which may directly affect not only our children but also the value of all of our property. Can you please help us by voicing your disapproval of moving of our children out of Tamarac! I feel that the City of Coral Springs does its best to look out for their residence I feel that we need to do the same of our children. I have also found out that there is some land on the North side of St. Malachy that is currently zoned for commercial use that may be up for rezoning. I feel that if you allow this property to be zoned for residential use you will be causing an overcrowding problem for Tamarac Elem. and Millieneum Middle and if we are able to devert having our children moved out Tamarac now any new residences will compound this problem for the future! If you are truly considering rezoning that land please rezone it for it to be used for another school. Claudia Martin-Vegue ell 2/2/2004 Tamarac Elementary School finds boundary solutions difficult Page 1 of 2 Sun -Sentinel ' CO I HOME I NEWS ; SPORTS 1 ENTERTAINMENT I CLASSIFIED i BUSINESS !WEATHER SHQPPING i llttp://www.sutt-seiitinel.cont/Iiews/local/froward/sf1-cwO 1 houndariesfebO 1,0,5649.103.story Tamarac Elementary School finds boundary solutions difficult By Kevin Smith Staff Writer ' February 1, 2004 Tamarac • When Florida voters endorsed reductions in class size two years ago, Tamarac Elementary School suddenly got much smaller, on paper at least. In the wake of the class -size amendment, the Broward School District is trying to address the problem of school overcrowding by manipulating school boundaries. But the district is finding that every push in one direction gets a push back. The situation at Tamarac Elementary reflects a slice of reality for school administrators, where policy changes can create as many problems as they solve and where a solution for one group is an attack to another group. When the board last month discussed changing the school's boundaries and busing some Tamarac students to a North Lauderdale elementary school, parents launched a barrage of phone calls and e- mails, and the board backed away from the idea. But board member Stephanie Kraft, who represents Coral Springs, Parkland and most of Tamarac, said the unpopular idea might not be dead. "It seems unlikely to me that it would come back, but the problem's not gone, and if we don't figure out a way to keep those kids at Tamarac Elementary, then we might look at it again," she said. The elementary school on University Drive only gained 100 students this fall, but with the new computations from the state vote in 2002, the building is overcrowded by more than 350 students. The square -footage didn't change. The math did. "Let me tell you something, we were fine before class -size reductions," Kraft said. "The frustrating part for me is with the class -size reduction, you need 19 more classrooms." After the School Board on Jan. 13 considered and tabled the scenario shifting students from Tamarac Elementary School to Morrow Elementary School, residents appeared the next day at a city commission meeting wondering what Tamarac could do to deflect future busing proposals. Some citizens questioned whether the city's occasional efforts to acquire park land shouldn't be replaced with attempts to secure space for school construction or expansion. Kraft said she hoped the school district might get some relief from the city. She suspected the Tamarac Recreation Center, just south of the school at 7501 N. University Drive, might be getting less use since the Tamarac Community Center opened on Commercial Boulevard. http://www.sun-sentinel.cont/news/local/broward/sfl-cwOI boundariesfebO1,0,6406912,print... 2/2/2004 Tamarac Elementary School finds boundary solutions difficult Page 2 of 2 Less citizen traffic at the recreation center might open things up for students, she thought, with the parking lot a possible spot for portable classrooms. The school board on Jan. 20 approved $56 million for the construction of the trailer -like classrooms, hoping they will bring the school district in compliance with the state's new class size requirements for the 2004-05 school year. City manager Jeffrey Miller, however, said the city already couldn't commit any more space to the school, which already leases some classroom space. "The amount of land needed for portables out there would conflict with the athletic leagues that play baseball there, and there are already parking problems," he said. "It's a very tough problem and it's something the city and the school board will work together to resolve, but it will take some time." If the solution doesn't lie to the south of Tamarac Elementary, then it might be to the north. On Feb. 10, the school board will hold a workshop to discuss more possible boundary shifts, one of them shifting students from Riverside Elementary School to Ramblewood Elementary School. Then, Riverside would have space for students from Tamarac Elementary. But the idea might not be popular with Tamarac parents, and might be less popular still with parents at Riverside, where overcrowding is not a problem. "I find it very hard to go back to the Riverside Elementary community and justify to them that I'm moving [their students] to another school just to satisfy the needs of another overcrowded school," Kraft said. .The option is merely up for discussion and might be dropped like the last Tamarac Elementary boundary change. But it illustrates how Kraft and other school officials can't easily avoid affecting other areas for better or worse. • "The problem is really broader than just [this] community," Kraft said. "I have the luxury of being able to look from afar. If these people are happy today, than other people are going to be unhappy tomorrow." Kevin Smith can be reached at kssmith@sun-sentinel.com or 954-572-2009. Copyright © 2004, Sor.ah 17orida, Surf-Senlin l http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-cwOlboundariesfeb0l,0,6406912,print... 2/2/2004 Page 1 of 1 Debbie DeCrane From: CMartinvegue@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2004 11:00 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: Overcrowding Tamarac Dear Commissioners, I am writing to you because of the distressing news that the city of Tamarac is even entertaining the thought of rezoning the 10 acre lot just north of St. Malachy Catholic Church from commercial to residential. Last month at the Tamarac commission meeting each of you reassured us that you would do everything within your power to help us solve the overcrowding issue that we face at Tamarac Elem. and you reminded us that the school board is an independent entity that you could not control. Well, this time you are the entity in control and you need to make good on the promises that you made to the future of our wonderful city and its youngest of citizens. If you allow this change to take place you yourselves will be creating an overwhelming overcrowding of all the schools in the area! Thank you for your time Claudia & Russel Martin-Vegue 8291 NW 68th Ave Tamarac, FL 33321 2/4/2004 Page 1 of 1 • Debbie DeCrane From: wija954@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 10:45 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: (no subject) Dear Mayor Schreiber, I was writing to you in opposition of the Commission's consideration of the zoning change from commercial to residential for the 10 acre lot of land near St. Malachy Church. By allowing Prestige Homes of Parkland to develop this land for 100 new townhomes you would be doing our children a dis-service. Our schools in Tamarac are reaching critically overcrowded status, as you well know. We as parents are trying to keep our children inTamarac schools. How is the impact of possible 100 new families with children, going to help us resolve this problem? Please do not approve this zoning change,whose best interest would this be in? It would not be in our children's. Thank you for time and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, William Janice 8003 NW 68 Terrace Tamarac 2/5/2004 Page 1 of 1 • C: Debbie DeCrane From: Sagermcsages@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 10:43 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: zoning changes Dear Mayor Schreiber, As you are aware of the overcrowding in our school as parents we are looking for ways to relieve class sizes. With all the new building it is impossible to keep class sizes down. As stated at the City Commission meeting held last month at the the Sunflower/Heathgate club house. The City's office could not control School Board action but would support the residents. Now we are asking for you support, not to the change the zoning of the 10 acres near St. Malachy Catholic Church. Sincerely, Sheila Sager 2/5/2004 Message Page 1 of 1 Debbie DeCrane From: bobbi Ouviemom@bellsouth.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 5:42 PM To: Joe Schreiber; Karen Roberts; Ed Portner; Marc Sultanof; Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco Subject: Land Use Change Dear Mayor, Vice -Mayor and Commissioners, My son attends Tamarac Elementary. As I am sure you are aware, there has been numerous meetings and discussions on the overcrowding at Tamarac Elementary. As of 1/13 the plans to move part of our kids to Morrow Elementary was taken off the table. Therein lies the reason for my letter. It has come to our attention that the commission is entertaining the request for a land use change for a 10-acre lot near 5t. Malachy Catholic Church. The request is to enable Prestige Homes of Parkland to construct 100 townhomes on this site. I would ask that you visit this change carefully. The construction of another 100 homes would cause a major crisis in Tamarac Elementary School. Not only the overcrowding, but the overall educational instruction. With little room for growth, this construction would cause many of Tamarac children to be moved to other schools that do not have the quality of education that Tamarac Elementary provides to our voting citizens of tomorrow. This 10-acre lot would be perfect for a commercial business and would not only prevent the overcrowding of the school, but would be able to provide services to our citizens and put monies back into our own community. I realize that you must weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision. I ask only that you look at the long-term ramifications of allowing residential housing to be erected at this site. I thank you for your time. Sobbi Tamarac Resident ,I t;' Lil (T �'?' &/C 2/5/2004 Page 1 of 1 w 0 Debbie DeCrane From: Debbie DeCrane on behalf of Joe Schreiber Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 4:29 PM To: 'skraft@browardschools.com' Subject: FW: Sunflower r-I L Stephanie: Please respond back to me with your thoughts/comments on this. Thank you. Joe Schreiber -----Original Message ----- From: StaciLV@cs.com [mailto:StaciLV@cs.com] Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 2:28 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: Sunflower What do you mean you helped stop the transfer of Sunflower students? Does this mean that they will remain in Tamarac Elementary? As far as the January 14th meeting, I was at home taking care of an 18 month old baby! Did you know that Stephanie Kraft blames the Vice Mayor, Karen Roberts for not wanting to transfer the Lauderhill students out of Challenger Elementary to free up space in Tamarac Elementary? This is not hear say, it is a direct quote from Stephanie Kraft. Stephanie stated she would still be willing to look at that if either yourself of Karen Roberts would agree to it and put it up for proposal. As Mayor, would you propose the above? Staci Villar iWITAIIItlltiI r t ;.I .-i � / � C� ���;� ��- �-- :.�� �.__..� .: ; �1� � / /%� vC`lr' ��� ���c��--ice � � :. �' / � � cs c� ���r�� ��'� • Page 1 of 1 A,• Debbie DeCrane From: Debbie DeCrane on behalf of Joe Schr eiber Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 4:29 PM To: 'skraft@browardschools.com' Subject: FW: Sunflower Stephanie: Please respond back to me with your thoughts/comments on this. Thank you. Joe Schreiber -----Original Message ----- From: StaciLV@cs.com [maiIto: StaciLV@cs.com] Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 2:28 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: Sunflower What do you mean you helped stop the transfer of Sunflower students? Does this mean that they will remain in Tamarac Elementary? As far as the January 14th meeting, I was at home taking care of an 18 month old baby! •Did you know that Stephanie Kraft blames the Vice Mayor, Karen Roberts for not wanting to transfer the Lauderhill students out of Challenger Elementary to free up space in Tamarac Elementary? This is not hear say, it is a direct quote from Stephanie Kraft. Stephanie stated she would stilt be willing to look at that if either yourself of Karen Roberts would agree to it and put it up for proposal. CJ As Mayor, would you propose the above? Staci Villar r 1/30/2004 Page 1 of 1 • Debbie DeCrane From: Stac!LV@cs.com Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 2:28 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: Sunflower What do you mean you helped stop the transfer of Sunflower students? Does this mean that they will remain in Tamarac Elementary? As far as the January 14th meeting, I was at home taking care of an 18 month old baby! Did you know that Stephanie Kraft blames the Vice Mayor, Karen Roberts for not wanting to transfer the Lauderhill students out of Challenger Elementary to free up space in Tamarac Elementary? This is not hear say, it is a direct quote from Stephanie Kraft. Stephanie stated she would still be willing to look at that if either yourself of Karen Roberts would agree to it and put it up for proposal. As Mayor, would you propose the above? Staci Villar 1/29/2004 Page 1 of 1 • Debbie DeCrane From: StaciLV@cs.com Sent: Friday, January 16, 2004 2:18 PM To: Joe Schreiber Subject: Sunflower Residents As a resident of Tamarac, I had expected my Mayor to go to bat for its residents. Unfortunately, it seems that is not the case here. I was told today by someone working in the office of Tamarac Elementary, that the City of Tamarac denied the request for a new high school stating there wasn't any land, however, I was also told that there is land. I hold your office responsible for this. Do you want your resident's children to go to school in North Lauderdale? If the answer is no, which I would hope, then do something about this. What about the most recent news that the children who live in Sunflower will be uprooted to Morrow Elementary, a North Lauderdale school. My family and I loved our city, we even go to Temple Beth Torah. If something is not done about our schools, our home sales, which have been going up, will take a dive. People buy here because of the schools. Our children are in walking distance. Why would the tax payers have to pay more money for buses? The children who are already being bused should be relocated. Did the City and/or School Board forget who donated the land to Tamarac Elementary? Well, we did. Sunflower and Heathgate. .As our Mayor, I expect more from you and your office. There will be community meetings, and I will be there, as well as, many from my community voicing our concerns. L� I would like to hear back from you as to reasons why you do not want our city to have a new high school and what you are going to do, if anything, about the proposed relocation of our children. Sincerely, Staci Villar Tamarac Resident 2/6/2004 Page 1 of 1 • Debbie DeCrane From: Sheiltbird@aol.com Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2004 2:06 PM To: Joe Schreiber; Karen Roberts; Ed Portner; Marc Sultanof; Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco Subject: rezoning To whom It May Concern: I am writing in regard to the rezoning of the land on University Dr. I do not believe it will be beneficial to the city of Tamarac to rezone this land as residential. As you know we have a problem with overcrowding in both our elementary schools. If you go ahead and rezone this land where do you think the children will go to school? You said that you would help the schools in anyway you could but that it really was the school broads problem. Well, guess what, if you go ahead will this you just added to the problem. I really think you should reconsider this and not change the zoning for this land. Why not rezone it for schools. I live in Sunflower, our developer donated the land for Tamarac Elementary School and they want to bus our kids out. This is really awful. I truly hope you will reconsider this proposal. Thank You For Your Attention In This Matter, Sheila Kreuter 8230 N. W. 68 Terrace Tamarac, FI. 33321 lie 2/9/2004 • Marie Abbandando Frorn: Stephanie A. Kraft [stephanie.kraft Cbrowardschools.com] Sent- Wednesday, February 11, 200412:19 AM To: Joe S,,-hreiber; Karen Roberts; Ed Fortner; Marc Sultsnef; Beth Plansbaum-Talabwo; Jeff Miller; Michael Cerrech Subject: No Boundary Changes at Tamarac Elementary At cur workshop today, the board, gave direction to NOT make any boundary changes at Riverside, Rzamblewood Elementary or Tamarac Elementary. We ]-lave .found alternatives at Tamarac Elementary that we bQ1iwve will a,ccormodate all the. :students at TaMaraC: to remain at Tamarac Elementary - I app-~ecia e the help of the Tamarac Ci;y officials, the Mayor, and Commissioner :alab sco in assisting us to find solutions to this problem. We are cicsw to leasing or buying, some of the Southern Bull property across the street from Tamarac Elementary BG toe c4'n move the parking lot, there., and put modulars where the current parking lot exists. In case this does not work, we appreciate the City's willa.ngness to work with UV on relocating the parking logs- If any of these alternatives don't work, there are 100 seats available at Riverside that can be used for overflo--a students at Tamarac, either through reassignments or if we have to cap Tamarac Elementary School. I an glad we were able ::o work cut a solution so chat we didn't have to make any brau.ziddry changes to end• of these schools, and, that everyone at Riverside wan stay at ii,vexaide, ,and everyone at Tamarac: can stay at Tamarac, This solution should make everyonQ happy! Thanks for your coxrmittment to working with us oil a solution that is pleasing''to everyone. step?,anie Kraf:., School Board Member, District 4 stephanie.kra°ft@brpwardscrools.com UNSWINE LAW AND PUBLIC RECORDS CAT110N: Most e-mail cCmmunicatiQns made cr received by the School Board are considered public records what must he retained, and, upon request, made available to the public and media, q 09+CIDM I IhOf2s PAY