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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-12 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2003 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the regular meeting of the City Commission to order at 7:05 p.m. in Chambers at Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Edward C. Partner, Commissioner Gertrude Mishkin, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Schreiber led the pledge of allegiance. 1. PROCLAMATIONS/SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS: a. Request by Mayor Schreiber for a moment of silence in remembrance of the Columbia disaster that occurred on Saturday, February 1, 2003. b. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation proclaiming February 16-22, 2003 as Engineers' Week. Dr. Ben Chen, Florida Engineering Society, Director of Utilities Gagnon and Acting Director of Public Works Linares accepted. C. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation proclaiming February 11, 2003 as 2-1-1/First.Call for Help Day in the City of Tamarac. Steve Strickland accepted on behalf of 2-1-1/First Call for Help and thanked the Mayor and Commission. RFP()RTS 2. City Commission: Mayor Schreiber spoke about concerns regarding the city's interest in acquiring the Monterey Golf Course and recommended the City Manager arrange a town hall meeting in the area to solicit input from the neighborhood. City Manager Miller said a meeting would be arranged. Mayor Schreiber also spoke about letters he received from the Broward Community Blood Center announcing a program for blood donations in the face of possible war with Iraq. Mayor Schreiber said this is a life-saving effort and asked the City Manager to follow up. Commissioner Sultanof said there are four elements in one pint of blood that can be used for four different needs and encouraged donations for use on the homefront. Commissioner Sultanof said his delegate on the MPO reports construction of the adjunct road tying into the turnpike at Commercial Blvd. is on time and should be completed soon. Coin exchange as well as Sunpass access should be provided for at this location. Commissioner Sultanof commended Chief Budzinski on a letter received February 12, 2003 1 from the Governor of the State of Florida congratulating Tamarac EMS on their outstanding compliance, and for being an outstanding EMS provider in the state. Commissioner Sultanof said he is delighted to see more residents in attendance at the Commission meeting; it is important for the public to know what local government does. Commissioner Mishkin said she also received a letter asking for blood donations and concurs with Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Sultanof's statements. Commissioner Roberts said it is again time for changes to school boundaries and encouraged parents to be aware of the matter. Project SAFE is doing well due to the efforts of Social Services and BSO; 160 cell phones have been distributed and more donations are needed. Commissioner Roberts said there is also a need for additional tennis ball donations for Millennium Middle School. Vice Mayor Partner spoke in opposition to the impending war against Iraq. Vice Mayor Partner expressed displeasure regarding remarks made by Mayor Schreiber at the Presidents Council meeting concerning the Commission and the 2nd senior homestead exemption. Vice Mayor Portner asked that his speech be made part of the record (see exhibit "A'). Mayor Schreiber responded regarding the issue of the surplus. 3. City Attorney: City Attorney Kraft had no report. 4. City Manager: City Manager Miller said the city's investment policy has been certified by the Association of Public Treasurers. City Manager Miller announced the implementation of credit card acceptance at City Hall for utility payments, building permits and fees for services, and said the program will be phased in citywide. New Cadet Corps and CERT volunteers began first responder training and they will be able to assist the community should an emergency situation arise. City Manager Miller congratulated Chief Budzinski on his reappointment to the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals for 2003, and said the chief has served in this capacity for ten years. Tamarac hosted two sports at the Tamarac Community Center as part of the Florida Senior Games. Hearts and Parks program awards were given to the first 30 participants who participated in the 3-month program. Twilight Concerts began on February 7; the King and Queen Adult Valentines Day Dance will be held on February 14th; the youth fishing tournament will be held at Caporella Park on February 22nd; and congratulations go out to all employees who received awards at the Third Annual Reaching for the Stars Employee Recognition Luncheon on January 29tn Commissioner Sultanof introduced Mrs. Sultanof and spoke about surplus funds, required reserves, and designated and undesignated funds. Director of Finance Newman said it is at the Commission's discretion to spend undesignated funds, there is a mid -year budget adjustment coming and there are no fire engines budgeted for the new station. 1 February 12, 2003 2 1 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Trish Abel, 8202 NW 106 Avenue, spoke about smoking in parks and asked that the problem be addressed. Sandra Gayle Motes, 7305 NW 58th Street, presented photos of her neighborhood for the record and spoke about a parking problem and children playing ball in the streets in her neighborhood. Ms. Abel said Code Enforcement told her nothing could be done about a basketball hoop near the street. Mayor Schreiber said he asked the Director of Community Development to address the problem and it was determined the basketball hoop was within the law, but an ordinance is forthcoming which should alleviate Ms. Abel's concerns. Si Schwed, 7202 Fairfax Drive, thanked the Mayor and Commission for a job well done and questioned whether Commerce Park businesses and some residents of the city pay taxes. Mayor Schreiber said the businesses do pay taxes, which provide much needed revenue to help fund city services. According to state law, those whose homes are valued at less than $25,000 do not pay taxes, since the Homestead Exemption allows for the first $25,000 of assessed value to be exempt from taxation. Keith Wargo, 4506 NW 47th Terrace, Tamarac, expressed concern about the future of the Monterey Golf Course should the city purchase it. Mayor Schreiber said no decisions have been made and he has asked for a town hall meeting to discuss the matter. City Manager Miller said Mr. Wargo would be notified of the meeting. Vice Mayor Partner said he is spearheading the purchase and wants to keep the property as a golf course and turn the clubhouse into a community center. CONSENT AGENDA 6. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Roberts moved approval of all items on the consent agenda. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Mishkin "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Roberts "yes", and Vice Mayor Portner "yes". Motion carried. a. APPROVE the minutes of the January 22, 2003 regular commission meeting. APPROVED b. WARRANTY BOND RELEASE — EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH PROJECT: (TR10016) Releasing a Public Improvement Warranty Bond in the form of Surety Bond #3-382-855 from Ohio Casualty Insurance Company in the amount of $4,781.25 for the Water Distribution System Improvements installed by Evangelical Covenant Church for the Evangelical Covenant Church Project located at 9904 NW 77th Street, Tamarac, Florida 33321. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-26 C. WARRANTY BOND RELEASE — ZEPHYRHILLS DISTRIBUTION FACILITY PROJECT: (TR10020) Releasing a Public Improvement Warranty Bond in the form of Surety Bond #6096043 from Safeco Insurance Company of America in the amount of $14,858.05 for the Water Distribution System Improvements installed by Trammell Crow South Florida Development, Inc., for the Zephyrhills Distribution Facility Project located at 10599 NW 67th Street. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-27 February 12, 2003 3 d. AUTHORIZING A FOUR -WEEK CONSECUTIVE PERIOD DURING WHICH THE CITY COMMISSION WILL NOT SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETINGS: (TR10032) Authorizing a four -week consecutive period (July 21, 2003 — August 15, 2003) during which time the city commission will not schedule any regular meetings pursuant to Section 4.06 of the City Charter. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-28 e. WATER AND SEWER DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT — CATALINA PLACE: (TR10025) Executing a Water and Sewer Developer's Agreement with Catalina Place, Inc., for the Catalina Place Project, located on the northwest corner of NW 64th Street and NW 74th Avenue for eighty-six residential water and sewer connections and one non-residential connection requiring 87 ERC's for water and 87 ERC's for sewer; requiring the payment of $278,400.00 in CIAC fees; authorizing and directing the City Clerk to record said agreement in the public records of Broward County. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-29 f. AUTOMATIC AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN TAMARAC AND NORTH LAUDERDALE: (TR10028) Executing an interlocal agreement between the City of Tamarac and the City of North Lauderdale, allowing for the provision of cooperative emergency medical and fire protection services through automatic aid. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-30 g. AGREEMENT — 57T" STREET TAMARAC/MAIN STREET PROGRAM FEASIBILITY STUDY: (TR10034) Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Civic Design Associates, LLC for the preparation and completion of the 57th Street Tamarac/Main Street Program Feasibility Study to determine the appropriateness of establishing a Main Street Program along the portion of NW 57th Street located west of University Drive and east of NW 94th Avenue in the City of Tamarac in accordance with LOI 03-03L entitled "57th Street Tamarac/Main Street Program" (Case No. 2-MI-03). RESOLUTION NO. R2003-31 END OF CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR AGENDA Vice Mayor Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved removal of Item 7 from the regular agenda. On roll call Commissioner Roberts voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", Commissioner Mishkin "yes", and Mayor Schreiber "yes". Motion carried. u February 12, 2003 4 7. APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY: (TR10031) Motion to approve Resolution appointing one regular member to the Board of Adjustment to complete a three year term expiring July 16, 2005. REMOVED FROM AGENDA ORDINANCE — FIRST READING 8. AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE TAMARAC CODE - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (TO1996) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 24 of the Tamarac Code entitled "Zoning", by deleting in its entirety Article II "Administration", Division 2, "Board of Adjustment", Section 24-36 entitled "Creation; members"; Section 24-37 entitled "Terms; removal of members; vacancies"; Section 24- 38 entitled "Officers; rules of procedure; records; meetings"; Section 24-39 entitled "Funding; expenditures; application fees Section 24-40 entitled "Powers and duties generally"; Section 24-41 entitled "Review of administrative orders, requirements, etc."; Section 24-42 entitled "Appeals from decisions of administrative officials — generally"; Section 24-43 entitled "Same — stay of work and proceedings"; Section 24-44 entitled "Same — hearing; costs"; Section 24-45 entitled "Judicial review of board's decisions"; providing for sunsetting of the Board of Adjustment; providing for codification; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Ordinance 1996, revision #4, on first reading by title. Vice Mayor Partner seconded by Commissioner Mishkin moved approval. Commissioner Sultanof asked if members of the Board of Adjustment would be notified and City Manager Miller responded in the affirmative. On roll call Commissioner Roberts voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", Commissioner Mishkin "yes", and Mayor Schreiber "yes". Motion carried. APPROVED ON FIRST READING PUBLIC HEARINGS 7:00 P.M. OR THEREAFTER ORDINANCES — SECOND READINGS 9. AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE TAMARAC CODE — RELEASE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS: (TO1982) Motion to adopt Ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 10, entitled, "Land Development Regulations", Article V entitled, "Improvements", Division 1 entitled, "Generally", Section 10-156, entitled, "Public Improvement Bonds", adding the Director of Utilities where applicable, amending the requirement for acceptance of engineering improvements by resolution of the City Commission to require acceptance of engineering improvements by City Engineer or Director of Utilities, amending the requirement for the City Engineer to ,recommend to the City Commission the acceptance of engineering improvements and release of the improvement bond to require the City Engineer or Director of Utilities to recommend to the City Manager or designee the acceptance of improvements and release of the bond upon thirty days notification to the City Commission, and removing the requirement for placing bond release items on the Commission agenda for discussion and possible action; amending Chapter 10 entitled, "Land Development Regulations", Article V February 12, 2003 5 entitled, "Improvements", Division 2 entitled "Roads and public rights -of -way", Section 10-191, entitled, "Street lighting"; amending the requirement for the Commission to release the public improvement bond to require the City Manager or designee to release the public improvement bond upon thirty days notification to the City Commission; providing for codification. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Ordinance 1982, revision #2, on second reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Mishkin moved approval. Commissioner Roberts confirmed the 30-day notification and said she hopes more than written notice will be given in case the Commissioners are away from their office, and suggested it could also be done at workshops. City Manager Miller said in addition to written notice, these items would be brought up at workshop meetings. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing, and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call Commissioner Mishkin voted "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Commissioner Roberts "yes". Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO.0-2003-02 10. AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE TAMARAC CODE — GENERAL AND FIREFIGHTER PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT: (TO1995) Motion to adopt Ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 16, entitled "Pensions and Retirement", Article III. Pension Plan, Division 1. Generally, Section 16-126. Definitions, to clarify definition of "retirement" or "retired" to include employment classification; amending Article III. Pension Plan, Division 4. Benefits, Section 16-233. Benefit Level, to clarify provisions for participants with vesting credits in more than one city pension plan; amending Article VI. Firefighters Pension Plan, Division 1. Generally, Section 16-401. Definitions, to clarify definition of "retirement" or "retired" to include employment classification; amending Article VI Firefighters Pension Plan, Division 4. Benefits, Section 16-504 Benefit Level, to clarify provisions for participants with vesting credits in more than one city pension plan; providing for codification. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Ordinance 1995, revision #4, on second reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Roberts moved approval. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing, and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call Vice Mayor Portner voted "yes", Commissioner Roberts "yes", Commissioner Mishkin "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 0-2003-03 QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 11. REVISED DEVELOPMENT ORDER AND NEW DEVELOPMENT SITE PLAN — TAMARAC FIRE STATION: (TR10009) Motion to approve Resolution issuing Revised Development Order No. 235.3 and granting New Development Site Plan approval to allow the construction of a 23,100 square foot Tamarac Fire Station with associated parking and landscaping, located at 6000 Hiatus Road, specifically a portion of Tract 1 of the "Tamarac Utilities Administration Plat", according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 143, Page 28 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida (Case No. 2-SP-03); providing for conditions of approval. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10009 by title. Vice Mayor Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof February 12, 2003 6 moved approval. City Attorney Kraft explained the quasi-judicial procedures and said the city is the petitioner and waives its quasi-judicial rights. Community Development Director King gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the height of the rear tower and said he is pleased with how the building will look. Steve Knight, Hanson Architectural Group, said the rear tower is taller than the feature tower and will accommodate the stairway from the 2nd floor to the roof. Commissioner Sultanof asked if this is the original design, and Mr. Knight responded in the affirmative. Community Development Director King explained revised development orders have to do with the number of development orders issued on a property; this is the third revision to this property. Mayor Schreiber questioned the location of sleeping quarters, number of bays, handicap provisions and women's restroom. Mr. Knight explained the sleeping rooms will be on the first floor with offices on the 2nd floor; there are 8 apparatus bays, handicap accessible restrooms inside, and handicap parking outside. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Mishkin "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Roberts "yes", and Vice Mayor Portner "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-32 12. SPECIAL EXCEPTION — CHRISTI ACADEMY: (TR10029) Motion to approve Resolution granting a Special Exception to allow the operation of a non -denominational, not -for -profit school in a B-2 (Community Business District) zoning category to Christi Academy to be located at 6855 West Commercial Boulevard in the Marketplace @ Tamarac shopping center, specifically Parcel "A" of the "RK Plat", according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 143, Page 22 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida (Case No. 2-Z-03); providing for conditions of approval. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10029 by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Vice Mayor Portner moved approval. City Attorney Kraft explained the quasi-judicial procedures, and Michael J. Janoura, Janoura Realty Management, Inc., representing Marketplace @ Tamarac shopping center, waived his quasi-judicial rights. Community Development Director King gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the traffic pattern in and out of the shopping center and said he is concerned with traffic backing up on Commercial Blvd. Mr. Janoura explained the existing traffic pattern in the shopping center and said stores in the plaza do not use the road in the rear. Commissioner Sultanof asked for clarification of non -denominational, not -for -profit and Mr. Janoura explained the school is Christian affiliated and funded by a scholarship fund. Commissioner Roberts confirmed the school would accommodate 50 students with six full and part-time employees. Mayor Schreiber asked about a play area, parking, school population and movement of vehicular traffic. Mr. Janoura responded a play area will not be provided, nor is it required, and parking used by the former tenant is available. Community Development Director King said future expansion would be controlled by city code and private parking lot areas would accommodate traffic. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing and Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72nd Street, Tamarac, spoke about children's' safety and recreational concerns. Marvin Seidel, 9645 N, Belfort, Tamarac, spoke about bus transportation for the children. Walter Coghlin, 4806 NW 49 Ct., questioned the students' disabilities, and Mr. Janoura said February 12, 2003 7 they were reading disabilities, not physical disabilities. Jay Koutcher, 8173 Royal Palm Court, said a school representative should be present to answer questions before a decision is made. Mayor Schreiber said this is a good point and requested Community Development Director King ensure appropriate representatives are present for future items. With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Schreiber closed the public hearing. Discussion was held regarding lack of recreational provisions and school representatives not being present at this meeting. Commissioner Roberts said the school board system has children in classrooms for hours without recreational activity; this is a school for learning -disabled students who require focus. Commissioner Roberts added that the tenant was not told to attend tonight's meeting. On roll call Commissioner Roberts voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", Commissioner Mishkin "yes", and Mayor Schreiber "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-33 13. REVISED DEVELOPMENT ORDER AND NEW DEVELOPMENT SITE PLAN — B PLAZA OFFICE BUILDING: (TR10030) Motion to approve Resolution issuing Revised Development Order No. 298.4 and granting New Development Site Plan approval to B Plaza Office Building to allow the construction of a 17,600 square foot office building with associated parking, landscaping and infrastructure improvements, located at North University Drive and NW 82nd Street, specifically Lot 8 and 9, Block 11 of the "Lyons Commercial Subdivision No. 3" Plat, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 76, Page 31 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida (Case No. 30-SP-02); providing for conditions of approval. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10030 by title. Vice Mayor Portner seconded by Commissioner Roberts moved approval. City Attorney Kraft explained the quasi-judicial procedures, and Hector Torres waived his quasi-judicial rights. Community Development Director King gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Portner asked about parking and said the building has a classic look. Mr. Torres indicated there would be covered and open air parking. Commissioner Roberts questioned the access road and a retainer wall in the rear of the lot. Community Development Director King explained the location of the building in relationship to Sunflower Plaza and said city code requires the developer to construct a retainer wall between the property and homes behind. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing and Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72"d Street, Tamarac, asked if the site is on the east side of University. Mayor Schreiber responded in the affirmative. With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Schreiber closed the public hearing. On roll call Mayor Schreiber voted "yes", Commissioner Roberts "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "Yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", and Commissioner Mishkin "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-34 END OF QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 1 February 12, 2003 8 11 END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. -9 MARION SWEN ON, CIVIC CITY CLERK 1 17 L_ J February 12, 2003 9 /JOE SCHREIBER WAYOR gv r s r. n ,may Oi.�..,M.._ .. .�. ...... No Text No Text Mayor Schreiber, I am very disturbed by recent comments you made tel the Tamarac President's Council criticizing the way this Commission handles the public purse Your continued criticism of this Commission's actions concerning Tamarac's finances is beyond disturbing. I am offended by your lack of acknowledgment of the reasonable and prudent fiscal actions we've undertaken as a Commission to insure Tamarac's continued growth and prosperity. A You have routinely criticized your fellow Commission members for not agreeing to grant a $25,000 senior homestead exemption. You scoff at the Y2 million dollar impact the full exemption will have on this City's budget. You believe the loss of a Y2 million dollars is no big deal, you characterize the four of n n us, your peers on this dais, as stingy and stodgy. Seniors reside in 44% of the homes in this community. To provide the full $25,000 exemption would be wildly popular to 44% of our residents. You, Mr. Mayor, may be willing to trade the responsibility you accepted when you swore A an oath to be Mayor for a trivial amount of popularity but I and my peers on this dais will not. I will not burden the remaining 66% of this community with higher P) taxes or fewer services in order that I might be popular. A tax cut for any segment of our population will mean a greater burden for everyone else or corresponding reductions in service. A With the exception of the Commissioner to my right, we are all seniors Mayor Schreiber. We, as seniors, would benefit from this action yet none of us are losing our homes in Tamarac as a result of rising taxes. Quite the contrary 4 Mr. Mayor — this Commission has an excellent record of dealing fairly with all segments of our community. While your proposal may sound good, it does not take into affect what my colleague Commissioner Sultanof refers to as the unintended benefit for those seniors who have amassed substantial wealth in real estate holdings, savings, or tax exempt securities which are not counted as income. Furthermore, what you propose discriminates against seniors who rent their homes in Tamarac. If we are truly concerned about helping seniors, shouldn't we look for ways to increase funding for our senior programs, enhance our Social Services, insure seniors are able to get to the grocery store, medical service providers, and our Community Center by improving our transit system? Instead of worrying about being popular Mayor Schreiber, you should concern yourself with leading- Leading all segments of this community and building a n Tamarac for tomorrow, not just for today. This Commission has taken measured action with regard to the senior exemption and it's time you show your colleagues on this dais some respect for having a vision for Tamarac and laying the ground work for future generations to enjoy this community as much as we have. During my tenure as a Tamarac Commissioner this commission has saved nearly 6 millions dollars. We have pushed the City Staff to deliver project after project. They have delivered time and time again! On time and under budget, over and over and over. In spite of all these projectsr his very Commission has managed to save 6 million dollars. 6 million dollars not to be spent on lavish trips, gold plated faucets, or employees to cater to the Mayor and Commission, but 6 million dollars to be spent on improving Tamarac's ability to provide basic services. ASix n million dollars to buy new fire trucks and ambulances, 6 million dollars to update A and upgrade City facilities, 6 million dollars to provide new parks and recreational n amenities, 6 million dollars to advance our technology and better serve the 4 citizens of Tamarac. Six million dollars to beautify our Community and jump start /% /I "Main Street", 6 million dollars; and 1 can go on and on Mayor Schreiber! This Commission has a vision for Tamarac and 6 million dollars only gets us started, yet you go to the President's Council and criticize this Commission for hoarding money when we should give it back to the seniors, and instead of executing our vision of Tamarac we should raise everyone else's taxes or worse, cut services so instead of enjoying wonderful opportunities in Tamarac, our seniors, our working class, and our children can sit around their houses and condos and wonder why the City provides no services. VO, Mayor Schreiber, you claim we have too much money and we should give it back to the tax payers and again I say wouldn't that be popular! Wouldn't that make you popular! I sit on this dais with my peers. We act responsibly, without a thought for whether it makes us popular. This Commission has made sure the City of Tamarac has the financial resources required to execute our vision and provide a superior quality of life for our current and future citizens and for this you criticize us Mr. Mayor and I am offended by that and I believe my colleagues are too. During my tenure as a 5 Commissioner, this Commission has demanded adequate levels of cash reserves be maintained to insure financial stability. This Commission has increased the amount of fund balances maintained in the City's General Fund to enhance the financial strength of this Community. If it were up to me, I would demand we do more to insure an increase in the quality of life for not only seniors A n but for all and not just for today but forever. We need more savings that we have! Our esteemed President has ticked off unfunded mandate after mandate. He, like you Mayor Schreiber, bills himself as a tax cutter? Let's cut taxes and pass the burden on to the states! So our Governor, the President's brother, picks up the Federal Government's unfunded mandates and cuts programs at a state level to reduce state taxes by cutting services. Cutting taxes makes our Government popular — popular like you Mr. Mayor — popular by cutting taxes at the expense of others Mayor Schreiber, just like you are proposing inyj d re-election bid for Mayor. Again popularity over financial responsibility! We need more fund balance to deal with Federal and n state mandates which are being dumped on local governments yet you criticize L us, your peers, for being responsible with the public's money. You would prefer to reduce Tamarac's fund balance and raise taxes to make up for senior exemption benefits and again I say NO! I have chosen to respond to your criticism in this venue to ensure this becomes a part of the City's record. I want it clearly noted in the public record that this Commission has more than fulfilled it's obligation to the citizens of Tamarac. All segments of the City's population are represented on this dais Mr. n Mayor, not just the segment you pander to. This City has never been in better shape than it is today. In 40 years of existence, this community has only improved. We are not finished we have only begun! Stop fighting us Mayor Schreiber. We have a proven ourselves in these n chambers; we have proven ourselves in our districts. You preside over a A wonderful community yet you chose to provide no leadership to this Commission and we have succeeded in spite of you. On a final note, you continue to patronize this Commission for refusing to refund utility deposits and interest earned on those deposits. Much debate has occurred about this subject during the last 10 years and repeatedly you have n been told no, but you continue to flog the dead horse even after this commission had made a decision. Recently you accused me of refusing to let go of the design concerns I have about our Development Services Complex. Yet here I have identified the senior exemption, the fund balance and the water deposit issues as issues where you have been told time and time again to let it go and move on, yet you continue to play the role of the pot who calls the kettle black. Again Mayor Schreiber, I n implore you, move on — let the past be in the past — and as you've sworn to do; provide this community with some leadership — fulfill you obligations to the community — fulfill your obligation to this Commission and lead. Lead us forward as a Mayor should — put your divisive ways behind you and lead this community toward tomorrow, not yesterday.