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
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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.
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February 12, 2003
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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
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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.
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February 12, 2003
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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
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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
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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
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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
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February 12, 2003
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END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Schreiber
adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
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MARION SWEN ON, CIVIC
CITY CLERK
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February 12, 2003
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/JOE SCHREIBER
WAYOR
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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million dollars to buy new fire trucks and ambulances, 6 million dollars to update
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and upgrade City facilities, 6 million dollars to provide new parks and recreational
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amenities, 6 million dollars to advance our technology and better serve the
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citizens of Tamarac. Six million dollars to beautify our Community and jump start
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"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
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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
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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
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state mandates which are being dumped on local governments yet you criticize
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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.
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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
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chambers; we have proven ourselves in our districts. You preside over a
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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
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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
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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.