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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-28 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL CHAMBERS WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2007 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the regular meeting of the City Commission to order at 9:00 am on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 in Chambers at Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, FL. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner Hang Dressier. ABSENT/EXCUSED: Vice Mayor Edward C. Portner. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Commissioner Sultanof led the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and City Manager Miller announced that Items 7 and 8 regarding Woodmont have been withdrawn at the developer's request. INTRODUCTION 1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: a. Representative Ad Porth said of the six Bills he introduced at the last session, four were signed into law: the MADD/State Police Chiefs Bill; the Bill regarding sexual predators; the Bill regarding foreclosures; and the Bill regarding defrauding electronic mailings. The six Bills he plans to introduce this session are: the need for a printed receipt for electronic voting; the need for statewide guidelines for child visitation centers and standards for who is allowed to work at these centers; the need for state assistance to pay back law school debts; the need for terror free investments for pension funds; the need for a Domestic Violence Employee Leave of Absence Act; and the need for impounding cars owned by those whose licenses are suspended or revoked. Representative Porth said his office in Tallahassee is always open, and he introduced Lori Plotnick, his Administrative Aide. Representative Porth said his local office address is 1300 Coral Springs Drive, and invited everyone to the Health Fair on March 15t'; arrangements can be made for bone density tests and mammograms and to schedule an appointment call 954-346-2810. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco commended Ms. Plotnick on her hard work and said we are fortunate to have her present at our meetings. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco acknowledged Jeremy Ring and explained in November 2006, she and City Manager Miller discussed a 'Reach Out and Touch Everyone Program' whereby we would invite elected officials to come and speak to the Mayor and February 28, 2007 Page 1 of 10 City Commission. It is important for Tamarac to build these relationships and we appreciate the Representatives and Senators taking their time to come to Tamarac. b. Representative Jim Waldman spoke about property tax reform and said there are inequities between homesteaded and non -homesteaded properties. Representative Waldman said he served in local government for 10 years and there is not the monetary waste that is perceived by the State; he will fight unfunded mandates. Representative Waldman spoke of the proposal to roll back property taxes to the 2001 level and then increase based on the CPI and increased population in each community, and added the sales tax proposal is a mistake; we will tax ourselves out of business. Money will go to Tallahassee and will not come back to the municipalities. Representative Waldman said he has been appointed to serve on the Committee for Healthy Seniors, and there is a Bill pending, which he is not in favor of, that would coordinate managed health care for Medicaid patients; anything that does not provide for a choice of care is not good for the people. Representative Waldman said he is also on the Committee for Financial Institutions, Urban and Local Affairs Committee, which will deal with the property tax issues and is made up of prior local elected officials, and he also is on the Intergovernmental Joint Relations Committee, to coordinate plans between State, Federal and Local Governments. Additionally he was appointed to the Nominating Committee for the PSC. Representative Waldman introduced his Legislative Aide, Rona Silverman and said his office in Coconut Creek is open to all; 954-956-5600. Commissioner Sultanof asked Representative Waldman to be a good watchdog in Tallahassee for us and added we must not be put in a position of losing our Home Rule. Commissioner Sultanof said he is concerned about adding another $25,000 to homestead exemption. Tamarac has lowered its millage rate for the last five years and we also made sure there is an additional $25,000 senior discount on homestead exemption for those who earn under $23,000 per year. Commissioner Sultanof said he does not want to see the Republican Majority strip us of our budgets. Representative Waldman agreed and explained he does not feel there is a lot of support for the additional homestead exemption. Home Rule is critical and when the Bill comes out he believes we will see a lot of changes. Commissioner Sultanof said the sales tax is a regressive tax and there are other ways to accomplish what needs to be done. Commissioner Dressler said there is no greater value to the residents than to have somebody in Tallahassee with a background in local government, and he appreciates Representative Waldman's candor. Commissioner Dressler questioned the benefit to large corporate entities with regard to the tax cap and Representative Waldman said the ones who will suffer most are the ones who least can afford it; Tallahassee appears to be more bipartisan than in the past. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she hopes while Representative Waldman is in Tallahassee he remembers what it is like to represent a municipality. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco added City Manager Miller is president of the BCCMA and is doing an excellent job in light of the issues before us, getting information to the elected officials and City Managers. City Manager Miller said Representatives Porth and Waldman have been generous with their time and the BCCMA has come up with realistic proposals for tax reform, which BCCMA believes can occur without damaging the cities. February 28, 2007 Page 2 of 10 Representative Waldman said it is important for the public to participate in the process and keep in contact with their representatives in Tallahassee; however, when sending e-mails, please keep them brief and to the point. Senator Ring said he is Vice -Chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, Vice -Chair of the Policy Committee, and has been selected to serve on the Judiciary Committee, Agriculture Committee, Commerce Committee, Joint Legislative Audit Committee, and a new Committee regarding Sunsetting. Senator Ring said he does not support the Republican Bill to remove the property tax in favor of a sales tax and it does not appear to have much momentum in the Senate. Senator Ring said he believes there will be caps, but not just on cities and counties; there also must be a cap on state spending. Everyone must go to Tallahassee and rally against these Bills. The League of Cities needs the strongest lobbying efforts they have ever had. There is no momentum for the Homestead Exemption to be raised to $50,000; it would bankrupt some of the smaller counties in the northern part of the State. There has been a lot of talk regarding business plans for cities and we need to look closely at a more universal method of appraising property. These issues will have a direct affect on city services. Commissioner Dressler questioned the business plan and Senator Ring said it would be reviewed by constituents, and many cities already have business plans. City Manager Miller added it is part of the Sterling process and department heads are beginning to work on business plans. Senator Ring said he does not disagree with Tamarac's position regarding tax caps. Commissioner Atkins -Grad left the room at 9:45 a.m. and returned at 9:49 a.m. Commissioner Dressler asked Senator Ring if we could count on his vote against caps and Senator Ring said while he could make no commitment until he sees the final plan, he does not support the 2001 roll back or getting rid of the property tax in favor of a sales tax. Commissioner Sultanof said he hopes Senator Ring is fighting for us in Tallahassee and asked Senator Ring to let Tamarac know when it would be appropriate to go to Tallahassee. Senator Ring said he has a traveling office and he is available to speak to the homeowner associations. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco expressed her appreciation to having two Representatives and one Senator and their Aides here today and said it is great to hear their views and keep the lines of communication open. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco moved out of the regular order of business on the agenda to take up Item 1(f). f. Presentation by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco of a proclamation declaring February 28, 2007 as "Sam Schwartz Day" in the City of Tamarac. (Requested by BSO Chief Ken Dugger) Sam Schwartz accepted and said he greatly appreciates all the help the City has given him. BSO Chief Dugger said Sam Schwartz has always been a good friend to the Sheriffs Office and is a wonderful person to have on board; Sam Schwartz has always been 'part of the solution'. BSO Chief Dugger presented Sam Schwartz February 28, 2007 Page 3 of 10 with a Certificate of Appreciation from Sheriff Ken Jenne. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked Sam Schwartz for attending this morning's meeting. City Attorney Goren left the room at 9:55 a.m. and returned at 9:58 a.m. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco moved back into the regular order of business on the agenda. C. Presentation to Mayor and City Commission by Water Plant Superintendent John Harvey of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Water Treatment Plant Operations Excellence Award. (Requested by Director of Utilities Ray Gagnon.) Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said this award really belongs to the Utilities Department; it is because of their hard work that we have received this award. d. Presentation to Mayor and City Commission by Laboratory Manager Fran Oney of American Water Works Association (AWWA) Award for Conservation. (Requested by Director of Utilities Ray Gagnon.) Lab Manager Oney complimented Water Conservation Specialist Franqui on his work and efforts toward the City's commitment to a culture of conservation. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the Commission is on record regarding Tamarac's feelings about water conservation and greening, and will do anything it can to preserve our wonderful planet for future generations. Director of Utilities Gagnon said we have the best water in five states, and acknowledged the Utilities staff for their dedication to make this award possible, and for the Mayor and City Commission's constant commitment to conservation. e. Presentation by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco of a proclamation proclaiming March as "Purchasing Month". (Requested by Purchasing/Contracts Manager Keith Glatz.) Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz accepted. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said an important function of purchasing is to conserve our fiscal resources, and he appreciates all the support given to the Purchasing Division. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz introduced the Purchasing Staff. g. Presentation by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco of Employee Service Awards: 5-year Award: Thuy (Tina) Wadsworth, Revenue Analyst — Financial Services 10-year Awards: Lance Moll, Parks Superintendent — Parks & Recreation; Jeffrey Moral, Fire Division Chief — Fire Rescue; Charlene Nevadomski, Special Events Manager — Parks & Recreation; William Pendegar, Chief Plumbing Inspector, Building/Code Compliance; Joseph Scimeca, Sr., Senior Code Officer — Building/Code Compliance 20-year Awards: Timothy Brown, Lieutenant — Fire Rescue; Scott London, Operations Manager — Utilities; James Megna, Lieutenant — Fire Rescue 1 February 28, 2007 Page 4 of 10 REPORTS 2. City Commission: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco reported on the Town Hall meeting on February 26th at the Tamarac Community Center, attended by 310 people, wherein Representative Porth, Senator Ring, Senator Wexler and County Commissioner Ritter discussed various issues. The Tamarac Community Center is always packed with residents utilizing our programs, and looking at the budget we can see where our funds go; toward programs that are enjoyed by many and are very important to keep intact. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco reported she met with Lou Pratt, Executive Director of the Community Christian Church, and she was told that Saturday is Volunteer Day for the Church. One hundred people are going out into the Tamarac Community to volunteer: at the Convalescent Rehabilitation Facility, Fire Station #15, Broward Sheriffs Office, and Vanguard Village, where they will paint and restore linoleum and remove moldy ceilings. When the Church said they were moving into the City, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked them to be a good community partner, and they have proven that they are. They will also volunteer at the opening of the Aquatic Center on Saturday. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco introduced students from Barry University who are working on a Special Services Program — I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency). Commissioner Atkins -Grad held her report in abeyance until the next meeting. Commissioner Sultanof congratulated Assistant City Manager Phillips who appeared before the County Commission with regard to the Land Preservation Grant, and received nine out of 12 votes in favor of the grant. Commissioner Sultanof said we have received an award for our budget for the past 12 years and he does not want Tallahassee to say we do not know how to put a budget together. Most people do not realize we dropped the millage rate in Tamarac and have not raised taxes over the last five years. When people receive their TRIM Notice they should realize Tamarac's portion of the tax bill is very small. If there are inequities in the TRIM Notice you must call the property appraiser's office and/or file an appeal. Commissioner Dressler said he appreciates hearing Representative Porth's comments with regard to terror free investment issues. Commissioner Dressler said he is a Trustee for the Florida League of Cities' Pension Trust and at the next Trustees' Board meeting he will make a formal request that they support and adopt Representative Porch's initiative. Commissioner Dressler thanked the Mayor and City Commission for inviting state level representatives to Tamarac. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said going to Tallahassee this year is more important than ever. 3. City Attorney: City Attorney Goren reported the settlement for the Southern Coatings Case has been accomplished, and all that is left is receipt of the signed documents from the Court. City Attorney Goren thanked the Mayor and City Commission for their patience and stamina throughout the process. City Attorney February 28, 2007 Page 5 of 10 Goren spoke of SB1904 that suggests every Special District is suspect of being sunsetted subject to review of the legislature. This Bill is worth following and may impact Broward County and Tamarac. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said City Manager Miller has done a terrific job as President of the BCCMA and the feedback she has gotten with regard to City Manager Miller has been spectacular. People are assured and confident that the proposals City Manager Miller and the BCCMA came up with are right on point. Along with Financial Services Director Chapman, the Financial Services Department and City Manager Staff, many extra hours have been logged, and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she is hopeful all this work will go towards the right end. Additionally, this puts Tamarac in the forefront of the issues because our City Manager is leading the charge. 4. City Manager: City Manager Miller reported the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tamarac Sports Complex Expansion Project took place with 100 guests present, and construction is under way. Parks and Recreation reports that on March 2 we will hold our Twilight Concert at the Tamarac Sports Complex, and on Saturday we will hold our 'Splash Into Fun' Grand Opening Celebration at the Caporella Aquatic Center on 58th Street. The ribbon cutting will be held at 11:00 a.m. and festivities will take place from Noon -- 3:00 p.m. On Friday, March 91h 'Taste of Japan' will be held at the Tamarac Community Center from 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m., where artists from Challenger Elementary School will display their artwork. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 5. Debra Fleischman, 8612 NW 79th Street asked who she could contact about the blue chemical that was being sprayed on the golf course, said the developer promised to fix the walls at Woodmont before the next hurricane season, and spoke of break-ins in neighborhood homes. Public Works Director Strain explained the golf course is spraying for weeds, and to be sure they are licensed to spray he suggested Ms. Fleischman contact the County DEP. Commissioner Dressler spoke about the entryway issue, which needs to be addressed, and said he would ask staff to follow up on this. The spray is a weed killing defoliant. City Manager Miller suggested Ms. Fleischman speak with BSO Chief Dugger regarding the break-ins. David Morris, 7430 Corkwood Circle, spoke against the proposed hotel in Woodmont and read a statement into the record, a copy of which is attached and incorporated herein. Commissioner Dressler said he appreciated Mr. Morris' comments; however, the application has been withdrawn and a new one will have to be resubmitted. Mr. Morris complimented the Mayor and City Commission on the way Tamarac government is run. CONSENT AGENDA 6. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Dressler moved approval of all items on the consent agenda. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", February 28, 2007 Page 6 of 10 1 Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", and Commissioner Dressler "yes". Motion carried. a. APPROVE the minutes of the February 14, 2007 Regular City Commission meeting. APPROVED b. PURCHASE OF DATA CENTER EQUIPMENT: (TR11127) Purchasing data center equipment to house the City's network, telecommunications and data processing systems in the new Utilities -IT building from Dell - APC, utilizing State of Florida Contract #250-000-03-1; authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $91,674.43. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-15 C. PURCHASE OF UPGRADED LIGHTING — TAMARAC SPORTS COMPLEX FIELDS 7 AND 8: (TR11131) Purchasing upgraded lighting for the Tamarac Sports Complex Fields 7 and 8 at a cost not to exceed $185,565, from Musco Sports Lighting, LLC, utilizing the City of Jacksonville, Florida Bid #SC-0511-06 Price Agreement Contract for Park and Playground Equipment; approving funding from the appropriate capital improvement and grant accounts. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-16 d. DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN SURPLUS EQUIPMENT: (TR11134) Declaring certain equipment and material as surplus and directing that equipment be disposed via sale through established Internet markets to be selected; or by the means deemed to be most practicable; placing all proceeds into the appropriate fund from which the assets were originally purchased. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-17 e. BROWARD COUNTY TREE PRESERVATION TRUST FUND GRANT: (TR11135) Accepting the Broward County Tree Preservation Trust Fund Grant in an amount up to $11,700; authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Broward County for the Tree Preservation Grant Funds; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-18 f. GRANT APPLICATION AND AGREEMENT — EMERGENCY NAME REGISTRY AND WELLNESS CHECK PROJECT: (TR11138) Submitting an application to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance Trust Fund (EMPATF) Municipal Competitive Grant Program funds for the Emergency Name Registry and Wellness Check Project in the amount of $17,547 providing for a 2 to 1 match of $35,093 in local funds for a total project cost of $52,640 in the event of approval of the application; providing for acceptance of the award and executing of documents upon approval. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-19 g. EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENT TRUST FUND: (TR11143) Supporting the 2006 amendment to Section 212.12, F.S., that allows sales and use tax dealers to forego the collection allowance they are entitled to and transfer that money to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, and urging eligible Broward County sales and tax use dealers to participate in this initiative for the benefit of Broward County Schools; February 28, 2007 Page 7 of 10 directing the City Clerk to provide a copy to the Broward County School Board, Tamarac Chamber of Commerce, and other interested parties. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-20 END OF CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS 9:00 A.M. OR THEREAFTER 7. LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT - WOODMONT: (T02133) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading approving an application to the City of Tamarac Comprehensive Land Use Plan in accordance with Chapter 163, and specifically Section 163.3184 Florida Statutes; specifically pertaining to a Regular -Scale Land Use Plan Amendment proposal by Woodmont Country Club Inc., to change the land use designation of the land, located south of NW 81 Street, west of University Drive, north of NW 75 Street, and east of Pine Island Road from commercial recreation to medium high (16-21 du/ac) residential to accommodate the future development of a total of four - hundred forty-eight (448) dwelling units consisting of one -hundred ninety-two age restricted dwelling units and two -hundred fifty-six (256) non -age restricted dwelling units at a proposed density of 17.5 dwelling units per acre (gross) (Case No. 4-LUA-06); providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. City Attorney Goren read a letter into the record from Michael A. Woodman, AICP, Senior Planner, Rhon Ernest -Jones Consulting Engineers, Inc., (a copy of which is attached and incorporated as port of these minutes) requesting that Items 7 and 8 be removed from the agenda. City Commissioner Dressler seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved to have T02133 read into the record on first reading by title. On roll call Commissioner Dressler voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. Attorney Goren read Temporary Ordinance 2133 on first reading by title. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing. 8. DEVELOPMENT_ AGREEMENT WOODMONTCOUNTRY CLUB, INC.: (T02134) Motion to adopt ordinance on first reading approving that certain development agreement more particularly described on attached Exhibit "A," by and between the City of Tamarac, Florida, and Woodmont Country Club, Inc., a Florida corporation, as developer, in accordance with the Florida Local Government Development Agreement Act; providing for fulfillment of the requirements set forth in Section 163.3227, Florida Statutes; providing consistency with the comprehensive plan and land development regulations of the City of Tamarac, Broward County, Florida; providing for recordation of the development agreement; providing for modification or revocation of the development agreement to comply with subsequently enacted state and federal laws; providing for enforcement of the development agreement; providing for severability; providing for conflicts; and, providing an effective date. City Attorney Goren said it is not necessary to read this item into the record as this item is moot, since both items have been withdrawn and this one is no longer applicable. February 28, 2007 Page 8 of 10 ORDINANCES -- SECOND READINGS 9. AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REPLACE THE TERM "OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE TAX" OR "OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE" WITH "LOCAL BUSINESS TAX" OR "LOCAL BUSINESS LICENSE": (TO2130) Motion to adopt Ordinance on second reading amending the City Code of Ordinances to replace the term "Occupational License Tax" or "Occupational License" with "Local Business Tax" or "Local Business License"; specifically amending Sections 12-26(b), 12-47 and 12-48 to reference "Local Business Tax Receipts;" providing for codification. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Ordinance 2130 on second reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved adoption. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco opened the public hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call Commissioner Atkins -Grad voted "yes", Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Commissioner Dressler "yes". Motion carried. ADOPTED ON FIRST READING - FEBRUARY 14, 2007 ADOPTED ON SECOND READING — FEBRUARY 28, 2007 ORDINANCE NO. 0-2007-06 10. AMENDING CHAPTER 16, PENSION AND RETIREMENT, ARTICLE VI, DIVISION 4: (TO2132) Motion to adopt Ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 16, Pension and Retirement, Article VI, Division 4 Section 16-493 to provide for an increase in drop participation from three (3) years to five (5) years not to exceed thirty years of employment and to remove repealed back drop provisions; amending Section 16-503 of Division 4 to provide an increase in annual cost of living adjustments from two percent to two and one -quarter percent; adding Section 16-516 of Division 4 to provide a supplemental pension benefit in lieu of payment for accrued sick leave; providing for a savings clause; providing for codification. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Ordinance 2132 on second reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Dressler moved adoption. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco opened the public hearing. Joe Schreiber, 10504 E. Clairmont Circle asked for an explanation of the item and City Manager Miller said this is associated with the bargaining agreement for IAFF. With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco closed the public hearing. On roll call Commissioner Dressler voted "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. ADOPTED ON FIRST READING - FEBRUARY 14, 2007 ADOPTED ON SECOND READING — FEBRUARY 28, 2007 ORDINANCE NO. 0-2007-07 11. AMENDING ORDINANCE 0-2007-02 RELATED TO THE REFERENDUM AND ANNEXATION OF THAT PORTION OF UNINCORPORATED BROWARD COUNTY KNOWN AS BONIELLO GARDENS: (TO2131) Motion to adopt Ordinance on second reading amending Ordinance No. 0-2007-02 related to the referendum and annexation of that portion of unincorporated Broward County known as Boniello Gardens, legally described in Exhibit "A" which is attached hereto; providing for notice of advertisement February 28, 2007 Page 9 of 10 of the referendum election to be published in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, the Code of Ordinances, and the Charter of the City of Tamarac, Florida; providing that this Ordinance, when adopted, shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the area proposed to be annexed, in March, 2007 pursuant to a mail ballot to be held at a time to be determined by the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, and shall become effective as provided by the law; providing for the place and places where said election is to be held. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Ordinance 2131, Revision 1, on second reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved adoption. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco opened the public hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the public hearing. City Attorney Goren explained there is a companion State Bill on this matter and if the mail ballot is successful in March, the Boniello property will be taken out of the Bill. On roll call Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", and Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes". Motion carried. ADOPTED ON FIRST READING - FEBRUARY 14, 2007 ADOPTED ON SECOND READING — FEBRUARY 28, 2007 ORDINANCE NO.O-2007-08 QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS There were no quasi-judicial hearings scheduled for this meeting. END OF QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the regular meeting of the City Commission at 10:50 am. Lu&5C'k&�4, Marion Swenson, CIVICCity Clerk A�I�a*v 6 CCU Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco Mayor Marion Swenson, CIVIC City Clerk February 28, 2007 Page 10 of 10 1 1 1 P. I V� :�� STATEMENT to CITY COMMISSION of TAMARAC, FLORIDA According to recent newspaper reports developer Mark Schmidt, owner of the Woodmont Country Club has appealed the negative decision made by the City of Tamarac's planning board regarding his proposal for a $60 million development on that property. His appeal proposes a "scaling down" of the development. This "scaling down" completely ignores the fundamental wrongness of the proposal. His project is inappropriate for the following reasons: 1. When the Woodmont Country Club area was first being developed in the 1970's and 180's the several private builder/developers sold condominium units and individual homes largely to retirees or those who were looking to own a vacation home in anticipation of retirement later on. Some were speculators who soon turned over the new property for profit. Those who lived in the properties seasonally or year `round had the express purpose of enjoying a pleasant Florida lifestyle in a country club setting. The locality could be expected to be stable and as active members they would have some say if there were any changes impending for their local environment or lifestyle. During the decades that followed, a new wave of home buyers appeared. Most are younger than the first wave of retirees and soon -to -be retired seniors. They are in many cases actively pursuing their careers and raising their families. They chose the Woodmont area with great attention to its excellent location, the availability of schools, libraries, shopping, parks, theaters, recreational facilities and medical services, which in large measure have appeared since the country club was first constituted. The Broward and Coral Springs Performing Arts Centers, the Bank Atlantic Center, Frank Sinatra Theater, Sawgrass Mills and the building of the Tamarac Community Center and an new, larger library facility, Tamarac Cinema 5 and a host of others projects testify to the growth and diversification of life activities available the immediate area. Add in the completion of interstates 595' and 75 which improved access to Port Everglades, I-95 and the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport and the widening of Alligator Alley improving travel to the Keys and west coast of Florida; these all have materially upgraded the attractiveness of the City of Tamarac and the Woodmont CC scene for younger householders looking to become residents in this part of South Florida. P C 2. Mr. Mark Schmidt's proposed development of the Woodmont Country Club facility would materially change the purpose and spirit of the Woodmont area. His proposed hotel and condo complex, accompanied by increased traffic, noise and air pollution levels befitting a business/commercial zone, will materially impair the safety and quality of life for all who reside there. The small size of the condos hardly qualifies them as genuine residences; they appear to me to be highly suitable for rentals to transients. This is of real concern for the parents of young children residing in the Woodmont area. With large numbers of adult transients coming, overnighting and taking part in various recreations within the Woodmont neighborhood, resident parents should be concerned about whom they are. Vigilant supervision of ones children, even in gated enclaves, would be wise for Woodmont area parents under such circumstances. But this is not what they anticipated when they signed for their properties. 3. During the construction phase of Mr. Schmid's project the impact upon all Woodmont residents, especially senior citizens and the very young, would approach intolerable levels. Residents could expect disruptions of the flow of traffic, increased noise, dust, and odor levels in the area. Residents living along 80t" Ave, 75th St. NW and the 77* NW and 82' NW St. routes to University Drive will feel the greatest impact. It may be argued that those conditions will pass, but they are much too large a price for the current residents, who will neither benefit from the activity around them nor the results. 4. It is difficult for those of us who have watched this businessman allow the food, sports and social programs of the Woodmont Country Club diminish year by year to believe his comments in reference to his proposal, "It's of benefit to the community" and "We think it's a good move." A good move for Tamarac's residents? Hardly. The facts indicate otherwise. Reportedly, many dues -paying members of his country club do not approve of his version of country club life. I urge a resoundin "NO" vote on this matter_ Let Mr. Schmidt seek to enlarge his fortune elsewhere. Let him seek a buyer for the property which, in the eyes of so many, has been ill -managed throughout his period of ownership. Respectfully, David J. Morris, 7430 Corkwood Cir. Resident since 1989. RHON ERNEST JONES CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. CIVIL ENGINEERS io LAND PLANNERS TRANSPORTATION PLANNERS o, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS February 26, 2007 CITY OF TAMARAC Community Development Department 7525 NW 88u Avenue Tamarac, FL 33321 Attn: Jennifer K. Bramley, Director Re: WOODMONT COUNTRY CLUB — Re u st to ithdra Our Job No: 05-0909-0100 Dear Ms, k;k6_Y_ Per this afternoon's meeting with City staff, I am requesting to withdraw the Land Use Plan Amendment and Development Agreement for the above -referenced property. In conjunction with staff and after adjustments are made to each document, we will re- -submit-far-the-City's-consideration. -- Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or need additional information. Sincerely, r Michael A. Woodman, AICP Senior Planner CC: Mark Schmidt — Woodmont Country Club Mike Jarman — Woodmont Country Club Jeffrey Miller — City Manager Michael Cernech — Deputy City Manager Samuel Goren — City Attorney DJ Doody — City Attorney Dennis Mele — Ruden McCloskey Laura Coffy -- Ruden McCloskey James Centanni — Astodno Jose Baella — Astorino Tom Benedict —The Benedict Group Phillip Bogdal - EcoPian File — 05-0909 12500 WEST ATLANTIC BOULEVARD m CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA 33071 a Tel: 954:344.9855 5� Fax: 954.341.5961 F'r„>ce>e+izr3;:r!f._rr'urr.•e;Licorn I www.ralce.wm Rrchitwul(icu:rcr•:LC(Y.M.R 87