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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-22 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL CHAMBERS WEDNESDAY MARCH 22, 2006 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the regular commission meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 in Chambers at Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t' Avenue, Tamarac, FL. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner Harry Dressler. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance City Manager Miller welcomed everyone and said should people choose not to stand there is seating in Room 105 and the TV screens are set up to enable people to watch the proceedings from there. 1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: a. Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco proclaiming April 2006 as Water Conservation Month. Utilities Director Gagnon, Laboratory Manager Oney and Water Conservation Specialist Franqui accepted. Utilities Director Gagnon said more information about water conservation will appear in the Tam -A -Gram and newspapers; every drop counts. REPORTS 2. Ci Commission: Commissioner Portner read his comments into the record (a copy of which are attached, incorporated and made part of these minutes.) Commissioner Atkins -Grad had no report. Commissioner Sultanof said Tamarac is the fastest growing city in Broward County. Over the last 8 years the commission has done a magnificent job moving Tamarac in the right direction. A lot of details will be addressed at today's commission meeting, but all the pieces are not yet in place. The hue and cry will not help anyone; we must hear all the details and understand the direction in which we are to go. Tamarac provides many services because of its residents, and we must go through this process; .and this is only the beginning of the process. Commissioner Dressler said this is his first commission meeting as an elected official; it is an honor and privilege to serve and he is grateful for having been elected. Commissioner Dressler said he will do everything possible to the best of his ability to serve the best interests of the citizens of the city. Commissioner Dressler complimented Commissioner Roberts who served District 4 with distinction for nine years, and attended community meetings when she could, and was always available to take calls and attempt to solve problems. Commissioner Dressler said his goal is to March 22, 2006 Page 1 of 9. continue that tradition of availability and helpfulness, and his prime reason for running for office was so that he could cant' on that tradition. It is important for all of us to consider, as we go forward, the results of issues on the agenda today, and try to remember that in a democracy everyone has the opportunity for input into decision making. Commissioner Dressler said he will be listening, regardless of the issue, and the citizens can count on him listening and hearing them. Commissioner Dressier thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve Tamarac. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said her colleagues made some very important statements this morning. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco welcomed everyone to her first meeting as Mayor. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said there are vital issues for our city, and this is democracy at its best. The doors to city hall are always open. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco asked everyone to respect each other; she has a list of people who wish to speak and each will be honored. At the end of the day a difficult decision will be reached but it is only the first step in a long process, and we are all here to listen to each other. 3. City Attorney: City Attorney Goren had no report. 4. City Manager: City Manager Miller had no report. 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: There was no public participation 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", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", and Commissioner Portner "yes". Motion carried. a. APPROVE the minutes of the March 8, 2006 Regular City Commission meeting. APPROVED b. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT — ZAMBELLI INTERNATIONALE FIREWORKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, _ INC.: (TR10911) Executing an amendment to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and Zambelli Internationale Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc., exercising the option to renew for the 2006 fireworks at a cost of $25,000.00. RESOLUTION NO.2006-41 C. AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT FOR SATELLITE CITY HALL: (TR10914) Exercising the first amendment to the existing lease agreement between the City of Tamarac and Ramco-Gershenson Properties, L.P., for Satellite City Hall at Sunshine Plaza in Tamarac, Florida for an additional three-year period. RESOLUTION NO.2006-42 d. PURCHASING TOW VEHICLE: (TR10917) Purchasing a Mutual Aid Radio Communications (MARC) tow vehicle and related equipment for the MARC trailer awarded to the City of Tamarac through Reso R-2005-101, at an amount not to exceed $36,000. RESOLUTION NO.2006-43 END OF CONSENT AGENDA March 22, 2006 Page 2 of 9 REGULAR AGENDA 7. ELECTING A VICE MAYOR: (TR10908) Electing a Vice Mayor for a one (1) year term beginning March 22, 2006 with no succession. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Resolution 10908 by title. Commissioner Dressler seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Dressler moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10908 as amended selecting Commissioner Portner as Vice Mayor. On roll call Commissioner Dressler voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO.2006-44 8. AUTHORIZING SIGNATURES FOR BANK ACCOUNTS AT WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION: (TR10904) Authorizing signatures for bank accounts at Wachovia Bank, National Association. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Resolution 10904 by title. Vice Mayor Portner seconded by Commissioner Dressler moved approval. On roll call Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", and Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO.2006-45 ORDINANCES — FIRST READINGS PUBLIC HEARINGS 9:00 A.M. OR THEREAFTER City Attorney Goren explained Items 9 and 10 are land use modifications to the land use plan regarding the golf courses and can be considered together with separate motions and votes. City Attorney Goren briefly discussed the `rules of the road' and said the City Attorney will read the ordinances into the record by title. During the staff presentation the Mayor and City Commission can ask questions. The applicant or the applicant's representative will then come forward for a presentation and then the public will be heard. The public will be allotted three minutes each unless the Mayor allows additional time for the speakers. City Attorney Goren advised everyone this is a transmittal hearing of the two land use amendments, not an approval of the amendments. The documents will be transmitted to other government agencies based upon a motion to transmit or not. The Mayor will open the public hearing and any member of the public who wishes to speak, as well as the applicant or staff will be sworn in by the City Clerk. After the public has finished speaking, the public hearing will be closed. Vice Mayor Portner seconded by Commissioner. Dressler moved confirmation of the `rules of the road' and confirmed the process by which the hearing would move forward. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. 9. AMENDING CITY OF TAMARAC COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN CASE NO. 1-LUA-06): (TO2112) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first readift adopting an amendment to the City of Tamarac Comprehensive Land Use Plan in accordance with March 22, 2006 Page 3 of 9 Chapter 163, and specifically Section 163.3184 Florida Statutes, concerning a Regular - Scale Land Use Plan Amendment proposal by Gerald L. Knight, Esq. of Billing, Cochran, Heath, Lyles, Mauro & Anderson, P.A., Designated Agent for the Owner, Prestige Homes of Tamarac, Inc., to change the designation of the subject use of land from Commercial Recreation to Low -Medium (5-10 du/ac) Residential (118.0347 gross acres), Commercial (3.048 gross acres), and Recreation (9.39 gross acres), located between Florida's Turnpike and Rock Island Road on the north and south side of Commercial Boulevard, to accommodate the future development of a total of five - hundred eighteen (518) dwelling units consisting of two -hundred twelve (212) single- family dwelling units and three -hundred six (306) residential townhomes, 30,000 square feet of commercial use, and a 9.39 gross acre recreation parcel at a proposed density of 4.38 dwelling units per acre (gross) (Case No. 1-LUA-06); providing for amendment to the Land Use Plan to reflect such change. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Ordinance 2112 on first reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Vice Mayor Portner moved approval. ADOPTED ON FIRST READING MARCH 22, 2006 10. AMENDING CITY OF TAMARAC COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN CASE NO. 2-LUA-06 : (T02113) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading adopting an amendment to the City of Tamarac Comprehensive Land Use Plan in accordance with Chapter 163, and specifically Section 163.3184 Florida Statutes, concerning a Regular - Scale Land Use Plan Amendment proposal by Gerald L. Knight, Esq. of Billing, Cochran, Heath, Lyles, Mauro & Anderson, P.A., Designated Agent for the Owner, Prestige Homes of Tamarac, Inc., to change the designation of the subject use of land, located east of Florida's Turnpike, west of NW 48t" Avenue, from Commercial Recreation to Low -Medium (5-10 du/ac) Residential to accommodate the future development of a total of two -hundred thirty-three (233) dwelling units consisting of forty-nine (49) single-family dwelling units and one -hundred eighty-four (184) residential townhouses at a proposed density of 6.94 dwelling units per acre (gross) (Case No. 2- LUA-06); providing for amendment to the Land Use Plan to reflect such change. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Ordinance 2113 on first reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Vice Mayor Portner moved approval. ADOPTED ON FIRST READING MARCH 22, 2006 City Clerk Swenson swore in staff, representatives for the applicant, and all those who wished to speak on the instant matters. Community Development Director King gave a presentation on items 9 and 10 and explained the process the items would follow, if approved for transmittal. Once the items go through the process of review by other agencies, the applicant must still go through the platting, rezoning and site plan process. Director of Community Development King introduced Jihad El Eid, P.E., Director, Broward County Traffic Engineering Division. Mr. El Eid said he is director of the County Traffic Engineering Division as well as the traffic engineer for the City of Tamarac. There are several opportunities for traffic engineering to get involved with this project; the platting process at which time the division can make comments and requirements regarding ingress/egress and turn lanes and can require the developer to post bonds for installation of traffic signals if the streets meet the warrants. When the March 22, 2006 Page 4 of 9 site plan is submitted the traffic division will work with the City and require the developer to implement traffic calming throughout the area. The first opportunity for comments is the platting process. Director of Community Development King said this is a very comprehensive process and staff recommends transmittal of both applications to the DCA after first reading today. Gerald L. Knight, Esq., Billing, Cochran, Heath, Lyles, Mauro & Anderson, P.A., representing the applicant Prestige Homes, Inc. said the following people are in the audience should there be any questions that may need to be addressed: Bruce Chait, President, Prestige Homes of Tamarac, Inc., Sean Chait, Prestige Homes, Jay Huebner, P.E., HSQ Group, Inc., Chris Hagen Traffic Engineer, John Millege, Consultant, Bob Miller, Appraiser, and Bradley Dressler of Sabal Palm Golf Course. Mr. Knight said there are two LUPA's in front of the Mayor and City Commission today. Under the current designations, the properties have been used as golf courses. Monterey Golf Course is no longer being used for this purpose and there is a plan to close Sabal Palm Golf Course. Prestige Homes owns both properties. This is the initial stage of a long process if the LUPA goes forward and the applicant will then submit additional applications for rezoning, platting and site plan. At this stage the Mayor and City Commission should not consider site plan design issues, but only consider compatibility of the proposed designation with the surrounding community, as well as the impact on public service facilities and consistency of the application with the city's comprehensive plan and surrounding uses in the area. The new residential uses can be buffered by landscaping and walls and the proposed use is more compatible with the surrounding uses than an abandoned golf course which has a negative effect on surrounding property. An abandoned golf course will cause the city to lose tax revenue and needed housing. This proposal will lead to a productive use of the property. Mr. Knight distributed a letter from HSQ Group, Inc. regarding the fiscal impact for the city. (Said letter is attached, incorporated and made a part of these minutes as Exhibit "1".) Mr. Knight discussed impact on public services and facilities and said there is sufficient capacity for both projects. A traffic analysis concluded there will be a potential reduction in traffic with the new proposed project compared to traffic were the properties to remain golf courses; traffic generation rates were provided by the county. With regard to schools, Mr. Knight referred to a letter from the School Board that was included as part of the application, agreeing to a mitigation proposal on the part of the developer. The applicant proposes to dedicate approximately 32 acres to the City of Tamarac and the City will ask for input from the community to decide the use of the land. Mr. Knight explained following review by other agencies on the county, region and state level, the final decision rests with the Mayor and City Commission. Should the items be favorably considered by the Mayor and City Commission after review by other agencies, the site plan application will address concerns of the residents brought forward at the two public meetings and planning board meeting. Water bodies will separate the new communities from the existing communities and single family homes and townhouses will sell from $300,000 - $400,000. Homes in this price range are not readily available in this area. Mr. Knight introduced into the record a letter from Sabal Palm Golf course, (a copy of which is attached, incorporated and made part of these minutes as Exhibit "2"). There have been two large community meetings as well as the Planning Board meeting. There have been meetings with community leaders and members of the communities, and Mr. Knight assured these meetings will continue in order to try to address the concerns of the neighborhoods. Specific issues that have come up are traffic analysis March 22, 2006 Page 5 of 9 as well as tracking and studying access and circulation, traffic calming, signal warrants, retiming and relocating existing signals, expanded intersections and school issues. Mr. Knight said Mr. Miller is available to answer questions regarding property values, but the residents would have to consider the impact of an abandoned golf course vs. the project that is being proposed at market price. With regard to water pressure an engineering study is being conducted to see if additional lift stations are needed. Mr. Knight introduced into the record a letter from John Doherty, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Tamarac (a copy of which is attached, incorporated and made part of these minutes as Exhibit "3"). Any upgrades necessary to serve existing or future residents will fall to the applicant. Mr. Knight discussed concerns regarding overcrowding at University Hospital and introduced into the record a letter from James Cruickshank, Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital (a copy of which is attached, incorporated and made part of these minutes as Exhibit "4"). Mr. Knight assured everyone that the city would not be asked to exercise eminent domain powers, and with regard to disruption of neighborhoods due to construction and possible damage to streets, the applicant will use best practices available in constructing the project. Any damage or repairs necessary to streets will be borne by the applicant. Regarding drainage, water bodies will be added or existing ones expanded to alleviate current flooding conditions. Mr. Knight said there were concerns on the part of the residents regarding keeping the new water bodies wet and the applicant would install a recharge well. Robert Miller, President of Miller Appraisal Group discussed the effect of the closed golf course and new development on surrounding properties. Increased traffic noise from the turnpike to adjoining properties due to loss of trees as a result of Hurricane Wilma will be resolved with the new development. The value of property will increase and the size of existing lots will be increased. The new development will become a buffer between existing properties and the turnpike. Mr. Miller spoke of the increase in value for both water and dry lots that will come forth due to the new development vs. abandoned golf course. The development will positively affect market value and surrounding properties. Commissioner Dressler said for the purposes of disclosure, Mr. Dressler of the Sabal Palm Golf Course is no relation to him, either in a family, business or social context. Mr. Bradley Dressler said he has no financial interest in what happens today. He sold the golf course to Prestige Homes in January. Prior to selling the property he never met the principals of Prestige Homes. He is an investor in real estate. Mr. Dressler said he tried to turn the golf course around but it is a very old facility and he was not able to make it work. The facility is being torn down one piece at a time. The structure is unsafe and he was not able to get insurance on the building. The irrigation system must be replaced, as well as the car paths and grass, and it would cost between $3 million - $5 million to make these repairs. Mr. Dressler said the golf business in South Florida is very competitive and he is unable to make money with the golf course. When he put the property up for sale he received an offer from an ALF but subsequently sold the property to Prestige Homes. One of the details of the sale was that he was to manage the golf course this year. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco opened the public hearing. March 22, 2006 Page 6of9 The following people spoke in opposition to the applicant's request for LUPA citing traffic, safety, incompatibility with adult communities, schools, quality of life, environmental issues, water (quality and availability), ingress/egress to the community, open space, lack of adequate hospital facilities, inadequate notice to the community, noise buffers, decline in property values, flooding, affordable housing, density and electricity: In opposition: Lynda Knecht, 4508 NW 49 Court, Charlotte Rupakus, 4810 NW 48 Avenue, Harry Kimball, 4930 NW 53 Street, Carol Laureno, 4503 NW 48 Avenue, John Halenar, 5000 NW 49th Road, Joan Lorette, 4912 NW 51 Court, Ed Schies, 4936 NW 54 Court, Sarah Coleman, 4917 NW 51 Court, George McCarthy, 4811 NW 49 Road, Della Eisenman, 7051 Golf Pointe Circle, and Terry Morris, 4626 NW 45 Court. (Mr. Morris distributed an expense and cost analysis for Monterey Golf Course a copy of which is attached and incorporated as part of these minutes). (Commissioner Atkins -Grad left the room at 10:55 a.m. and returned at 11:00 a.m.) In opposition: Ellen Tomas, 4111 NW 47 court, Rose Lyn Chale, 4903 NW 45 Avenue, Robert Kay, Esq. on behalf of Mainlands 6 Association, Reuel Sherwood, 4501 NW 45 Street, Sherri Spitzer, 4922 NW 58 Street, Karen L. Roberts, 6608 NW 78 Street. (Commissioner Sultanof left the room at 11:25 a.m. and returned at 11:30 a.m.) In opposition: Harry Freire, 4707 Mainlands Drive, Patti Lynn, 6411 NW 58 Street, Raymond Toucoult, 2425 NW 55 Court, Chet Tomas, 4111 NW 47 Court, Nancy Cousins, Attorney At Law, 4503 NW 43 Terrace, Keith Wargo, 4506 NW 47 Terrace, Ben Robert, 5002 NW 58 Street, Ken Zeilberger, Esq. on behalf of Mainlands 5, 1501 NW 49 Street, Ft. Lauderdale, Elaine Bailey, Westwood 22, Jill Ducato, 4807 NW 58 Street, Sylvia Bazer, 5009 NW 51 Court, Lillian Swelter, 4407 NW 45 Court, and Ralph Kingsley 4902 ?. Linda Villella, 4605 NW 45 Street spoke of change. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco closed the public hearing and called for a ten minute recess at 12:10 p.m. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco reconvened the meeting at 12:20 p.m. with all present as before. City Attorney Goren said before the commission deliberates it would be appropriate for the applicant or staff to respond to any issues that may have been raised. Director of Community Development King had no remarks at this time. Mr. Knight offered to meet with residents, individuals, groups, associations or any of the attorneys who spoke today. Mr. Knight said meetings were not held with Mainlands 6 because they did not agree to meet with the applicant. For Item No. 9, Temporary Ordinance 2112: Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Vice Mayor Portner moved to approve Temporary Ordinance Number 2112 and to transmit the corresponding City of Tamarac Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment (Case Number 1-LUA-06) to the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Broward County March 22, 2006 Page 7 of 9 Planning Council and all other jurisdictional reviewing agencies. On roll call Commissioner Atkins -Grad voted "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Commissioner Dressler "yes". Motion carried. For Item No. 10, Temporary Ordinance 2113: Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Vice Mayor Portner moved to approve Temporary Ordinance Number 2113 and to transmit the corresponding City of Tamarac Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment (Case Number 2-LUA-06) to the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Broward County Planning Council and all other jurisdictional reviewing agencies. On roll call Vice Mayor Portner voted "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", Commissioner Atkins - Grad "yes", Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. Commissioner Dressler said his vote for transmittal is not approval of the plan. Some do not understand that staff went to great lengths to explain the procedural issues. If the procedure is not adhered to the city can be sued. Land owners in Tamarac or the County have legal rights and the state and county prescribes a process with levels of procedure. Commissioner Dressler asked the residents not to think that he voted to approve anything except legal transmittal of the application to other levels of government. If we deprive the applicants of this right the city may incur legal liability. This is a lengthy process. Commissioner Dressler said the residents must understand the process ends here and will end at a quasi-judicial hearing on second reading with an open vote by the Mayor and City Commission. Commissioner Dressler said he also has issues with the application but he must wait for the state to do what they have to do to identify the strengths and weaknesses. He also has concerns about the ecology. By the Mayor and City Commission approving the application today it is a response to deal with the residents' issues; the process is not concluded and we do not know what will come back and how we will vote. If it comes back with additions and deletions from the different groups, then each one of us will have to decide what is good for the residents and the city. Commissioner Dressler asked the residents not to judge him until that time. Commissioner Sultanof said the commission can not comment until the other agencies look at the application. Then the Mayor and City Commission will take a closer look at the application and abide by the law. Tamarac will only do what is right for the city and the residents. When Pembroke Pines closed their golf course they had to go through the same procedure. Commissioner Sultanof asked the residents to keep an open mind, and the commission will do the right thing at the right time for the city. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said this has been a very interesting first day and she never anticipated this many people in the audience. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she would prefer not to say anything about a matter that she does not yet know enough about, and she appreciated everyone coming to this meeting; this is what America is all about. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked everyone who stayed through the end of the meeting. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said Commissioner Dressler made some important points; this is a process dealing with due process and it is only a transmittal. March 22, 2006 Page 8 of 9 1 1 1 n 1 The City Attorney has explained this many times. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she also lives on a golf course and understands the traffic concerns and the beauty of living on a golf course. Every issue raised this morning concerns Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco also, but we are not near the end yet. We must all work together as best as we can. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked those remaining to tell their neighbors that the meeting was concluded with respect for each other and the discussion is not over. 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 12:35 p.m. BETH NSBAUM-TALABI O MAYOR iVIARI PJ SW SON, CIVIC CI'rY CLERK March 22, 2006 Page 9of9 Commissioner Edward C. Portner 3/16/06 Today is a momentous day in the lives of the citizens of Tamarac. Today we will decide whether Tamarac slips back into a worn out sleepy bedroom community or progresses into a live, vibrant city. We are faced with a most difficult decision for which we will be damned if we do or damned if we don't. The decision we make today may impact the lives of those who are here and those who are yet to come. When I was fortunate enough to be transferred here 31 years ago from Chicago I could not believe how lucky I was. I left a Chicago that was buried deep in snow and freezing cold. On my drive down I kept thinking of all those people already here living in paradise, content, warm weather, beaches, and a great place to work and continue to raise my family. But in 1974 we were in the start of a recession. There were condo buildings which were started, then left abandoned and uncompleted due to I lack of funds. There was The Gate, Concord Village and so on. Steel beams were shooting up into the sky and that's what you saw. It almost looked to me like Europe after World War II. But it was nice and peaceful — the snow birds came down in the winter and went back up north in April or May but building was, at that time, stopped dead in its tracks. Then, all of a sudden, overnight, the flood gates opened up. Buildings were again started and sold out in no time. Tamarac started to swell and we grew and grew. When I arrived here, Tamarac had a population of approximately 22, 000. Today we are close to 59,000. Many of us came here to enjoy life to the fullest extent. I believe that the majority of us are very happy. Now comes the dilemma. Do we sit on what we have and say No to those who want to join us in this wonderful life we have, or do we say okay, come on down, but not in my backyard. Some say No to everything. They cite traffic, school buses, kids, etc, etc. Some say 4W us be progressive and be all that we can be. New 2 housing has always been a problem if there is no plan. New housing with proper thought and planning becomes a great addition to a great City. Many of you have heard me suggest that the City buy the Monterey Golf course and maintain it as a City course. Members of this Commission turned this down. They said "Too Expense To Own and Run". I am sure they now regret that decision. I then turned to the Community and suggested that they buy the Golf Course. They said they were not interested and to let the City do it. Well, the City didn't do it. I have indicated in the past that Monterey would remain a Golf Course. Well, I understand that it will be — not a run down 18 hole Executive Course but a rebuilt 9 hole new course with a proper Clubhouse that will be turned over to the City or to the Mainlands for them to run and manage. This now brings me to the fork in the road. Either way that I vote, I will offend a segment of the population. As President John Adams said "Popularity Was Never My Mistress". 3 I have agonized over this for to these several weeks. General McArthur once said "The Corps, The Corps, Always the Corps." And so I say Tamarac, Tamarac, Always Tamarac, Whatever I do today will be for the good of the future of Tamarac. Those things which were applicable just a few years ago are no longer relevant today. EXHIBITS TO ITEMS 9 AND 10 TEMPORARY ORDINANCE 2112 TEMPORARY ORDINANCE 2113 1. Letter from HSQ Group, Inc. 2. Letter from Parker HG, Inc. d/b/a Sabal Palm Golf 3. Letter from John E. Doherty, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer City of Tamarac 4. Letter from James A. Cruickshank, Chief Executive Officer University Hospital 9 001 v�Mri HSQ Group Inc. HSQ CROUP, INC. (FAX)5616374731 P.003/004 I+ebruary 15, 2006 Consulting Engineers -Planners - Transportation 14000 Military Trail, Suite 103 Delray Beach, FL. 3-1484 (561) 637-0955 Phone • (561) 637.4731 Fux Ms. Deborah Ross, AICP Planning and Zoning Manager City of Tamarac Community Development 7525 N.W. 88"' Avenue Tamarac, Florida 33321 Regarding: PROJECTED NET FISCAL IMPACT TO TAX BASE FOR SABAL PALM Dear Deborah: The Sabal Palm project is a townhouse and single family development consisting of 212 single family units and 306 townhouse units located on a 109 acre site. The project is projected to sell within a range of $300,000 to $400,000, which is reasonable in the specific market in which they are located. The taxable value for a residential unit is calculated by taking; the average sales price of $350,000 and reducing the figure to 80%. The Proporty Appraiser usually places the homes on the tax rolls at 80% of sales price. The value is flu-thcr reduced by $25,000 for homestead exemption. This analysis assumes that all t►nits will claim homestead exemption, The average taxable value for the units is then $255,000. The total taxable value is $255,000 multiplied by 518 units for a total of $132,090,000.00. The property is currently utilized as a golf course Based upon the current tax records the taxable value of the land is $1,674,790.00 '7be taxable value of the commercial recreational development is much less than the townhouse value. City Millage rate is 6.2499 mills used for future residential and 2005 tax records are used for the golf course. The county produces total taxes for property within Tamarac to include schools, SFWMD, child services, Hospitals, BMS/.Fire totaling 24.7814 millage. This was used to determine the total tax dollars for the proposed development. HSQ GROUP, INC. K Consulting Engineers + Planners * Transportation 14000 Military Trail, Suite 103 Delray Beach, FL. 33484 (561) 637-0955 Phone - (561) 637-4731 Fax TOTAL REVENUES: Category Residential Commercial Recreation (golf course) Total taxes $1,472,386.88 $20,491.49 Miscellaneous rev(0.1%) $59,415.00 $826.89 Total $1,531,801.88 $21,318.38 The proposed project will generate $1,510,483.50 more taxable revenue than the current golf course per year. The City of Tamarac Ad Val Orem Taxes is $371,337:80 generated by the new development. The additional persons added to the local community also contributes to commercial retail uses which intern produces additional retail taxes of 6% of purchased goods. Additional demand for local goods and services is necessary to maintain and facilitate an active commercial market to avoid vacant retail and office buildings. The developer of Monterey has agreed to dedicate 23 acres of land to the City for a City park in lieu of developing the land as residential. The value of the dedicated land is based upon the future value of the land if it were sold for residential development purposes. Within the past year several developments in the local area have been selling for $880,000 per acre of raw land. Using this price for raw land the dedication value to the developer is $20,240,000.00 benefiting the City of Tamarac. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Sincerely, Jay Huebner, P.E. Principal � y I HSQ GROUP, INC. Consulting Engineers • Planners • Transportation ......... ..... ..... . 14000 Military Trail, Suite 103 Delray Beach, FL. 33484 (561)'637-0955 Phone • (561) 637-4731 Fax February 15, 2006 Ms. Deborah Ross, AICP Planning and Zoning Manager City of Tamarac Community Development 7525 N.W. 88th Avenue Tamarac, Florida 33321 Regarding: PROJECTED NET FISCAL IMPACT TO TAX BASE FOR MONTEREY Dear Deborah: The Monterey project is a townhouse and single family development consisting of 49 single family units and 184 townhouse units located on a 33 acre site. The project is projected to sell within a range of $300,000 to $400,000, which is reasonable in the specific market in which they are located. The taxable value for a residential unit is calculated by taking the. average sales price of $350,000 and reducing the figure to 80%. The Property Appraiser usually places the homes on the tax rolls at 80% of sales price. The value is further reduced by $25,000 for homestead exemption. This analysis assumes that all units will claim homestead exemption. The average taxable value for the units is then $255,000. The total taxable value is $255,000 multiplied by 233 units for a total of $59,415,000.00 The property is currently utilized as a golf course Based upon the current tax records the taxable value of the land is $826,890.00 The taxable value of the commercial recreational development is much less than the townhouse value. City Millage rate is 6.2499 mills used for future residential and 2005 tax records are used for the golf course. The county produces total taxes for property within Tamarac to include schools, SFWMD, child services, Hospitals, EMS/Fire totaling 24.7814 millage. This was used to determine the total tax dollars for the proposed development. HSQ Group Inc. (FAX)5616374731 P.004/004 HSQ CROUP, INC. Consulting Engineers • Planners • Transportation 14000 Military Trail, Suite 103 Dclray Beach, FL. 33484. (561) 637-0955 Phone - (561) 6374731 Fax TOTAL REVENUES: Category Residential Commercial Recreation (golf course) Total taxes $3,273,375.1.2 $41,503.64 Miscellaneous rev(0-I%) $132,090.00 $1,674.79 Total $3,405,465.12 $43,178.43 The proposed project will generate $3,362,286.68 more taxable revenue than the current golf course per year. The City of Tamarac Ad Val Orem Taxes is $825,549.29 generated by the new development. The additional persons added to the local comrnuuity also contributes to commercial retail uses which intern produces additional retail taxes of6%. of purchased goods. Additional demand for local goods.and services is necessary to maintain and facilitate an active commercial market to avoid vacant retail and office buildings. The developer of Sabal Palm has agreed to dedicate eight acres of land to the City for a City park in lieu of developing the land as residential. The value of the dedicated land is based upon the future value of the land if it; were sold fox residential development purposes. Within the past year several developments in the local area have been selling for $880,000 per acre of raw land. Using this price .for. raw land the dedication value to the developer is $7,040,000.00 benefiting the City of Tamarac. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Sincerely, Tc�' y4c:��-- Jay Huebner, P.E. Principal Monterey Tamarac will receive 22 acres, worth $880,000,00, per acres with no cost to the City. Prestige Homes will build and equip a nine hole golf course and dedicate it to the City or anyone the City designates, at no cost. Or, Prestige Homes will build a park and dedicate it to the City at no cost to the City. Or, Prestige Homes will give $500,000 to the City of Tamarac. If the Golf Course is the choice, Prestige Homes will donate a $100,000 per year for the first two years to run the Golf Course. 49 Single Family Homes x $ 400,000.00 184 Townhomes x $ 300,000.00 Donating 23 acres x $ 880,000.00 Sabal Palm Prestige Homes will give the City of Tamarac 8 acres at $880,000.00 per acre at no cost to the City. Prestige Homes will donate $ 500,000.00 to build a Community Center. $19,600,000.00 212 Single Family Homes x $ 400,000.00 $ 84,800,000.00 $55,200,000.00 306 Townhomes x $ 300,000.00 $ 91,800,000.00 $ 20,240,000.00 Donating 8 acres x $ 880,000.00 $ 7,040,000.00 Parker HG, Inc. dba Sabal Palm Golf 1982 SE Federal Highway Stuart, FL 34994 January 31, 2006 To Whom It May Concern, I recently sold Sabal Palm golf course to Prestige Homes. I have been asked to write this letter to explain why I was a highly motivated seller. I purchased Sabal Palm right before September 11, 2001. 1 purchased the property from American Golf, at the time one of the largest golf course operators in the world. American had bought the property for 3.8 million in the early 90's, and sold it to me for less than 2.1 million 10 years later. Despite all their, expertise, they were unable to make a profit and were happy to get out at a substantial loss. My thinking was we could fix up the course, raise prices moderately, and make it a financial success. I was wrong. The problem with South Florida golf courses is well known. There are simply too many courses and not enough players, especially inland Dade and Broward County. Demographically, despite a population boom, retirees and second home owners are being replaced with primary homeowners, many of whom don't play golf. In the case of Sabal Palm, many of the long time customers have either passed away or are unable to continue to play golf. Further, with private courses facing their own financial problems, many are opening their doors to outside play, further flooding the market with golf. A prime example is Woodmont, who devastated our business by opening up to many of our Canadian customers. So despite fixing up Sabal Palm, we could only charge low greens fees to attract customers. In fact, our prices per round are less than they were 20.years ago. Think about that —how many businesses can survive without a price increase in 20 years? The futility of this became even more clear when both I'nverray executive course and Monteray Golf, our two biggest competitors on price, closed their doors. We thought our business would go up and we might be able to raise prices. Instead, our business shockingly went down, and we only made $ 100,000 in 2005, and that's before equipment replacement and any management overhead. That represents less than a 4 % return on invested capital. Finally, with ever increasing expenses and no increase in revenue, it was a distinct possibility that in the near future it would be cheaper to close the course than to operate it. The other big problem making me a motivated seller was the condition of the property. In 2004 our property insurer made us tear down the golf cart barn as an unsafe structure. Then they cancelled the insurance anyway leaving us with no insurance against fire or wind. In 2005 Tamarac forced us to tear down the porte cochere as an unsafe structure. Then the hurricane came, forcing us to tear off both ends of the pro shop. The hurricane also exposed the perimeter of the pro shop, revealing that the steel frame structure is rusted badly, and near the end of its useful life. As an owner of a state licensed general contractor for the last 20 years, it is my opinion that the pro shop has a remaining useful life of only 3 to 5 years before it will have to be torn down. What's left of the maintenance facility has essentially no life left. As to the golf course itself, the irrigation system is almost 50 years old, is hydraulic (one of the last of its kind), has undersized transmission lines, and has only a single line of heads down the middle of each fairway which prevents watering the perimeter and rough. One large Florida golf operator estimated the cost to correct and replace the entire irrigation system to be over one million dollars. The grass itself is also almost 50 years old and now contains a wide variety of hybrids. All the turf needs replacing, and the greens need to be dug out and new greens mix and proper drainage added. Finally, the cart paths need to be repaved. We estimated the total cost to bring the course and buildings up to date to be in the 3 million dollar range. Spending that kind of ifYH/A / 7-�a C a F 4 51Cs0 money made no economic sense, again leaving us with the prospect of it being cheaper to close the course than trying to operate it. own over 10 large commercial rental properties. I am an operator, not a "flipper". In fact, the only properties I have ever sold are Sabal Palm and another South Florida golf course. My intention was to hold Sabal Palm as an income property for the rest of my life. However, the golf business is so poor and the physical condition of Sabal Palm so desperate that I was effectively forced to sell. Whether it was me or someone else, Saba[ Palm's days as an operating golf course are coming to an end. Id be happy to answer-a.py questions relating to Sabal Palm. Sincerely, radiear P Dressler MAR-21-2006(TUE) 09:30 HSQ Group Inc. Rx Date/Time MAR-21-2006(TUE) 09:01 2006-MAR-21 10:06AM PROM -PUBLIC WORKS (FAX)5616374731 7241365 7241355 P. 002/002 P. 001 7^949 P.001/001 F-300 FT _ ��O �_,ity of TC�moraC U� � �Cornmitted to (=xcellence... Always" �� Ow�t�aP Public Works March 21, 2006 .lay M. Huebner, P.E. HSQ Group, Inc. 14000 Military Trail, Suite 103 Delray Beach, FL 33484 Re: Water Pressure -- Proposed Monterey Golf Course Improvements Mr. Huubner: Pursuant to your request, this Batter is to inform you that the above referenced property is located within the City of Tamarac water service area and that the existing water pressure within the proposed improvements area is sufficient for current use; however, the existing water distribution system must be extended and/or expanded by the developer to provide service for the proposed development. Furthermore, the developer will be required to improve the existing Infrastructure within this area, as necessary, to ensure all existing and future water and wastewater demands are met. Should you have any questions or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (954) 597-3706. Sincerely, �E.71z Doherty, , P.E. n rty Assistant Director of public Works/City Engineer Copy: Hector Aleman, Assistant City Engineer Jim Moore, Assistant DIroctor of Utilities Aaminbvorlon (954) 597.370 r ■ pporonons (954) $97-3700 • Enpina+mrin8 (954) 597-3712 6011 Nob HIII Road ■ Tamarac. Florida 33321-6200 ■ Fax (954) 597-3710 ■ www.tamarac.af® Equrli ©PPOFrunity EMPioyar k7y11/4 / T `'� ' f12/27/2006 07- b 19547246567 UJ II;lir1SITY HOSPITAL . PAGE. 01/01 1-l� IJ ic:r yp,t.at & Medical ccnte-r Compassion # Respect + Satisfaction Prestige Flomes of Tamarac Inc. 11754 West Sample Road Suite 101 Coral Springs FL 33065 To Whom It May Concern: As per your request, please find below the information you requested on the bed occupancy at University Hospital and Medical Canter. University Hospital has 27-9 acute care bads and 4S psychiatric begs on ouz campus. Our average daily census and occupancy rate for the past three m.ozaths is listed below, Average daily Occupancy Average daily Occupancy census - Acute Rate Census - Rate Psychiatric Deceznber, 2005 105 40% 24 50% rant.ary, 2006 122 53% I 39 80% February, 2006 130 57% 41 85% ` bese numbers represent averages and durirag busy times the facility can experience higher occupancy but on average we can accommodate the needs of our community. Please do not jjesittitc to contact mt.. if 1 can be of further assistance r J=Ies Cr ckshank Cjli executive Officer JAC/'nlpg 7201 North Uni-versity Drive • Tasnamr, Floz•ida 33321 • 954-721-2200 . w.UHMClies.['th,corn 6-v1-11, j r ``/-/ f, .-A r- WEEKDAY GOLF PRICES taken from all advertisements in the Sun Sentinel 03/20/06 JACARANDA EAST $ 79 JACARANDA WEST 59 ORIOLE 40 POLO TRACE 149 HERON BAY 150 MADISON GREEN 68 MARINA LAKES 27 PINES 24 BONAVENTURE WEST 49 BONAVENTURE EAST 69 COLONY WEST - GLADES 32 COLONY WEST - CHAMP 52 PALM AIRE - PINE 49 PALMS 59 SABALS 25 CYPRESS 65 OAKS 65 DEER CREEK 125 CAROLINA CLUB 59 SABAL PALM 28 CRYSTAL LAKE 45 $1318 $1318 divided by 21 = $63 average cost to play weekday golf in Broward County MONTEREY GOLF___COURSE INCOME - YEARLY -- Season November 15 thru April 15 150 days/150 paid rounds per day @ $20/round $3000/day x 150 days $450,000 per season -- Off Season April 16 thru November 14 215 days/50 paid rounds per day @ $15/round = $750/day x 215 days $161,250 per off season -- Membership fees 50 family memberships @ $2,000 = $100,000 25 individual memberships @ $1500 = $37,500 -- Driving Range/Season 150 days) 50 buckets/day @ $4.00/bucket = $30,000 -- Driving Range/Off Season (215 days) 20 buckets/day @ $4.00/bucket = $17,200 Ancillary sales (balls, gloves, tees, colas, etc.) $1.00 profit per person per round Season: 22,500 rounds Off Season: 10,750 rounds Total: $33,250 TOTAL GROSS INCOME Season - Paid rounds $ 450,000 Off Season - Paid rounds 1611250 Membership fees 37,500 Driving range 47,200 Ancillary sales 33,250 TOTAL GROSS INCOME: $ 729,200 EXPENSES - YEARLY -- Capitalization costs $ 100,000 -- Insurance (Liability) 25,000 -- Real Estate Taxes 25,000 -- Employees (including overhead costs) 4 @ $40,000/employee 160,000 -- Electric, water, refuse removal 12,000 -- Golf carts (Lease) 50 carts @ $25/month 15,000 -- Equipment Lease (mowers, chipper, etc.) 24,000 -- Supplies (fertilizer, seed, plants, etc.) 12,000 -- Repairs (pumps, waterlines, etc.) 50,000 $423,000 -- Miscellaneous costs @ 106 42,300 TOTAL COSTS $465,300 PROJECTED INCOME $729,200 PROJECTED EXPENSES - 465,300 BEFORE TAX PROFIT $263,900 SUBMITTED BY: TERRY E. MORRIS 954-730-2280