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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-11 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL CHAMBERS WEDNESDAY JULY 11, 2007 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the regular meeting of the City Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, in Chambers, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t' Avenue, Tamarac, FL. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, and Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad. ABSENT/EXCUSED: Commissioner Harry Dressler. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance. City Manager Miller announced the appointment of Mark Duguay as the new BSO District VII Chief for the City of Tamarac. Chief Duguay has 22 years experience in law enforcement and served as the Number 2 person in Tamarac under Chief Ken Dugger. Major Kim Tierney of BSO spoke on behalf of Sheriff Ken Jenne, and said she is pleased that Tamarac has selected Chief Duguay; he has good skills and will serve Tamarac well. Chief Duguay said he is honored to be chosen as Chief for the City of Tamarac. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Sultanof, and Commissioners Portner and Atkins -Grad welcomed Chief Duguay and expressed their pleasure at his appointment. INTRODUCTION 1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: a. Presentation of a plaque to the Mayor and City Commission by Randy Hibshman, for the Mayor and City Commission's support of the Challenger Baseball League. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked Mr. Hibschman, and Commissioner Atkins -Grad said it is a pleasure to watch the teams play. b. Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco honoring Pearl Silver on the occasion of her 103rd birthday. (Requested by Commissioner Patte Atkins - Grad.) Ms. Silver accepted and thanked everyone for coming. C. Presentation of a proclamation by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco proclaiming the month of July 2007 as "Parks and Recreation Month". (Requested by Parks and Recreation Director Greg Warner.) Director of Parks and Recreation Warner accepted, said July is recognized nationally as Parks and Recreation Month, and thanked the Mayor and City Commission. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco acknowledged Parks and Recreation staff and thanked them for all they do. July 11, 2007 Page 1 of 8 REPORTS 2. City_ Commissions Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco welcomed everybody to the meeting and spoke of newspaper articles regarding the proposed budget. The process of preparing next year's budget is arduous and difficult because of property tax reform, and this has resulted in the need for the City of Tamarac to trim over $5 million from next year's operating budget. Staff has made recommendations for program cuts and corresponding staff changes, using input from the community and the citizen survey. The Mayor and City Commission are in the process of reviewing the proposed budget. Many residents have contacted the Mayor and City Commission's office with recommendations for the budget, and on behalf of the Mayor and City Commission, we welcome input from residents and take it very seriously. Budget hearings will be held in September. Many have contacted Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and the commissioners regarding the Transportation Program, and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco assured everyone that staff is taking names and phone numbers, and people will get personal phone calls from staff to discuss their needs. We will continue to provide the Para - Transit program and hope to be able to expand that program. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco referenced a newspaper article with regard to the Public Art Program, which raised concerns from residents. The Public Art Program is not funded by property taxes; the money comes from grants, private contributions, and fees paid by developers specifically for the provision of public art. The money can not be used to offset general government expenditures. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco reported that City Manager Miller wrote a letter to the Editor of the Sun -Sentinel, dated July 11, 2007, explaining the basis of the Public Art Program and how it is funded. (A copy of said letter is attached and incorporated as part of these minutes.) Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said this is the last Commission meeting before the Commission hiatus and it is rewarding, exhilarating, challenging and creative to sit on the dais with her colleagues. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco explained that Commissioner Dressler is not present this evening due to the passing of his mother, and she extended condolences to Commissioner Dressler and his family. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the City of Tamarac has grown by leaps and bounds from its inception. Tamarac has done more than any other City in Broward County, and there is no better place to live. Vice Mayor Sultanof congratulated Director of Parks and Recreation Warner for a superior fireworks display, which was postponed to July 7tn and commended Deputy City Manager Cernech for his eloquence at the podium on July 7t" Vice Mayor Sultanof thanked Public Works Director Strain for taking care of a problem at the Isles of Tamarac, and congratulated Commissioner Atkins -Grad for having been named the Tamarac voting delegate to the Florida League of Cities. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the Mayor and City Commission would like a written report when Commissioner Atkins -Grad returns. Vice Mayor Sultanof congratulated Chief Duguay on his appointment as BSO District VII Chief. Vice Mayor Sultanof thanked Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco for attending a meeting of all Mayors in the County at the Broward League and thanked her for voting the consensus of the Commission. Vice Mayor Sultanof thanked everyone in the audience for attending this meeting and said the workshop meetings are the venue for ironing out things that are on the agenda. The July 11, 2007 Page 2 of 8 entire staff attends our workshop meetings and we have an open government. Vice Mayor Sultanof said this is the best commission he has known since serving Tamarac. Commissioner Portner congratulated Deputy City Manager Cernech on the birth of his son, Jenson Louis Cernech, and congratulated Chief Duguay on his appointment. Commissioner Portner spoke of the Art Program and said it is funded by developers. With regard to the budget, citizens will only realize between $174 - $300 dollars in tax cut savings. These cuts were forced upon us by the State legislature and it hurts everyone in Broward County. Water restrictions have been rescinded a great deal. The Transportation System is a valuable service to many people in the City of Tamarac, but even raising the fare from $.25 to $1.00 will not put a dent into the half million dollar budget. The Mayor and City Commission is reviewing the budget to see where we can save money to put into the Para -Transit System, but we do not know how much we will be able to expand the Para -Transit System. We want to make our system work for everyone. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said this is the last Commission meeting before the summer break. Commissioner Atkins -Grad welcomed family from Texas, as well as friends and her husband, David, who are here to celebrate Aunt Pearl's birthday. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said there have been many budget meetings over the last few weeks. There is no fat or waste in Tamarac's budget; mandated budget cuts have forced us to choose among good projects. Commissioner Atkins -Grad commended staff for their hard work to reduce the budget and minimize negative impacts for citizens. This is a difficult time and we must make tough choices. Tallahassee does not know the negative impact their directives have on the cities. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco attended the League of Women Voters breakfast last weekend, and Representative Porth spoke about the proposed super exemptions, which will not be helpful to taxpayers. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she attended several Homeowner Association meetings and it is good to know our community has many strong leaders. The July 4th celebration was delayed and held on July 7t and there was a huge crowd; everyone had a great time. The display was spectacular. Commissioner Atkins -Grad wished everyone a wonderful summer break. 3. City Attorney: Assistant City Attorney Klahr had no report. 4. City Manager: City Manager Miller said the Fire Department reports 12 people have signed up for the new CERT class, which will consist of three 8-hour modules of training. The July 4th celebration was postponed to July 7th due to rain. Over 4,000 people were in attendance. City Manager Miller congratulated Director of Utilities Gagnon and the Utilities staff on their receipt of the Florida Department of Health, Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Center for Disease Control, for exceptionally clean water. 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72 Street, spoke of his concerns regarding the developer of the Woodmont Country Club project and the fact that he has not seen the proposal. Also, there are rumors that as a result of an agreement with the Trustees, if membership falls below a certain number, as of November 1, 2007 one of the courses may be opened to the public. July 11, 2007 Page 3 of 8 Irene Persuo, 8603 NW 58 Place suggested cutting back on transportation for the seniors rather than eliminating it altogether. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said this issue is front and center on the Mayor and City Commission's minds, and we will not forget our seniors. Commissioner Partner said Tamarac can only do so much and he urged residents to make their wishes known to whose who represent us in Tallahassee. CONSENT AGENDA 6. Vice Mayor Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved approval of all items on the consent agenda. On roll call Vice Mayor Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. a. APPROVE the minutes of the June 27, 2007 Regular City Commission meeting. APPROVED b. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMITTEE: (TR11184) Appointing five regular members and four alternate members to the Public Information Committee. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-97 C. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD: (TR11180) Appointing seven regular members and two alternate members to the Parks and Recreation Board. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-98 d. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD: (TR11181) Appointing five regular members and two alternate members to the Social Services Board. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-99 e. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: (TR11182) Appointing eight or more members to the Veterans Affairs Committee; providing for appointment of a Chairperson to the Veterans Affairs Committee. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-100 f. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD: (TR11183) Appointing two regular members to the Code Enforcement Board. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-101 g. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE INSURANCE ADVISORY BOARD: (TR11185) Appointing five regular members and two alternate members to the Insurance Advisory Board. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-102 h. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: (TR11186) Appointing seven members to the Investment Advisory Committee. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-103 i. ADOPTING STRATEGIC PLAN: (TR11233) Adopting the Guiding Strategies and Goals of the "City of Tamarac Strategic Plan FY 2008". RESOLUTION NO. R2007-104 July 11, 2007 Page 4 of 8 1 j. AWARDING RFP No. 07-27R FOR DEBRIS MONITORING SERVICES: (TR11234) Awarding RFP No. 07-27R to Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. for Disaster Debris Monitoring Services; authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute an agreement with Beck Disaster Recover, Inc. for Disaster Debris Monitoring Services. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-105 k. RENEWAL OF BILLING SERVICES: (TR11237) Executing the first renewal option agreement with Advanced Data Processing, Inc. to provide for the administration, processing and receipt of payments associated with transporting Emergency Medical Service (EMS) patients on behalf of the City of Tamarac Fire Rescue Department. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-106 I. AWARDING BID NUMBER 07-26B FOR ROOF TARPS: (TR11239) Awarding Bid Number 07-26B for roof tarps to the Sherwin-Williams Company for economy roof tarps and to Harpster of Philipsburg, Inc. for heavy grade roof tarps to provide for the purchase of annual requirements for roof tarps for the City of Tamarac and on behalf of the Southeast Florida Governmental Purchasing Cooperative for a period effective upon award of the Agreement, for a period of one year, with the option to exercise up to three (3) additional one (1) year renewals. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-107 M. ESTABLISHING THE ESTIMATED ASSESSMENT RATES FOR FIRE ASSESSMENTS FOR FY08: (TR11240) Relating to the provision of fire rescue services, facilities and programs in the City of Tamarac, Florida; establishing the estimated assessment rates for fire rescue assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2007; directing the preparation of an assessment roll; authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice thereof. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-108 n. APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE PLANNING BOARD: (TR11187) Appointing three regular members and two alternate members to the Planning Board; providing for an ex officio, non -voting member designated by the Broward County School Board. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-109 o. PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE FOR FY2008: (TR11242) Authorizing the City Manager to send a proposed millage rate of 5.0496 mils for general operating purposes and a proposed millage rate of 0.0630 mils for voted debt service to the Property Appraiser for Fiscal Year 2008, and setting September 13, 2007 at 5:05 p.m. at the Tamarac Commission Chambers, 7525 N.W. 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida as the date, time and place for the first Public Budget Hearing; setting September 19, 2007 at 5:05 p.m. at the Tamarac Commission Chambers, 7525 N.W. 88 Avenue, Tamarac, Florida as the date, time, and place for the second Public Budget Hearing. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-110 P. AGREEMENT — NOB HILL ROAD MEDIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: (TR11236) Executing an agreement with Budget Construction, Inc. for the improvement of the Nob Hill Road Medians from Commercial Boulevard to Westwood Drive (Phase 1) in an amount not to exceed $333,720.50 from the appropriate accounts; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-111 July 11, 2007 Page 5 of 8 q. AWARDING RFP 07-20R FOR DESIGN -BUILD BOAT RAMPS PROJECT: (TR11235) Awarding RFP #07-20R and executing an agreement with Straightline Engineering Group, Inc. for the Design -Build of the Boat Ramps Project for an amount not to exceed $533,525 from the appropriate accounts; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-112 END OF CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR AGENDA ORDINANCES — FIRST READINGS There were no ordinances scheduled for first reading. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7:00 P.M. OR THEREAFTER ORDINANCES — SECOND READINGS There were no ordinances scheduled for second reading. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 7. DELEGATION REQUEST TO AMEND THE _NOTE ON THE "TAMARAC MULTI -PURPOSE CENTER PLAT": (TR11241) Motion to approve Resolution approving a delegation request to amend the Note on the "Tamarac Multi -Purpose Center Plat" which currently permits 22,766 square feet of Community Center use to 33,466 square feet of Community Center use on Parcel "A" of the "Tamarac Multi - Purpose Center Plat" according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 145, Page 6 of the Public Records of Broward County, Florida; and authorizing and directing the City Clerk to record said Agreement in the Public Records of Broward County, Florida (Case No. 03-P-07); providing for conditions of approval. Assistant City Attorney Klahr read Temporary Resolution 11241 by title. Vice Mayor Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved approval. Assistant City Attorney Klahr spoke of quasi-judicial procedures and City Clerk Swenson swore in staff and public who wished to speak on this item. Community Development Director Bramley gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the building was originally funded with grant money from the State and confirmed this comes under CIP Bond funding and asked if there is money available from the State. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if we charge for the use of the facility and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said we do. City Manager Miller said we will pursue every possible grant opportunity. Commissioner Portner questioned how people will get to the second floor and suggested putting in an escalator. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said an elevator is included in the preliminary design, and that is what is needed under ADA requirements. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked for a description of how the building will improve life in our community and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said senior and adult programs are held at the Tamarac Community Center, with some youth programs in the evening. The Recreation Center expansion will include meeting space as well as teen and arts and crafts rooms, and an instructional kitchen. The Recreation Center, as it stands, does not meet our current July 11, 2007 Page 6 of 8 needs. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said money for this building was requested at the federal level, and Congressman Hastings expressed interest in this project. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco opened the public hearing. Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72 Street suggested, in light of the budgetary constraints placed upon the City, that without federal or state funding or grant monies, we not move forward with this project. City Clerk Swenson swore in Financial Services Director Chapman. Financial Services Director Chapman explained the bond monies in the amount of $15 million, and said this is one of the projects included in the bonds. While the timing is difficult, funding for this project does not come from property tax revenue and we have already borrowed the money and set it aside in an account; we must spend the funds on the projects set forth in the resolution for the bonds. The bonds were borrowed for capital improvements and we can not use the money for operating expenses. We have prioritized the projects due to increasing construction costs. Elaine Bailey, 7211 NW 93 Avenue spoke about the possibility of using the Tamarac Community Center for youth activities, rather than spend the bond money now for the Recreation Center. Financial Services Director Chapman explained there is a time limit within which we must use the bond money, for the specified projects, and if we do not spend the money within the specified time frame the IRS may tax the bonds. The expansion of the Tamarac Community Center was pushed to the bottom of the list because of tremendous price increases in construction costs, and we do not believe we will have funds available to complete that project. The Multi -Purpose Center is number two on the list of priorities. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained the Tamarac Community Center is fully active throughout the day with senior programs, and evening rental groups and adult activities. We have filtered some youth activities to the Tamarac Community Center because of the lack of space in the Multi -Purpose Center. With no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco closed the public hearing. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said it is important that everyone remember running a City is a balancing act; we have been dictated to by Tallahassee and are in a crunch and we must look for alternatives. We have projects and programs that are in the works and we are bound by legalities. This Commission's philosophy is to look at the whole picture, and we will go forward with our plans. Commissioner Partner asked how many more people use the fitness center at the Aquatic Center than when it was at the Tamarac Community Center, and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said 1,450 are enrolled this year; 1,300 were enrolled last year. The pool hosts 300 - 400 people on the weekends. City Manager Miller said what sets Tamarac apart from other cities is that we have been doing strategic planning for the past 15 years. We plan for CIP, roads, Parks and Recreation, and facilities 10 years in advance. We got the best possible interest rate when we sold our bonds and we have a high credit rating. Tamarac is in good shape. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she is pleased that staff is here to clear up any misconceptions for the public. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said Financial Services Director Chapman, the Mayor and City Commission and staff are available to speak to the residents and appear at Homeowner Association meetings. Vice Mayor Sultanof said politics is the art and science of governing. We are here to serve our residents. Commissioner Partner spoke about the upcoming referendum election on January 29th and encouraged everyone to read the proposals on the ballot before casting a vote. Vice Mayor Sultanof said there will be two items on the January 29th ballot; save our homes and the super exemption. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said July 11, 2007 Page 7 of 8 the county also must cut $100 million from their budget, and it is important that our residents stay informed. On roll call Commissioner Portner voted "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", Vice Mayor Sultanof "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2007-113 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 8:42 p.m. Marion Swenso , CMC City Clerk July 11, 2007 Page 8 of 8 1 Jeffrey L. Miller City Ailanagelf July 11, 2007 Letters to the Editor Sun -Sentinel 200 E. Las Olas Blvd. Ft, Lauderdale, FL 33301 To The Editor: City of Tamarac "Committed to Excellence... Always" I 1�l l' liL 1 1 �.007 �Jl ` The City of Tamarac is committed to providing public art for the positive impact the arts play in enriching cultural, economic and intellectual life in our neighborhoods and schools. Some readers have questioned the utility of a Public Art Program in light of budgetary constraints recently placed upon municipalities by property tax reform. In the best interests of the residents and businesses in Tamarac, the record should be clear as to the source and intended expenditure of public art fees. In May, 2004 the Tamarac City Commission adopted an ordinance establishing a Public Art Program. The program is funded entirely by grants and contributions from non-residential construction and repair, new residential development and/or redevelopment, and public construction projects. The fee is one (1 %) percent of the construction value of the improvement. The ordinance established a public art fund and is very specific in terms of how these funds can be spent. The public art fund can be used solely for the selection, commissioning, acquisition, transportation, maintenance and insurance of public art. The funds cannot be used for general government expenditures. In short, public art funds in Tamarac have been collected from sources other than property taxes and must be spent specifically on public art. The Public Art Program was established with community input intended to create a unique sense of place in Tamarac while improving cultural opportunities for our residents, businesses and visitors. By design the Program was developed to have minimal financial impact on our residents while ensuring they are the beneficiaries of an innovative and enriching art program. Sincerely, 0�. Miller City Manager City of Tamarac 7525 N.W. 88th Avenue z Tamarac, Florida 33321-2401 :2 (954) 597-3510 2 Fox (954) 597-3520 :a www.tomarac.org Equal Opportunity Employer