HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-26 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes1
CITY OF TAMARAC
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2005
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the regular meeting of the city commission
to order at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 in the Atrium, Tamarac City Hall,
7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL.
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco,
Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner
Karen L. Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Interim Assistant City Attorney Julie
Klahr, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof led the pledge of allegiance.
INTRODUCTION
1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS:
a. Update on the Resource Recovery System by Ron Greenstein, Executive
Director Resource Recovery Board. Due to Hurricane Wilma, Ron Greenstein was
unable to attend the meeting.
b. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation proclaiming October 2005 as
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Director of Human Resources Swanson accepted.
C. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation proclaiming October 26, 2005
as "City Government Day in Tamarac". City Manager Miller accepted on behalf of the
Piper High School Students and said due to the weather conditions and circumstances
they were unable to attend today's meeting. City Manager Miller said nothing is more
important to the lives of the citizens than city government, and by holding today's
commission meeting we are sending a message to the residents and citizens that
government moves on. City Manager Miller said he would present a report to the Mayor
and City Commission at the end of today's meeting regarding the effects of Hurricane
Wilma and getting our systems up and going.
d. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation to Richard Press congratulating
and commending Mr. Press on receipt of the Community Member of the Year Award
from the Traffic Safety Awards of the Florida Law Enforcement organization.
Commissioner Roberts asked to have this item postponed until the November 9tn
meeting, as Mr. Press was unable to attend today.
October 26, 2005
Page 1 of 10
e. Presentation by Mayor Schreiber of a proclamation congratulating and
commending Tamarac Fire Rescue on receipt of the 2004 Life Safety Achievement
Award in recognition of its work to keep Tamarac free of deaths from fire in 2004. Chief
Budzinski accepted and said there was no loss of lives due to residential fires in
Tamarac since 1992.
REPORTS
2. City Commission: Mayor Schreiber said all department heads, and the Fire
Chief did a great job during the hurricane. Tamarac was very lucky in that there was no
loss of life, although there was some major damage to certain areas. We are still
without power and on a boil water order. It is hopeful that FPL will let us know when the
electricity will be back on in Tamarac. Mayor Schreiber said Tamarac as well as the
rest of the county must do something legally to force the utility companies to work for
the people and there should be better communication between FPL and the
municipalities.
Commissioner Portner asked the Mayor and City Commission to suspend citing
residents for code violations for the next 90 days due to the damage from the hurricane
and the fact that it will be difficult to get repair people. The Mayor and City Commission
were in agreement and City Manager Miller said the city is not issuing citations at this
time; we are getting the city back up and operating.
Commissioner Roberts said government offices in Broward County are closed and for
the safety of the residents, Mayor and City Commission and employees she is not sure
why we are meeting today as there is nothing pressing on this agenda. Besides tree
damage there are light poles down, and one cannot traverse through the
Sunflower/Heathgate section in the normal amount of time.
Commissioner Sultanof advised everyone that the FEMA number is 1-800-621-FEMA.
At a County meeting in Sunrise Commissioner Sultanof said he was advised they had
the go ahead for Pine Island Road, going north from Commercial Boulevard to the
canal. Commissioner Sultanof asked Public Works Director Strain to check on this as it
may affect our Main Street project. Public Works Director Strain said he had reviewed
the plans and they are okay — the crosswalk is outside Sunrise's right-of-way.
Commissioner Sultanof complemented Chief Dugger, who came to Commissioner
Sultanofs home after the storm, and placated the residents. Commissioner Sultanof
said he can not believe how much Chief Budzinski has done for the City of Tamarac
during this trying time.
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said it was harrowing getting to City Hall this morning
but is reassuring to see all who turned out for the meeting. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco thanked staff for their work during the past three days, and added that
yesterday she drove through a good part of the Woodlands and it is conceivable that the
golf course sustained about $1 million in damage. However, everybody is safe and
relatively healthy. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco acknowledged Representative
October 26, 2005
Page 2 of 10
Porth, Peter Rios from Lime Bay, and Bill George who were in attendance at today's
meeting.
Commissioner Sultanof asked everyone to be careful riding through Woodmont as there
are power lines in the roads. Commissioner Portner asked if water and ice is in
sufficient supply at the Tamarac Community Center and City Manager Miller responded
in the affirmative. Mayor Schreiber questioned getting water and ice to the clubhouses
and City Manager Miller said FEMA said it would be at the Tamarac Community Center
in the morning and the city intended to distribute to the clubhouses, but the water and
ice did not arrive until 6:00 a.m. today; FEMA and the media erred on their delivery time.
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what residents should be told when they call in
as the line at the Tamarac Community Center is very long. Chief Budzinski said they
should enter on 57t" Street and the line should go westbound. Commissioner Roberts
said she heard a woman was turned away because she did not have a car, and Chief
Budzinski said no one will be turned away. Interim Parks and Recreation Director
Warner said we are trying to limit the walk ups for safety purposes; people should stay
in their cars while waiting for water and ice. Mayor Schreiber commented on the
courteous drivers under the arduous circumstances.
3. City Attorney: There was no city attorney report.
4. City Manager: City Manager Miller held his report until the end of the meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
5. Peter Rios, 9150 Lime Bay Boulevard, Tamarac, said he is president of the Lime
Bay Association and most of the residents in the development are shut-ins and can not
get out in order to get ice and water. It needs to be brought to the community. Mayor
Schreiber said that was the original plan, but the trucks did not arrive on time; delivering
to the clubhouses will alleviate pressure at the Tamarac Community Center. City
Manager Miller said as soon as we get the product we will deliver to the clubhouses.
This is a problem throughout the community. Saul Gass, president of Belfort at Kings
Point complemented Fire Rescue for the job they did during the storm. The Firefighters
were professional and showed a presence to the citizens of Tamarac.
CONSENT AGENDA
6. Commissioner Portner questioned item 6(c), in particular the escalation and de-
escalation clauses and asked if there is a limit on the escalation. c. AMENDMENT TO
AGREEMENT TO FURNISH, DELIVER AND DISCHARGE QUICKLIME: (TR10826)
Executing Amendment #2 to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and Chemical
Lime Co. of Alabama, Inc., on behalf of the Southeast Florida Governmental Purchasing
Cooperative to furnish, deliver and discharge quicklime, providing for a one year
renewal term effective 11/1/2005 through 10/31/2006, amending the price
escalation/de-escalation structure and approving a 14% cost per ton increase, from
October 26, 2005
Page 3 of 10
$129.64 per ton to $149.74 per ton. Purchasing and Contracts Manager Glatz
explained market price is dire in this are and we have attempted to maintain escalation
to quarterly. Most increases are due to fuel and we will see this type of situation in
many areas in the future. Commissioner Portner asked why this was not a competitive
sealed bid and Purchasing and Contracts Manager Glatz said no one will bid against
this contractor at this time. Commissioner Partner questioned products going to China
and Purchasing and Contracts Manager Glatz said quick lime is used for steel
production. Utilities Director Gagnon added Purchasing and Contracts Manager Glatz
and his staff saved the city over $30,000 by renegotiating this contract.
Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval
of all items on the consent agenda. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes",
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Roberts
"yes", and Commissioner Portner "yes". Motion carried.
a. APPROVE the minutes of the October 12, 2005 Regular City Commission
meeting.
APPROVED
b. RENEWAL OF DENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAM WITH AETNA LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY: (TR10825) Approving the renewal of the City's dental
insurance program with Aetna Life Insurance Company effective January 1, 2006 at the
present rate the City pays; providing for the continuation of the existing cost allocation of
the dental insurance premium between the City and employees.
RESOLUTION NO. R2005-202
C. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT TO FURNISH DELIVER AND DISCHARGE
QUICKLIME: (TR10826) Executing Amendment #2 to the agreement between the City
of Tamarac and Chemical Lime Co. of Alabama, Inc., on behalf of the Southeast Florida
Governmental Purchasing Cooperative to furnish, deliver and discharge quicklime,
providing for a one year renewal term effective 11/1/2005 through 10/31/2006,
amending the price escalation/de-escalation structure and approving a 14% cost per ton
increase, from $129.64 per ton to $149.74 per ton.
RESOLUTION NO. R2005-203
d. RENEWAL OF LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE WITH
UNUM: (TR10827) Approving the renewal of long-term disability insurance coverage
with Unum at the present rate the City pays for insurance coverage for employees in the
appointed, executive, managerial/professional and administrative categories who
participate in either the City's 401(a) retirement plan or the new elected and appointed
officers and non -represented employees retirement plan effective January 1, 2006;
providing for the continuation of the existing cost allocation of the long-term disability
insurance premium between the City and employees.
RESOLUTION NO. R2005-204
1
October 26, 2005
Page 4 of 10
e. RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT — OFFICE DEPOT: (TR10829) Approving the
fourth renewal of the original agreement, awarded by RFP 01-15R to Office Depot, Inc.
and issued on behalf of the Southeast Florida Governmental Purchasing Cooperative,
and executing Agreement Amendment No. 3 for the term December 1, 2005 through
November 30, 2006.
RESOLUTION NO. R2005-205
f. RENEWAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM WITH AETNA US
HEALTHCARE: (TR10832) Renewing the coverage for the City's health insurance
program with Aetna US Healthcare for the plan year effective January 1, 2006;
providing for premium rates changes; providing for the continuation of the current cost
allocation of the health insurance premium between the City and employees; providing
for a waiver reimbursement maximum.
RESOLUTION NO. R2005-206
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REGULAR AGENDA
ORDINANCE — FIRST READIN
7. AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE TAMARAC CODE — DELETING DIVISION
14, "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE": (T02101) Motion to
adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 2 of the City of Tamarac Code of
Ordinances entitled, "Administration", Article III "Boards, Committees, Commissions", by
deleting in its entirety Division 14 entitled, "Economic Development Advisory
Committee", Sections 2-234.37 through 2-234.42; providing for sunsetting the Economic
Development Advisory Committee; providing for codification. Interim Assistant City
Attorney Klahr read Temporary Ordinance 2101 on first reading by title. Vice Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval. On roll
call Commissioner Roberts voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner
Portner "yes", Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", and Mayor Schreiber "yes".
Motion carried.
APPROVED ON FIRST READING OCTOBER 26, 2005
PUBLIC HEARINGS 9:00 A.M. OR THEREAFTER
8. AMENDMENTS TO FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT OF COMPREHE
PLAN: (T02100) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading adopting amendments to
the Future Land Use Element of the City of Tamarac Comprehensive Plan in
accordance with Chapter 163, Subsection 163.3184 of the Florida State Statutes
concerning a Text Amendment to incorporate revised State legislation, Broward County
policy updates and City of Tamarac Zoning Code modifications (Case No. 1-LUA-05).
Interim Assistant City Attorney Klahr read Temporary Ordinance 2100 on first reading
by title. Commissioner Roberts seconded by Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco moved
approval. Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing and with no one wishing to
speak, closed the public hearing. On roll call Mayor Schreiber voted "yes",
October 26, 2005
Page 5 of 10
Commissioner Roberts "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Portner
"yes", and Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried.
APPROVED ON FIRST READING OCTOBER 26, 2005
ORDINANCE - SECOND READING
9. COMMERCIAL GARBAGE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT — PUBLIC WASTE
SERVICES, LLC.: (T02098) Motion to adopt Ordinance on second reading
authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute a Commercial Garbage Franchise
Agreement between the City of Tamarac and Public Waste Services, LLC. Interim
Assistant City Attorney Klahr read Temporary Ordinance 2098 on second reading by
title. Commissioner Roberts seconded by Commissioner Partner moved approval.
Mayor Schreiber opened the public hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed
the public hearing. On roll call Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes",
Commissioner Portner "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and
Commissioner Roberts "yes". Motion carried.
APPROVED ON FIRST READING OCTOBER 11, 2005
ORDINANCE NO. 0-2005-24
QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
THERE WERE NO QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR THIS MEETING
END OF QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
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City Manager Miller reported on Hurricane Wilma that struck the area on Monday,
October 24, 2005 with winds in excess of 100 mph. The EOC has been open 24 hours
a day since before the hurricane struck. Public Works and Utilities are working in 12
hour shifts to clear the streets from debris. The city is feeding personnel hot meals at
the fire station and everyone is working hard. There is phenomenal cooperation
between police, fire and public works; and they are watching out for each other as the
roads are very dangerous due to the fact that there are no stop lights in the community.
We are hoping to get temporary power through the use of generators. City hall will
operate under these circumstances for quite some time and we are pleased to have
been able to get 90% of the roads open at this time. There are some problem areas,
one of which is Heathgate/Sunflower. It is important for government to send a signal to
the residents and citizens that life goes on; we expect things to become difficult as far
as obtaining gas, food, water and ice. We are determining where the best place to
handle FEMA paperwork will be. I.T. has done a yeoman's job with the phones and
computers. All public buildings have been damaged to some extent. It is sad to see the
amount of landscaping and vegetation lost throughout Tamarac; all Tamarac parks are
closed until further notice. The city will try to save as much of the landscaping in the
medians as possible and FEMA claims will be filed on behalf of the city.
October 26, 2005
Page 6 of 10
Chief Budzinski reported Tamarac prepared for Wilma on Thursday and Friday, and on
Friday, October 21 the Tamarac EOC was activated. The storm arrived Monday,
October 24. Tamarac crews were put on standby prior to the storm and began work as
soon as the wind permitted. All major arteries and secondary roads were made
passable Monday evening for emergency vehicles. In an initial assessment of the
community and city buildings, all municipal buildings were noted to have suffered
damage. A priority is to restore services to residents and businesses, and to
communicate information and identify needs and resources. A number of single family
and multi family residences suffered major damage. A boil water order was issued as a
precaution and it will be lifted as soon as it is determined there is no problem with
Tamarac's water. The eastern portion of Tamarac lost water entirely as their water is
provided by Ft. Lauderdale. Tamarac Fire Rescue responded to hundreds of
emergency and welfare checks; however, during the peak of the storm BSO and Fire
Rescue did not go out for safety reasons. Commissioner Portner asked at what wind
velocity the vehicles were taken off the road and Chief Budzinski said at 50 mph, but
individual cases were handled on a case by case basis. Every call received was taken
care of as soon as possible. Commissioner Sultanof confirmed that Ft. Lauderdale
provided water for Tamarac in the Boulevards, and Tamarac Lakes 1 & 2 north and
south. Chief Budzinski said Tamarac appreciates the needs of the community, but we
are still waiting for our resources to be delivered. Our plan called for distribution of ice
and water to the clubhouses, and we will make these deliveries as soon as we get the
product. Commissioner Sultanof asked Representative Porth to find out what happened
to the trucks that were to come to Tamarac and to get them here quickly.
Commissioner Sultanof also confirmed that those picking up water and ice would not be
ticketed due to the curfew. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of intersections without traffic
lights that are to be treated as four-way stops. Chief Dugger said it is best to stay off
the roads if at all possible, and spoke of minimal crime in Tamarac during the aftermath
of the storm. Chief Budzinski said the media's reporting of things before they happen
often adds to the confusion. Many rumors will be created during the next few weeks,
but for accurate city information residents should call 954-724-2436, where Tamarac
employees are staffing the phone lines. Additionally, a bulletin will be delivered to the
clubhouses and to employees (Tam -A -Gram Short) daily, to keep everyone informed of
the latest information. Commissioner Portner asked who has direct contact with FEMA
and Chief Budzinski said Tamarac reports to the Broward County EOC and explained
the chain of command. Our plan called for Tamarac to expect no assistance for the first
72 hours after the storm and that had held true. However, help is coming in slightly
ahead of schedule. The city's EOC will continue as long as it is needed. Chief
Budzinski spoke of FPL and the fact that power will be restored by grids. Commissioner
Sultanof said the residents are not able to boil water as they have no electricity and
Utilities Director Gagnon said residents who can not boil water are asked to put 8 drops
of unscented bleach into one gallon of water and let it stand 30 minutes before using.
Tap water may be used for washing and bathing, but do not drink the water or brush
your teeth with it. There have been no reports of contamination but when the system
gets below 20 pounds per square inch we go into a boil water order. Vice Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the advisability of using iodine in the water and
October 26, 2005
Page 7 of 10
Utilities Director Gagnon said it is not recommended. Commissioner Roberts asked
how long the boil water order would be in effect and Utilities Director Gagnon said until
the health department clears the water; perhaps Friday. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco said some residents are concerned about getting medications refilled and
Chief Budzinski said they should contact their pharmacist. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco questioned the chain of command for FPL and Chief Budzinski explained.
Commissioner Portner asked if FPL has all the parts needed and Chief Budzinski said
while he could not answer that question, power services from as far away as Delaware
are on standby and they bring with them necessary parts. Commissioner Roberts
spoke of downed and snapped power lines in her district which are hazardous to
residents and employees, and asked if FPL is aware of these. Chief Budzinski said
they are aware of the locations. Commissioner Roberts said some residents are
concerned about school starting while the poles and trees are down; and Chief
Budzinski said the school board is cognizant of this. Commissioner Roberts questioned
the arrival of Red Cross and food distribution; Chief Budzinski said Tamarac was listed
as a Red Cross Center but they have not to date contacted us. Commissioner Roberts
asked that a letter be sent to FEMA and the Governor expressing Tamarac's
disappointment in their response. There have been many media reports with respect to
other surrounding cities but little about Tamarac. Commissioner Portner asked if
University Hospital and Florida Medical Center were up and running and Chief
Budzinski said they were. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of the pet friendly
shelter at Millennium Middle School and asked about the status of the shelter. Chief
Budzinski said additional pets and residents have arrived and the facility will be used as
needed. Commissioner Sultanof suggested contacting the Area on Aging for meals on
wheels to be distributed to residents of Lime Bay; Chief Budzinski said he is not sure
that the organization is prepared to handle that type of situation; however, other
agencies will come in as the need continues. Commissioner Sultanof also said nothing
has been heard from the American Red Cross in our area, and Tamarac feels
abandoned. City Manager Miller said the Red Cross is assessing the Tamarac
Community Center as we speak, but we do not know at this time if our center will be
selected for their use. Chief Budzinski added Tamarac has representatives at the
Broward County EOC and we will continue to staff the BCEOC; Tamarac is definitely
being heard in that venue. Mayor Schreiber asked if there is anything the Mayor and
City Commission can do to help and Chief Budzinski said for the most part the Mayor
and City Commission has established most of that assistance in advance. Tamarac has
a working plan and it is working as designed. It is a slow and painful process, and we
will not be able to meet everyone's needs immediately, but we are getting closer each
day. City Manager Miller said the Mayor and City Commission can help by being
available to meet, in the event the staff needs specific authorization to exceed the
purchasing level; by being available when constituents call; if the Mayor and City
Commission has the time, it would be helpful to call the presidents of the various
homeowner and condominium associations in the individual districts to check in with
them and tell them what Tamarac is doing and to hear their concerns and let staff know;
if the Mayor and City Commission is in the office it is important to write down the name,
call time and problem, and staff will put it into the system and get to the residents as
soon as we can. Commissioner Portner asked if Broward County has been determined
October 26, 2005
Page 8 of 10
a disaster area and Commissioner Roberts said that were announcements on the news
regarding both Miami -Dade and Broward Counties being disaster areas; Margate, Coral
Springs and Tamarac are considered catastrophe areas. Commissioner Roberts added
staff has been wonderful and asked about tarps for the roofs, as Sunflower/Heathgate
has been hit very hard. Chief Budzinski said Tamarac has been told they will be
available but are in short supply because of what happened in the Gulf States.
Commissioner Sultanof said he heard FEMA has foam layers that can be provided
instead of tarps and Chief Budzinski said he has not seen those. Utilities Director
Gagnon said 76 lift stations are without power; 8 generators are running throughout the
city. We can go about three days before we experience minor sewer overflow; Tamarac
is trying to get more generators. The county has 500 lift stations with the same issues
and Broward County as a whole is on a boil water order. We expect sewer backups
throughout the county. As more generators arrive Tamarac will be able to do more.
Additionally, the county generators are down due to lack of fuel, which exacerbates the
issues. Commissioner Portner questioned the water plant and whether it would take 6
months to get back to normal. Utilities Director Gagnon said we fixed or shut off over
100 leaks, many of which are due to overblown trees. Any damage on the resident's
side of the property will have to be fixed by the property owner. It will most likely take at
least 2 weeks to clean up depending on the speed with which the power is restored.
Commissioner Sultanof said he did not want Tamarac to get cut short with regard to the
plans for Main Street. Public Works Director Strain said he is aware of the plans that
abut our Main Street Project and in fact, just requested a crossover pedestrian bridge.
Public Works Director Strain said we need to tell our citizens to stay off the roads unless
they absolutely must go out. Commissioner Roberts said residents must go out to get
ice and water, and Public Works Director Strain responded that is a different situation, it
is necessary. All primary and secondary roads are passable for emergency vehicles.
Local roads are 60% cleared. Grubbs is on site and gearing up. The requirements for
pickup are the same as last storm; put debris on public rights -of -ways, not on private
roads and divide waste into three piles — shingles, construction debris, vegetation. Do
not co -mingle. All Service is operating today and they will pick up garbage only in
proper receptacles; they will not pick up recycling or bulk items. To date we have not
heard from Waste Management regarding multi family residences. City facilities have
been inspected and most are in good shape; there are some leaks. Fire Station 78 has
the most damage, mainly to the roof. People are asked to abide by the curfew. While
downed electric wires are not energized, some people may not hook up their generators
properly and there may be a back feed to the lines. Some roads are blocked for the
residents' and citizens' protection. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the city crews
could not have been nicer and asked if waste collection is back on a regular schedule.
Public Works Director Strain said he would confirm; however, their trucks may have
problems getting through some streets. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked how
debris removal would be handled as there are huge trees down in many neighborhoods.
Public Works Director Strain said a full plan has not yet been set up as to how many.
times we will go out, but reiterated the necessary location of debris for pick up. Whether
the city can pick up items other than on public streets will be determined by FEMA.
There will be multiple sweeps through the city. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of the
necessity for Waste Management to begin pick ups in particular at Kings Paint. Public
October 26, 2005
Page 9 of 10
Works Director Strain said at this time he does not have information but is in the
process of finding out when they will be in operation. Commissioner Portner asked who
is responsible to cut the huge trees that have been downed and Public Works Director
Strain said if they are in the public right-of-way then Public Works will take care of it.
Building Official Jones spoke of the initial assessment made by Building and Code
Compliance; 80% of city residential areas will be done by noon today. Approximately
125 single family homes and 154 multi -family residences sustained serious damage.
Building Official Jones spoke of the possibility of restricting power to certain residences
due to the extent of the damage and the lack of tarps to cover exposed roofs.
Commissioner Sultanof said some roads in Lime Bay are city roads and he will give
information to Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco regarding getting meals to those
people. Building Official Jones spoke of 150 single family homes that are very
problematic, especially if we have another weather event. There are over 500 dwellings
that pose great concern but there are some things that can be done to assist owners if
the equipment gets here on time. Additionally, we are trying to organize a deal for
shelter. City structures held up fairly well. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said every
screen enclosure on her street is gone. Building Official Jones said the worst hit area in
Tamarac is Sunflower/Heathgate, with significant roof damage. City Manager Miller
said we already have a request in through FEMA for tarps. Commissioner Roberts
spoke of Operation Blue Roof from the Army Corps of Engineers for tarps and Building
Official Jones said these also come through FEMA. City Manager Miller said he was
just informed that Waste Management will begin operations today and 30 deputies from
Osceola County will arrive to direct traffic. They will be housed in the Tamarac
Community Center. Commissioner Roberts asked if any gas stations are open and
Mayor Schreiber said some are but they will only take cash. Interim Director of Parks
and Recreation Warner said significant damage was done to Tamarac parks and they
are closed until deemed safe. Tamarac Community Center will not open for activities
until we can run on our own power; we are currently running on generators. Ice will be
delivered to homebound residents, and transportation will be provided if needed to the
Red Cross Shelters.
City Manager Miller said there will be an executive team meeting immediately following
the City Commission meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Schreiber adjourned the regular city commission meeting at 10:55 a.m.
JOE SCHREIBER
MAYOR
ARION SW SON, CMC
CITY CLERK
October 26, 2005
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