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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-08 - City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL CHAMBERS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 08, 2006 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the regular meeting of the City Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 in Chambers, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor 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. INTRODUCTION 1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS: a. Presentation by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco of a proclamation proclaiming November 12-18, 2006 as "National Education Week" in the City of Tamarac. (Requested by Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco). Principals Nancy Seiler, Tamarac Elementary School, Dr. Cheryl Cendan, Millennium Middle School, and Maria Bach, Challenger Elementary School accepted. REPORTS 2. City Commission: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco acknowledged Senator -elect Jeremy Ring and wished him good luck. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she is pleased with the results of the referendum vote on the Charter Amendment; 70% voted for the change to November elections. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked Commissioners Sultanof and Atkins -Grad for going out to educate and explain the referendum to the public, and also noted that Commissioner Dressler and Vice Mayor Portner campaigned equally hard for this change. City Manager Miller and staff prepared educational material for the public, and this will take us one step closer toward a more efficient local government. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of the United States Conference of Mayors' Energy and Environment Summit in Atlanta, and the incorporation of green into communities. Greening is a national focus and this Mayor and City Commission are building a sustainable community for a higher level of performance and service to Tamarac residents and citizens. The Summit complemented what we are doing in Tamarac. Additionally, this interplays well with the Governor's Sterling Award to create a sustainable community for those who come after us. November 08, 2006 Page 1 of 7 Vice Mayor Portner said yesterday was a great day for the United States; the changes the electorate made will enable oversight of the executive branch. It was also a great day for Tamarac. Vice Mayor Portner explained that several years ago he proposed changing elections from March to November but at that time the commission did not receive the idea in a positive light. This commission was in agreement with changing the election date from March to November and so were Tamarac voters. This will save taxpayers approximately $80,000, and increases voter turnout. Vice Mayor Portner spoke of bitterness during the campaign and said he is happy to see that people in Tamarac understand truth and knowledge. Additionally, the extra eight months the commissioners will serve will enhance the experience and knowledge of those on the Commission. Vice Mayor Portner thanked the Mayor and City Commission for backing this item. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she is gratified but not surprised that residents of Tamarac agreed with the Commission's interest in changing the election date, which will save the City about $80,000. It will also mean that a greater percentage of the community will be involved in elections. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she looks forward to seeing everyone at the Veterans' Day Parade and Ceremony, which begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Commissioner Atkins -Grad thanked all the veterans who served this country so well and hopes the soldiers return from Iraq soon. Commissioner Sultanof informed everyone that Defense Secretary Rumsfeld resigned today, and he hoped the President's new appointment will find a method to end the war. Commissioner Sultanof said in 1987 he arrived at City Hall and became an Aide to then Mayor Larry Bender. He also served as a member of the recycling committee, and was appointed to the Planning Board. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of activists and distortions of the truth. Commissioner Sultanof said he is a member of the MPO and Tamarac is doing a fantastic job. Commissioner Sultanof said he is the oldest serving commissioner on the Tamarac Commission and is ecstatic that he is here; when he first joined the Commission there was a lot of argument and distortion but this commission has the ability to discuss issues and move forward. He is delighted to serve with this Mayor and City Commission. Commissioner Dressler said the election season on the state level is over; and congratulated Stacy Ritter and her opponent, Dr. John Halpern, for running clean campaigns. Commissioner Dressler said he feels Stacy Ritter will represent Tamarac well on the County Commission; we all need to work together. Commissioner Dressler quoted Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, who said "all politics is local". Commissioner Dressler congratulated Dr. Snipes on an excellent election process and said the Broward County Supervisor of Election's website offered information before the results were actually available, e.g., the number of absentee ballots for/against issues, and precincts were added in real time as well as a map showing precinct levels and the impact of the votes. Commissioner Dressler said he intended to send a letter of appreciation to Dr. Snipes and he commended Dr. Snipes' staff for working so hard to make the election go smoothly. Vice Mayor Portner spoke of his two daughters and congratulated Stacy Ritter on her election to the Broward County Commission. November 08, 2006 Page 2 of 7 3. City Attorney: City Attorney Goren had no report. 4. City Manager: City Manager Miller reported the Veterans' Day Parade will take place on Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 10:00 a.m. ceremony at Veterans' Park. Applications are available at the Tamarac Community Center for the 2006 Tamarac Turkey Trot which will be held on Thanksgiving Day. The Holiday Lighting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 29t" at 6:00 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Center. It will be a great pleasure to see the children's choir kick off the holiday season; the event is sponsored by our Parks and Recreation Department. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 5. Burt Schneider, 8016 NW 72 Street, commended the Mayor and City Commission and thanked Commissioner Dressler for bringing forth details of the referendum and explaining it to the people in his community. Mr. Schneider said this is a great country; spoke of the campaigns that have been going on over the past few months, and said the country has started a new day and will move forward as one. Commissioner Dressler thanked Mr. Schneider for his kind words and said the Mayor and City Commission are committed to high standards. George McCarthy, 4811 NW 49 Street asked the City to clean the canals at Mainlands 6 where Sabal Palm Golf Course once stood. Bernard Herman, 7877 Granville Drive, spoke of the plight of the residents of Southgate Gardens post Hurricane Wilma, and asked the City to step in and help, and perhaps use the money earmarked for the dog park to assist residents. City Attorney Goren explained this Commission has made a great commitment to assist residents when it can, but public funds can not be used for private resources, and while a dog park may not be a desirable issue for some people it does serve a public purpose. There are legalities and limitations connected to how we use public funds. City Manager Miller added everyone's hearts go out to the problems experienced by the residents of Southgate Gardens. The City has done a number of things to try to assist the residents; a group was established to meet with them, including an interpreter. We have provided assistance to them through federal grant programs (for those who qualified). At this time we may be able to assist about 30 families. The Building Department is working overtime to assist the contractor, and a new group, Neighbors Assisting Neighbors is also working with the residents. While we are restricted in terms of things we can do, we are doing what we can and we appreciate citizens like Mr. Herman who come forward and express concern for their neighbors. Commissioner Dressler said the situation in Southgate Gardens has been tragic and complex from the beginning. Many people do not know, but from the beginning the City brought tremendous resources, such as Social Services, to these people, to try to match them with resources outside the City of Tamarac if the City could not provide the support needed. The most recent problems are those of having to move their furniture out of the buildings. It appeared short notice was given to the residents, but the November 08, 2006 Page 3 of 7 requirement for them to move their belongings out of the condominium occurred many months ago when the buildings were condemned. This is a long term problem and the people are under extreme financial hardships, having to pay their condo fees, mortgage payments, storage, and rental for living space until their condos are repaired. Commissioner Dressler commended City Manager Miller and staff for attending numerous evening meetings; we still have the support group to help people stay current on what is happening. There are many things the City would like to do, but can not do, and this is a great frustration to Commissioner Dressler as a new Commissioner. The City has money earmarked to assist the residents in completing construction of the interior of their condos once the contractor is able to get in to do the work. City Manager Miller added the City has about 30 families who qualified for interior renovation, but until the contractor is done with his work, they can not get into their condos to finish off the individual units. Vice Mayor Portner said Housing Administrator Bauldree is working on funding to assist the residents. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said in addition to what the City has done, there is a new group, Neighbors Assisting Neighbors, and a new church, Community Christian Church, who have been very helpful to residents of Tamarac and will work on Southgate Gardens when they are able to get into the building. Deputy City Manager/Interim Community Development Director Cernech responded to Mr. McCarthy's concerns regarding the canals at Mainlands 6 and said these are not canals that are in question, but drainage ditches, which were used when the golf course was in existence to convey water for irrigation. A certain amount of water is required to run the pumps 24/7 to keep the ditches full of water. The Sabal Palm Golf Course is closed and the new owners stopped irrigating, as there is no need for it now. Public Works and Utilities agree that flooding the canals for aesthetic value is irresponsible at this time; we would have to use aquifer water and we are trying to conserve water. Vice Mayor Portner asked if the City could spray to alleviate the weeds and Public Works Director Strain said normally the City sprays vegetation in the canals to mitigate growth but there is so little water we can not spray without killing aquatic life and to do that would be negligent. Vice Mayor Portner questioned use of the harvester and Public Works Director Strain said that also requires a minimum depth of water. Commissioner Dressler said water conservation is a global issue and suggested the City identify this in the strategic plan. Commissioner Dressier suggested a workshop with water experts to make presentations to the Mayor and City Commission, such as what kind of water is used to irrigate lawns, sources of water, drought effects (long and short term), and said Tamarac should be on the leading edge of the `green movement'. City Manager Miller said a discussion is planned for the next workshop in response to Commissioner Atkins-Grad's concerns. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said there is educational material available for the residents regarding water conservation and she is in agreement with Commissioner Dressier. CONSENT AGENDA 6. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved the addition of Temporary Resolution 11091 to the consent agenda as Item 6(k). CULVERT November 08, 2006 Page 4 of 7 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT — NW 81$T AVENUE: (TR11091) Awarding Bid Number 07-02B to Ray Qualmann Marine construction, Inc. and executing a contract with Ray Qualmann Marine Construction, Inc. for an amount of $44,555.00 for the Culvert Improvement Project at NW 815t Avenue, authorizing the City Manager to make necessary additions, deletions or revisions to the work plan pursuant to section 6-156 of the Code of the City of Tamarac, Florida; authorizing budgetary transfers as necessary for proper accounting purposes. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", and Vice Mayor Portner "yes". Motion carried. Vice Mayor Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval of all items on the consent agenda. On roll call Commissioner Atkins -Grad voted "yes", Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Commissioner Dressler "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. a. APPROVE the minutes of the October 25, 2006 Regular City Commission meeting. APPROVED b. REPLACING OBSOLETE PERSONAL COMPUTERS, PRINTERS AND SERVERS: (TR11087) Purchasing new systems to replace obsolete personal computers, printers, and servers utilizing State of Florida Contract #250-000-03-1; authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $145,000. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-207 C. FY07 EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT: (TR11064) Purchasing replacement heavy equipment utilizing Florida Department of Transportation contract; authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $213,319; declaring certain equipment as surplus and directing that equipment be disposed via sale through established internet markets to be selected; placing all proceeds into the appropriate fund from which the assets were originally purchased; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-208 d. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY — CYPRESS CREEK GREENWAY: (TR11080) Executing an Interlocal Agreement with Broward County for the construction and maintenance of the Cypress Creek Greenway. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-209 e. GREENWAY CORRIDOR PROJECT: (TR11081) Supporting Broward County in their efforts to secure permits from the South Florida Water Management District to develop the Greenway Corridor Project within the City of Tamarac; acknowledging the City's commitment to various areas of applicant responsibility in maintaining the landscaping and other facilities of the Greenway Corridor Project within the City of Tamarac to the satisfaction of the South Florida Water Management District. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-210 f. CANAL MAINTENANCE EASEMENT ENCROACHMENT AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT — WOODLANDS TOWNHOMES PROJECT: (TR11089) Executing a Canal Maintenance Easement Encroachment and Hold Harmless Agreement with Woodlands Townhomes Homeowners Association, Inc., for structures and landscaping placed within canal maintenance easements on the Woodlands Townhomes Project site located at NW 44th Street west of Rock Island Road; November 08, 2006 Page 5 of 7 authorizing and directing the City Clerk to record said agreement in the public records of Broward County. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-211 g. RIGHT OF WAY REFORESTATION PROJECT: (TR11093) Awarding Bid #06- 31 B and executing an Agreement with Concho Horticultural, Inc. for the purchase of trees for an amount not to exceed $75,000.00 from the appropriate accounts; authorizing budget amendments for proper accounting purposes. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-212 h. PURCHASE OF PUMPS AND APPURTENANCES FROM ABS PUMPS INC.: (TR11094) Purchasing pumps and appurtenances from ABS Pumps, Inc., a sole source supplier, for the maintenance and replacement of fifty-one (51) of the City's eighty-one (81) wastewater pump stations; authorizing an expenditure for said purpose in an amount not to exceed $75,000 for fiscal year 2007. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-213 i. FLU SHOTS: (TR11095) Executing a Hold Harmless Agreement between the City of Tamarac and University Hospital & Medical Center relating to University Hospital & Medical Center donating and administering three hundred (300) free flu shots to Tamarac residents and City employees at the Tamarac Community Center on November 16, 2006. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-214 j. RENEWAL AGREEMENT — LOBBYING SERVICES — RUSS REID COMPANY: (TR11090) Executing Amendment No. 1 to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and the Russ Reid Company, for Federal lobbying Services. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-215 k. CULVERT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT — NW 81ST AVENUE: (TR11091) Awarding Bid Number 07-02B to Ray Qualmann Marine construction, Inc. and executing a contract with Ray Qualmann Marine Construction, Inc. for an amount of $44,555.00 for the Culvert Improvement Project at NW 815t Avenue, authorizing the City Manager to make necessary additions, deletions or revisions to the work plan pursuant to section 6- 156 of the Code of the City of Tamarac, Florida; authorizing budgetary transfers as necessary for proper accounting purposes. RESOLUTION NO. R2006-216 END OF CONSENT AGENDA REGULAR AGENDA ORDINANCE — FIRST READING 7. AMENDING THE CITY OF TAMARAC CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CREATING -A NEW CHAPTER ENTITLED, _"S-2 RECREATIONAL DISTRICT": (TO2124) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading creating a new chapter within the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances entitled, "S-2 Recreational District"; providing for findings and conclusions evidencing the intent of the city commission to create the aforesaid zoning category with its attendant uses, responsibilities and opportunities; providing for definitions; providing for scope; providing for purpose and intent; providing for multiple zoning requirements; providing for permitted uses; providing for general regulations; providing for landscape requirements; providing for building/structure heights; providing for plot size; providing for walls and fences; providing for design November 08, 2006 Page 6 of 7 criteria (Case No. 15-Z-06); providing for codification. City Attorney Goren read Temporary Ordinance 2124 on first reading by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Dressier moved approval. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said this item was discussed in Workshop meeting on Monday at length. Commissioner Dressier said the collaboration on this item was extremely high and complimented staff, City Manager Miller, City Attorney Goren and his staff for the amount of time that went into working out the cooperative agreement amongst all parties. It is an impressive document. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said this is a tool in our tool box and is available to anybody who wants to come forward and create something next to a golf course community in the City. 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. ADOPTED ON FIRST READING NOVEMBER 8, 2006 Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the City has been asked by the Special Needs Color Guard for permission to use the City's logo on T-shirts to be worn during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, along with the wording "City of Tamarac, Home of the Special Needs Color Guard". This was brought before the Mayor and City Commission at Monday's workshop meeting and discussion was held regarding the request. In light of that, a motion and a second to approve the Special Needs Color Guard's request would be in order. Commissioner Dressler seconded by Commissioner Atkins -Grad moved approval of the Special Needs Color Guard's request for permission to use the City's logo on T-shirts to be worn during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, along with the wording "City of Tamarac, Home of the Special Needs Color Guard". On roll call Commissioner Dressler voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Vice Mayor Portner "yes", Commissioner Atkins -Grad "yes", and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco added the Special Needs Color Guard will appear at our Veterans' Day Parade. Commissioner Sultanof said they will ride in the Santa Claus float at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and this is an honor for the City of Tamarac. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m. ,Too ,Marion Swenson, CMC City Clerk A le w Z�ew A WI)a Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco Mayor November 08, 2006 Page 7 of 7