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