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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-15 - City Commission Special Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY HALL CHAMBERS MONDAY DECEMBER 15, 2003 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Special Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, December 15, 2003, at 11:35 a.m., Room 105, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Karen L. Roberts, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Miller, City Attorney Kraft, Assistant City Manager Cernech, City Clerk Swenson, and Assistant City Clerk Schneider. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY: Vice Mayor Karen L. Roberts 1. APPOINTING ONE REGULAR MEMBER TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD: (TR10194) Motion to approve Resolution appointing one regular member to the Code Enforcement Board to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2006. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10194, Revision #1, by title. Commissioner Portner seconded by Vice Mayor Roberts moved approval. Vice Mayor Roberts seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10194, Revision #1, as amended, appointing Steve M. Buck as a regular member to the Code Enforcement Board to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2006. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", and Commissioner Portner "no". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-278 2. APPOINTING TWO REGULAR MEMBERS AND TWO ALTERNATE MEMBERS TO THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: (TR10195) Motion to approve Resolution appointing two regular members to the Consumer Affairs Committee to complete unexpired terms ending June 25, 2004; appointing two alternate members to the Consumer Affairs Committee to complete unexpired terms ending June 25, 2004. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10195, Revision #1, by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved the appointment of Doris Einhorn as an alternate member to the Consumer Affairs Committee to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2004. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Partner "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", and Vice Mayor Roberts "yes". Motion carried. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10195, Revision #1, as amended, appointing Margaret Clark and Marvin Lawrence Waxler as regular members to the Consumer Affairs Committee to complete unexpired terms ending June 25, 2004; December 15, 2003 1 appointing Doris Einhorn as an alternate member to the Consumer Affairs Committee to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2004. On roll call Commissioner Portner voted "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-279 3. APPOINTING THREE MEMBERS TO THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) COMMITTEE: (TR10196) Motion to approve Resolution appointing three members to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee to serve the remaining portion of one-year terms expiring June 25, 2004. Fire Chief Budzinski gave a presentation and reiterated the information contained in his memo to the City Manager. Chief Budzinski said the EMS Committee has completed the initial task it was charged with and is searching for a mission, is struggling to garner a quorum, and has ceased to provide meaningful input to the Commission. Chief Budzinski said with the three existing vacancies and with only one applicant, he recommends amending city code to eliminate the EMS Committee; then, whenever the Commission felt it necessary, an ad hoc committee could be appointed. Mayor Schreiber said the problem is not with the committee itself but with the appointments. Emergency medical service is one of the most important services the city provides and there should be an advisory committee to provide input. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said her desire to serve as Commission liaison to the committee stems from her experience with lifesaving; she had thought community outreach having to do with lifesaving would be the committee's focus, but that is not the direction they wish to take. The committee is floundering and has problems with a quorum, lack of applicants due to the meeting time, and topics to discuss. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she does not necessarily want the committee eliminated; however she does not feel the committee is making forward strides. Commissioner Sultanof said the committee is not functioning, particularly with some of the members being ill and unable to attend, and asked whether it could be removed from city code with the proviso that the Commission could appoint an ad hoc committee if and when necessary. City Clerk Swenson said a resolution has been prepared sunsetting the EMS Committee but not taking it out of city code; this affords the committee the ability to regroup in the future. Mayor Schreiber said sunsetting the board at this time does a disservice to those members who do attend; it may be advisable to sunset the committee in June. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco questioned what the committee would do between now and June. Vice Mayor Roberts said even if the committee is only holding workshops, it still costs the city money because City staff must attend. Chief Budzinski said whether there is a meeting or not, it costs approximately the same to keep them coming together. City Clerk Swenson explained due to resignations and illness, the committee does not have a quorum. Mayor Schreiber said if the committee is sunsetted at this time, the members should be informed with an appropriately worded letter of explanation. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco reiterated that her intent was to help the committee with direction, but this was not favorably received. Mayor Schreiber said it is up to the Commission to decide how to proceed. Commissioner Sultanof said rather than tie up staff, the committee could be sunsetted and an ad hoc regenerated if necessary. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked the Mayor and Commission if after hearing this discussion there was any other suggestion. Mayor Schreiber said the problem is lack of a quorum. Commissioner Portner said this committee, whether it has a quorum or not, serves a December 15, 2003 2 function to the city; somebody should be able to give them direction. Because this city is so attentive to EMS, it should have citizens, no matter how many, that connect with the Fire Chief. Commissioner Portner said the EMS Committee should not be sunsetted and a distinct effort should be made to recruit citizens to apply. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10311 by title a Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, sunsetting the Emergency Medical Services Committee effective immediately upon passage and adoption of the Resolution; extending appreciation to the EMS Committee and commending the members of the EMS Committee for their efforts on behalf of the City of Tamarac; providing for conflicts, severability, and an effective date. Mayor Schreiber said he does not like seeing a committee disbanded. The EMS Committee is an important committee and emergency medical services is very important to the city; sunsetting it would be seen negatively by the public and news media and does not speak well for the city. Mayor Schreiber said we should ride it out until June and try to attract more members. There was discussion regarding workshop meetings and staff time, advertising for members, and meeting time. Commissioner Sultanof recommended Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco suggest to the committee that the meeting time be changed. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10196, Revision #1, by title. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved the appointment of Harold Steiner as a member to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee to serve the remaining portion of a one- year term expiring June 25, 2004. On roll call Mayor Schreiber voted "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Portner moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10196, Revision #1, as amended, appointing Harold Steiner as a member to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee to serve the remaining portion of a one-year term expiring June 25, 2004. On roll call Vice Mayor Roberts voted "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", and Mayor Schreiber "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-280 4. APPOINTING ONE RESIDENT TRUSTEE TO THE FIRE PENSION BOARD: (TR10192) Motion to approve Resolution appointing one Resident Trustee to the Firefighters Pension Board to serve a two-year term ending December 15, 2005. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10192, Revision #1, by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco seconded by Vice Mayor Roberts moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10192, Revision #1, as amended, appointing Renee Lipton as a Resident Trustee to the Firefighters Pension Board to serve a two-year term ending December 15, 2005. On roll call Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Vice Mayor Roberts "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-281 5. APPOINTING ONE RESIDENT TRUSTEE TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD: (TR10193) Motion to approve Resolution appointing one Resident Trustee to the Police Pension Board to serve a two-year term ending December 15, 2005. City Attorney Kraft December 15, 2003 3 read Temporary Resolution 10193 by title. Vice Mayor Roberts seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10193 as amended, appointing Gina Orlando as a Resident Trustee to the Police Pension Board to serve a two-year term ending December 15, 2005. On roll call Commissioner Portner voted "no", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-282 6. APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD: (TR10238) Motion to approve Resolution appointing one member to the Social Services Board to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2004. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10238 by title. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Vice Mayor Roberts moved approval. Commissioner Sultanof said the Social Services Board is vital to the city as we have a large senior community and it has only been able to hold workshop meetings due to lack of attendance. Commissioner Sultanof said as the Commission liaison to the board, he requests the Commission appoint the three applicants to make this board an active, working group. Vice Mayor Roberts questioned how three people could be appointed when there is only one opening. City Clerk Swenson explained there is one vacancy on the board, which is a five -member board as provided for in the code. City Code would have to be amended to provide for more than five members. Commissioner Sultanof said only two current members are attending the meetings which leaves space for three to come on board. Five are needed ultimately as the two who do attend can only operate as a workshop. Mayor Schreiber said if members fail to attend three meetings, they could be removed, and according to code, there cannot be more than five members at any given time. Commissioner Sultanof said he has attended two meetings which were only workshops due to only two members in attendance and measures must be taken to enable the board to function. Mayor Schreiber questioned if those who do not attend have missed three consecutive meetings. Commissioner Sultanof asked if those members not attending have been notified and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said yes. City Attorney Kraft said the code would have to be amended as it currently provides for a five -member committee. Regardless of attendance, it is his understanding there is only one vacancy, which means there are still four members on the committee. City Attorney Kraft said the Commission can fill this vacancy and revise the code in the interim. Mayor Schreiber said this would allow time to determine if those not attending have violated the three - meeting rule and should be removed. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the Social Services Board meets every other month and applicants not appointed could attend the meetings as the meetings are open to the public. There was discussion regarding notification of members who have missed meetings. City Attorney Kraft said Section 2-206 of the code provides a social services board member appointed by the city commission serves at the pleasure of the city commission and shall be removed at any time by majority vote of the city commission. City Attorney Kraft said perhaps a vote might be in order if the Commission wished to remove members. There was discussion and City Clerk Swenson said Parks and Recreation Director Margoles would review the minutes of the Social Services Board and the Commission could take up Item 7 in the meantime. December 15, 2003 4 Mayor Schreiber moved out of the regular order of business to take up item No. 7. 7. APPOINTING ONE ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMITTEE: (TR10306) Motion to approve Resolution appointing one alternate member to the Public Information Committee to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2004. City Attorney Kraft read Temporary Resolution 10306 by title. Commissioner Portner seconded by Vice Mayor Roberts moved approval. Commissioner Portner seconded by Vice Mayor Roberts moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10306, as amended, appointing Ronald B. Barish as an alternate member to the Public Information Committee to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2004. On roll call Vice Mayor Roberts voted "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", and Mayor Schreiber "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-283 Mayor Schreiber moved back to the regular order of business on the agenda to continue with Item No. 6. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the Social Services Board has met only twice since the June appointments, therefore those absent from the meetings have not missed three meetings. One member has missed both meetings. Commissioner Sultanof asked if the board could be expanded to five regular members and two alternates now. City Attorney Kraft said this would require the code be revised, but consideration could be given to amending the resolution of appointment with two alternates to take office at such time as the code is amended. Commissioner Sultanof seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved to amend Temporary Resolution 10238 to provide for the appointment of one regular member and appointment of two alternates to take affect at such time as the code is amended to provide for alternates. On roll call Commissioner Sultanof voted "yes", Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", and Commissioner Portner "yes". Motion carried. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco seconded by Commissioner Sultanof moved the appointment of Marvin Dejean and Ellen Beverly Moltz as alternate members to the Social Services Board for terms ending June 25, 2004, said appointments to take affect at such time as the code is amended to provide for alternates. On roll call Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco voted "yes", Mayor Schreiber "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", and Commissioner Sultanof "yes". Motion carried. Commissioner Portner seconded by Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco moved approval of Temporary Resolution 10238, as amended, appointing Ellen S. Amchin as a member to the Social Services Board to complete an unexpired term ending June 25, 2004; appointing Marvin Dejean and Ellen Beverly Moltz as alternate members to the Social Services Board for terms ending June 25, 2004, said appointments to take affect at such time as the code is amended to provide for alternates. On roll call Mayor Schreiber voted "yes", Vice Mayor Roberts "yes", Commissioner Portner "yes", Commissioner Sultanof "yes", and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco "yes". Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. R2003-284 December 15, 2003 5 There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the Special Meeting at 12:40 p.m. T JOE SCHREIBER, MAYOR i MARION SWENSON, CIVIC CITY CLERK December 15, 2003 6 1 _J