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