HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-04 - City Commission Special Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING
JUNE 4, 2004
WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB
4600 WOODLANDS BOULEVARD
TAMARAC, FL 33319
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber opened the special workshop meeting at 9:00 a.m.
on Friday, June 4, 2004 at Woodlands Country Club, 4600 Woodlands Boulevard,
Tamarac, FL 33319.
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward
C. Portner, Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Karen L.
Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: Dr. William Mathis, City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Deputy City
Manager Michael C. Cernech, Assistant City Manager Diane Phillips, City Attorney
Mitchell S. Kraft, Assistant City Attorney Vanessa T. Steinerts, Human Resources
Director Maria Swanson, City Clerk Marion Swenson, and Janice Schreuder, M.A.
Dr. Mathis gave an overview of the proposed agenda and presented guidelines,
discussed directness, and spoke of transparency -- we are what we are.
Dr. Mathis said another guideline is to complete thoughts — encourage people to
complete thoughts. Dr. Mathis added that all ideas are okay, and spoke of adding to
another person's ideas, ('plussing').
Dr. Mathis continued with the idea that 'this is business, not personal' and while a sense
of humor is a good thing, sarcasm is not.
Dr. Mathis added that the Commissioners need to be respectful of each other and put
on our best face when examining another; choose to take each other at face value.
There was discussion of political agendas, and Commissioner Roberts said not all have
political agendas as a top priority. Dr. Mathis explained we all have some things that we
are passionate about; for example, Commissioner Roberts is passionate about schools.
Commissioner Roberts said this is not political; political agendas are something used to
further one's political career.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said in the business of politics, we have the opportunity to mix with
people who are diverse; and any city that does not progress and build will die, and not
to progress is a political issue.
Commissioner Portner said respect is a two -pronged issue — it is either earned (given)
or enforced. This commission works on the basis of given respect in the majority of
instances, as is shown by a 5-0 vote.
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Dr. Mathis offered his perception as to the commissioners' strengths:
Mayor Schreiber - passionate about service to people
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - professional
Commissioner Portner - innovative
Commissioner Roberts - dedicated and tenacious
Vice Mayor Sultanof - knowledgeable.
Dr. Mathis asked the Commission to explain how they see the strengths of their
colleagues beginning with professionalism:
Commissioner Roberts - Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco acts in a businesslike
manner, listens before giving an opinion and hears all sides.
Vice Mayor Sultanof - Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco's background provides for a
longer than average analysis to make sure of the path she will take.
Commissioner Portner - Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco knows what the job is and
does it.
Mayor Schreiber - it means good conduct, behavior, respect, knowledge and getting
along with others.
City Manager Miller - taking a body of knowledge and experience and applying it to
each situation.
Dr. Mathis said all strengths have weaknesses, and asked how Commissioner
Flansbaum-Talabisco's strength could be worked into being negative:
Commissioner Roberts - by analyzing what is said and taking too long; not going one
way or the other; indecisive.
Vice Mayor Sultanof - if one takes time to analyze it is a strength; Commissioner
Flansbaum-Talabisco is not indecisive but rising to her potential.
Dr. Mathis spoke about professional import and said the commissioners take too much
time talking about the weakness of their colleagues. Dr. Mathis said when he first met
Commissioner Roberts she was a novice, young politician who did not like the world of
Politics; this dislike has not changed over the years, but she has a dedication and clarity
to the goals she feels is important. Dr. Mathis was told by Commissioner Roberts that
she and her colleagues achieved the goal of having two schools built in Tamarac. The
negative side is her inflexibility.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said Commissioner Roberts is dedicated and will
go to the mat for something in which she believes.
Commissioner Portner said he respects Commissioner Roberts' dedication and tenacity.
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Vice Mayor Sultanof said Commissioner Roberts is part of a team with four other
colleagues, and one can not go it alone in a political arena.
Dr. Mathis moved on to Commissioner Portner:
Commissioner Roberts - he thinks outside the box, thinking ahead and working toward
future goals; he brings about different ideas.
Vice Mayor Sultanof - if Commissioner Portner is stifled, something will be lost.
Mayor Schreiber - innovation brings about new ideas and the commission is in the
business of service. The commission does not always agree, but should forget about
outside interests and look ahead.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - Commissioner Portner is constantly thinking
ahead and occasionally something will come along that will work.
Dr. Mathis moved on to Vice Mayor Sultanof:
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - he shares a wide range of life experiences and
has the ability to see both sides and reason things through.
Commissioner Roberts - Vice Mayor Sultanof always provides historical facts or stories.
Mayor Schreiber - knowledge is power. If one has experiences and knows a lot about
things, knowledge must be used in the right context.
Dr. Mathis said knowledge creates envy.
Commissioner Portner - it is someone who says in 100 words what can be said in 10;
someone who knows a great deal about a lot of things but not about one thing.
Dr. Mathis moved on to Mayor Schreiber:
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - Mayor Schreiber is there all the time for
everyone; he is of the people, which is admirable.
Commissioner Portner - Mayor Schreiber has a single focus.
Commissioner Roberts - agreed with Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco and added
that Mayor Schreiber is receptive to the people.
Vice Mayor Sultanof - one must come to a point to understand relationships with
colleagues; all the commissioners want to provide services but must be able to come
through with what they say they are going to do.
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Dr. Mathis said being service driven is a positive characteristic, yet the group has a
tendency to give it a negative connotation. The commission needs to practice
behaviors to stay positive and be able to talk about positives of the team.
When questioned by Dr. Mathis about service driven leaders:
Human Resources Director Swanson - the ultimate purpose is to provide for people.
Deputy City Manager Cernech - service driven leaders are men and women who are for
others.
Assistant City Attorney Steinerts - service driven leaders determine what is needed and
wanted by the people and figure out the best way to provide what the citizens and
residents want.
Assistant City Manager Phillips - service driven leaders want to provide service but
consider the implications of their actions and the impact to the City.
City Manager Miller - service driven leaders try to help people, and Mayor Schreiber has
an enhanced reputation for service delivery.
Dr. Mathis asked if a service driven commission puts staff at risk:
Commissioners Roberts and Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Vice Mayor Sultanof said yes
Commissioner Partner said no, the commission approves the policies and the staff does
the work; if they are hired to do the job let them do it; the commission does not dictate
something staff should not do.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - the commissioners make demands and staff
comes back to them with answers, at the end of the day it is up to the commission, and
all of us are in harms way.
Dr. Mathis asked if the commission is concerned about being too service -driven:
Mayor Schreiber - no, the commissioners are elected to provide services for the
residents.
City Manager Miller - the commission is very service driven and would like to solve all
the problems; however, when they come up against code and state law, they stop. In
some cases they ask to have the code reviewed but they respect the code and that is a
strength.
Dr. Mathis said the City Manager's challenge to staff and the city commission is to
become a better, high performance organization (HPO), and in furtherance of this
challenge the City Manager went back to school to learn how the City can become an
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HPO. Dr. Mathis added that in order to become better, we have to start identifying
those things with which we are dissatisfied.
Dr. Mathis asked the commission to indicate those items with which they are
dissatisfied:
Commissioner Portner - processes.
Vice Mayor Sultanof - promptness of reports.
Mayor Schreiber - police services, traffic, speeding and patrolling.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - Tamarac needs more of a sense of place and
definition.
Commissioner Roberts - communication with staff. Vice Mayor Sultanof added it is up
to City Manager Miller to bring information to the commission.
Commissioner Portner - personal attacks by the commission.
Commissioner Roberts - getting things done.
Mayor Schreiber - city code, zoning and enforcement. Vice Mayor Sultanof said
changes are being made to the code but if there is no control and we do not adhere to
ordinances there will be chaos.
Commissioner Roberts - commission needs to put personal issues aside.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco 'plussed' onto Commissioner Roberts's idea,
adding there is a general lack of camaraderie among the commissioners, and
expressed frustration with county bureaucracy.
Mayor Schreiber - the charter needs to be brought up to date.
Commissioner Roberts - better communication with residents regarding code
enforcement.
Commissioner Portner - there are too many cities in Broward County.
Dr. Mathis asked staff for their dissatisfactions:
Assistant City Attorney Steinerts -- work within the limitations of codes.
Human Resources Director Swanson - last minute demands.
Deputy City Manager Cernech - we have great plans but do not stick to them; we
change course too often. There is a need for better coordination between departments.
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Assistant City Manager Phillips - agenda process and process for code revisions.
City Attorney Kraft - communication regarding legal issues.
City Clerk Swenson - communication between staff, and adherence to deadlines.
City Manager Miller — disorientation in the business community.
Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of revitalizing the Chamber of Commerce, and City Manager
Miller said there is a need to turn the newly formed Economic Development Advisory
Committee into a foundation and there is a need to provide more assistance to the
Chamber.
Commissioner Roberts - dissatisfied with the Chamber as it did nothing to help small
businesses for the last five years. City Manager Miller said fees have been lowered and
the membership list is growing. Commissioner Roberts added the City gave the
Chamber financial assistance in the past and they need to make it on their own now.
City Manager Miller concurred the City helped the Chamber with a loan and the
Chamber has been paying it back; now we need to discuss funding the Chamber and
the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
City Manager Miller added he would like to work on Tamarac's business and City
image; not everyone is aware of the tremendous strides we have made. Commissioner
Roberts said she had complained about City Furniture trucks not advertising their
Tamarac location, but they now have that information on their trucks. Commissioner
Portner added the same dissatisfaction with Sawgrass Dodge.
Dr. Mathis called for a recess at 11:00 and reconvened the meeting at 11:15 with all
present as before.
Dr. Mathis spoke of Commission Characteristics of Leadership: communication; how
well does the commission use the strengths of the five; working together "team v.
individual agendas"; business processes; being results oriented; financial stability;
citizen satisfaction; setting goals and expectations for staff and community. The
commissioners rated how well they felt the commission worked together as a whole on
the above items.
Dr. Mathis spoke about citizen satisfaction and said polling and satisfaction surveys are
necessary tools. City Manager Miller added to win the Baldridge or Sterling Award a
city must know what the citizenry requires and as such, must survey the public. City
Manager Miller said he believes the results will be satisfactory, but we need to find out
what facilities people want.
Commissioner Roberts said she knows what the residents want and Tamarac is better
than Coral Springs, therefore she does not feel it is necessary to compete for an award
to say we are better than Coral Springs.
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Deputy City Manager Cernech said Coral Springs is a great place to live; Tamarac and
Coral Springs each have different strengths. The Sterling Award will set Tamarac apart
as an award winning community. The Mayor and City Commission did an excellent job
communicating to staff the concerns of their constituents, but staff is concerned about
the constituents who do not come forward.
City Manager Miller agreed; staff does not want to get caught down the line with new
residents asking why certain services are not offered. Vice Mayor Sultanof said
demographics are changing but we will not hear from every citizen.
City Manager Miller spoke of visions, goals and expectations and said the purpose of
today's meeting is to begin the visioning process, to reassess where we have been and
look to the future. When we develop a vision, the commission is responsible to
articulate that vision in the community.
Deputy City Manager Cernech added that the Mayor and City Commission need to do a
better job of celebrating successes through their vision.
City Manager Miller explained that seven to eight years ago the commission set up
general goals, and every year since held strategic planning sessions. The system has
worked well to this point, but now it is time to regroup and decide the future.
Commissioner Portner said the goals were accomplished as a team; however, he would
like to see things being done in a minimal time element.
Dr. Mathis explained the commission is below average in some areas. The
commission's strong points are, citizen satisfaction, financial stability, and being results
oriented. The two to three areas that are hurtful to the commission's image and
productivity will eventually hurt the overall rating of high leadership. When looking at
improving communications, rules have to be established. Business processes can be
improved, as well as respect for each other's strengths; if we focus on the weakness of
our colleagues it will not help us move forward.
The meeting was recessed at 12:15 and reconvened at 1:30 with the following in
attendance:
Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward C. Portner,
Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Commissioner Karen L. Roberts, City
Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, Assistant City
Manager Diane Phillips, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, Assistant City Attorney Vanessa
T. Steinerts, City Clerk Marion Swenson, Public Works Director Jack Strain, Chief Jim
Budzinski, Finance Director Dona Newman, Utilities Director Ray Gagnon, Human
Resources Director Maria Swanson, Public Information Officer Lucy Crockett,
Community Development Director J. Christopher King, BSO Chief Kenneth Dugger,
Parks and Recreation Director Kathleen Margoles, IT Director Levent Sucuoglu, Dr.
William Mathis, and Janice Schreuder, M.A.
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Dr. Mathis recapped the morning session, and said commission strengths and business
processes were the low areas. City Manager Miller said we need to better articulate our
successes to the commission, and that we are actually doing very well in terms of
improvements to business processes, but we haven't done a good job in communicating
that to the commission. City Manager Miller added that Finance Director Newman has
decided to take a position in Cape Coral as an auditor, and we are all sorry to see her
go. She has done an outstanding job for Tamarac.
Dr. Mathis asked the commission if their ratings in leadership came as a surprise to any
of them and Commissioners Flansbaum-Talabisco and Roberts said they were
surprised the average for team work came out so high; the commission did a good job
in spite of itself and Commissioner Roberts said there is a need to work on trust and
civility.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said the team functions well and trust will come in time. In the
meantime, we do function very well; we do pass what is necessary, we operate as a
team, and that's what I feel is the thing we have to deal with. The little odds and ends
about trust and respect and civility, that's something we have to teach one another as to
how to do it. But, in the meantime, the team is working, because how could you
possible have done all that you have in that circle if you weren't a team; if we were
going in different directions, we couldn't accomplish anything.
Dr. Mathis agreed that with all the discussion about who the commissioners like and do
not work well with it is surprising that the score was high in this area.
Commissioner Roberts said even with disagreements and not getting along, the
commissioners have the good of the city and residents at heart.
Commissioner Portner said we get results yet the team doesn't seem to operate well.
The question is, if we get results, and we do, why do we need opposition from outside to
run against us? Commissioner Partner said he'd like to know the answer to that. Dr.
Mathis asked Commissioner Portner what he thinks, and Commissioner Portner replied
he thinks if the commission works well and gets results, why should there be opposition
to members of this commission by outsiders? Why should someone want to run against
us or be promoted by somebody else to run against us if we do well?
Mayor Schreiber said commissioners are elected in the democratic process, and people
want to run no matter how well you do. They want to run for a position if they think they
can do as well or better, and that's natural. What you're saying is if you're doing so
well, why is anybody opposing you? Well, that's normal.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said there's more to the question and
Commissioner Portner said the question is a very simple one; if we get results, why
does someone on this commission promote somebody else to take the position? Dr.
Mathis responded that usually the answer is because they want a more compatible
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colleague. Commissioner Portner said how much more compatible can you be when
you get results? Isn't that the end gain, results?
Commissioner Roberts said the strength and communication are low. Dr. Mathis added
that it's obvious somebody's not happy with things, and Commissioner Portner asked
not happy with what, results? Dr. Mathis responded they may not be happy with some
of these low areas.
Commissioner Portner said the bottom line is to get things done for the City, and the five
members of the commission get results. Dr. Mathis said he believed Commissioner
Portner's point is why one wouldn't get reelected if you're getting results, but that does
not always happen. Commissioner Portner said he understands that, but questioned
whether that wasn't counter dichotomy? We do things for the City, we get the results.
Commissioner Partner asked what the score was on results, and Dr. Mathis said eight
plus. Commissioner Portner said that means that we do things for the City. It's a pretty
high standard. So if we all come up with a high standard, then why do others promote
somebody else to come against this commission? Dr. Mathis said dissatisfaction, and
Commissioner Portner asked with what? Dr. Mathis said it's not the results; it's
probably some of those low points. Commissioner Portner said it's personal, and Dr.
Mathis agreed those areas are personal.
Mayor Schreiber said it has to be personal, this isn't something that happened
yesterday or today, this happened way back when; we have discord on this commission
because of where some of these commissioners came from and they don't agree with
his attitude, but if Commissioner Portner would look in the mirror he would see where
the problem is; his attitude. Mayor Schreiber continued that Commissioner Portner may
not realize it but he is here today because of Mayor Schreiber. Mayor Schreiber got
Commissioner Portner's daughter elected the first time, and eventually Commissioner
Portner came to the commission; he inherited the position. But Commissioner Portner
has a certain attitude that's not compatible with Mayor Schreiber or some of the others,
so that's the friction. Dr. Mathis asked Mayor Schreiber if he felt Commissioner Portner
owed him loyalty and Mayor Schreiber answered that Commissioner Portner didn't owe
him anything; only the ability to do the best job he can for the City, and he on the other
hand, didn't owe Commissioner Portner anything. Mayor Schreiber added that
Commissioner Portner has made it personal; and if he doesn't like Commissioner
Portner, that's his privilege, and if he wants somebody else to defeat Commissioner
Portner and take his place, then Mayor Schreiber has every right to do so. Mayor
Schreiber said Commissioner Portner feels that no one should oppose him, but Mayor
Schreiber said he feels somebody else would be better, and that is his opinion.
Commissioner Portner responded that he didn't believe anything Mayor Schreiber said,
and when Mayor Schreiber told the newspaper that Commissioner Portner should go
"shit in my hat", he couldn't think anything else but that it's personal. Commissioner
Portner said he did not run on the coattails of his daughter; he ran on his own, and if
Mayor Schreiber doesn't understand that, it's his own problem, not Commissioner
Portner's, and when the mayor says that Commissioner Portner steals from the City,
that is personal. Commissioner Portner reiterated if we get results, what difference do
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personalities make as long as the job gets done? And that is what we're all here for, to
get the job done.
Dr. Mathis said it's hard to argue with getting results.
Commissioner Roberts agreed the commission gets results in spite of themselves. But
added we need to get along better; not talking to each other and attacking each other
has to stop. We made rules years ago about how we need to act; we need to readdress
those. Commissioner Roberts said she did not set up an opponent to run against a
commissioner. Commissioner Roberts said the opponent is her friend, but she told her
friend to move to her district where she's termed out, not to run against another
commissioner; however, whether that person wants to do that, is that person's right and
privilege. And the people in that district will vote for whoever they wish. To keep
gnawing and jabbing at this for over a year now, is enough, and we need to get this
straightened out. Commissioner Roberts said you're not going to agree with everything
that I say, or the other commissioners say, and that's fine, but you don't need to stab us,
underhandedly do things, and tell us that we're unpatriotic. We need to work together,
in a civilized manner. Outside of City Hall, except at City functions, if you don't want to
speak to me, that's fine, but while we're doing City business, I think we should be
professional.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said that is a utopian thinking, and it is marvelous to have that kind
of thinking. Unfortunately, we live in a society where we can't have that kind of thinking.
It's difficult. If you feel that you can be la-dee-dah in front of your face and not mean it,
then that has no merit. So therefore, what we feel and what we don't feel, basically
when the chips are down, (and Vice Mayor Sultanof said he believed he was here
before his colleague got here), we got along well. Vice Mayor Sultanof said
Commissioner Roberts is upset with the fact that he thinks she did something wrong.
Commissioner Roberts said they both got here the same year. Vice Mayor Sultanof
said we are here now; this commission is the best this City has had, in spite of our
differences, in spite of the personalities, in spite of the fact that the Mayor sees things
behind closed doors and under beds. Vice Mayor Sultanof continued that his name is
Marc Sultanof, and he is not Norman Abramowitz, and he's [Mayor Schreiber] been
carrying that on for eight years. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he doesn't listen to anyone
except his God; he may not think so, yes, we did produce results. It's wonderful that he
can sit on a high plane and say you've got to run for office. That's fine, but while you're
dealing with us and we're in office, let's do the job. Take a look at what we've
accomplished. Take a look at these two papers. Did they come out of nowhere? We
worked with staff. We don't demean staff; we are the best in Broward County, so
therefore, Vice Mayor Sultanof said he doesn't need any of this nonsense; he's
interested in doing the job. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he has nothing personal against
the individual, he is just not happy with the individual, and maybe wrongfully so, but it's
possible he, Vice Mayor Sultanof, may be right. But let's not cloud the issue. You have
it up there and we've done well, and extremely well, and the Mayor knows damn well
we've done well. And for him to have made a statement that I'm in my sandbox by
myself and nobody wants to work with me is a lie, because my colleague asked the City
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Clerk, tell me how often we vote 5-0; almost 90%. So let's be realistic; it's on the table, I
said it to the Mayor, I have nothing against the Mayor personally, I never have, but the
important factor is I am my own person. My name is Marc L. Sultanof, it's spelled with
one T and I want him to recognize one factor. I live my own life; I don't live anybody
else's. I have a friend and I won't give up that friend, just like he has a friend and he
won't give it up. So don't label me. And let him be aware of the fact that he better stop
labeling me; and I do my job and I do it well. My community likes me because I do my
job; and if they don't like me they can vote me out. We are custodians; we're not the
government. The people are the government. They can vote me out, but I'm sick and
tired of having that nonsense thrown up to me. I'm not married to him; I'm not his son,
and I refuse to accept that. And I hope the Mayor is listening, because sometimes he
doesn't hear well.
Mayor Schreiber said he heard, and Vice Mayor Sultanof said to remember it.
Mayor Schreiber asked Vice Mayor Sultanof to lower his tone of voice as the
commission is talking civilly, and not campaigning for office. Mayor Schreiber said Vice
Mayor Sultanof didn't have to like him, just as he didn't have to like Vice Mayor Sultanof.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said that's fine, as he knows Mayor Schreiber for sixteen years and
can't like him.
Mayor Schreiber said if we were able to get all these results, and he is the Mayor, he
must be a magician. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the commission gets things done, not
one person.
Dr. Mathis said the commissioners all know what the business of the commission is and
appear to be successful; however, the commission needs to work at being more civil to
each other. Elected officials have a higher calling and a public meeting is not the best
choice for public officials to work out differences.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said the commissioners have a history together,
but she has only one year, and perhaps her colleagues forgot how difficult it is to come
on board as a neophyte in the public arena. There is a lack of camaraderie, team spirit
and civility, which is palpable. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like
to see this changed.
Dr. Mathis said it is important to air these thoughts, and it is very hard to become an
HPO; the commission may need to meet in this forum a few times a year.
Dr. Mathis said the commission and staff categorized the most important needs of the
city: organizational development; economic development; infrastructure; quality of life
issues; and public safety. There is a need to share the vision with the populace. One
strength of the commission is that they are all interested in different areas.
City Manager Miller said the commonalities are as follows:
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Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - develop aggressive zoning
techniques and land use planning
Mayor Schreiber, Vice Mayor Sultanof, Commissioners Partner and Flansbaum-
Talabisco - innovative marketing to improve economic vitality
Vice Mayor Sultanof, Commissioners Roberts, Portner and Flansbaum-Talabisco -
development of parks and leisure opportunities
Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco - providing services at a
reasonable cost
Commissioners Portner and Flansbaum-Talabisco - improvements in technology
Dr. Mathis asked the commissioners to suggest other issues they would like explored.
Vice Mayor Sultanof - providing the opportunity for the community to celebrate what is
uniquely Tamarac.
Commissioner Portner asked if the Economic Development Advisory Committee has
plans to make an image statement for Tamarac, and if the city is looking for a
consultant. City Manager Miller replied the Economic Development Advisory
Committee has no resources to hire a consultant, but they asked staff to put out an RFP
and then present it to the commission. Mayor Schreiber said some time ago he was
approached by a branding company, but nothing has been done to date. The Economic
Development Advisory Committee brought out that it would be helpful if Tamarac had
unique branding, and they also want to improve the entrances to Tamarac.
Vice Mayor Sultanof - Art in the Park.
Commissioner Roberts — the need to upgrade parks as soon as possible.
Commissioner Roberts said the commission is in agreement with this because the city
already purchased land. City Manager Miller said a CIP workshop is scheduled for
June 14th at which time there will be discussion of different funding options for Parks
and Recreation.
Dr. Mathis suggested the uniqueness of Tamarac be one of seven or eight goals for
next year, and all agreed.
Commissioner Roberts — building and code compliance department should work with
residents by creating a list of companies who have done business in local cities and
who have a good reputation. Deputy City Manager Cernech explained that Code
Enforcement Manager Woods and Building Official Jones are preparing to do that, and
Building Official Jones would like the opportunity to address this at a future workshop.
City Manager Miller added it may be problematic for staff to recommend private vendors
to the community. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested the chamber accept
that task.
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Dr. Mathis addressed public safety, and said the commission must have an agenda.
Mayor Schreiber said two areas to be addressed are speeding and patrolling.
Vice Mayor Sultanof agreed and asked BSO Chief Dugger to look into speeding on
108th Terrace. Vice Mayor Sultanof added the contract with BSO is coming up for
renewal, and the need for more deputies can be addressed at that time.
Dr. Mathis suggested the commission may need to find solutions other than putting
more patrols on streets. BSO Chief Dugger explained that more deputies may not be
realistic; BSO is handling more calls for service rather than enforcement, and a balance
has to be made with the needs of community.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said as we did with Public Art, there was a
seminar for three hours, which was terrific. It appears we are at different places in the
educational process. We may need a workshop or seminar with the Chief to hear about
where we actually are in terms of population, and what we're provided, and alternative
measures. All agreed.
Commissioner Roberts said traffic and speeding may be a by-product of repairing the
roads; with better roads, people tend to drive faster.
Dr. Mathis stated that perhaps Public Works Director Strain needs to create some
strategies, and Commissioner Roberts replied a policy for traffic calming was recently
created. Dr. Mathis added that some traffic calming solutions provide different
problems.
Dr. Mathis asked if there are any Public safety issues for the fire department, to which
Chief Budzinski replied the fire department is doing well.
BSO Chief Dugger explained Tamarac is becoming younger, and as the land mass
becomes built out, with the population emigrating from South America, crime is affected.
A different type of occupant is moving into Tamarac, and there is a need to refurbish
areas or there will be an increase in crime. Mayor Schreiber spoke about hurricanes
and homeland security and the lack of funding. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco
said we may need education on that also. City Manager Miller stated that there is an
emergency operation plan in the City, and we recently constructed a new EOC which
the Commissioners will get a tour of when the fire station opens, but we will schedule a
briefing for the Commission.
Vice Mayor Sultanof the MPO envisions 800,000+ that will be coming up from Miami -
Dade into Broward County. There has to be a view of the picture that's going to take
place; the increase in crime and traffic will need to be accommodated.
Community Development Director King spoke of county population projections, the
proposed Main Street Project and redevelopment on the east side. Declining areas are
being identified and a plan is being worked on to rejuvenate various areas. Dr. Mathis
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asked which district would be attended to first and Community Development Director
King said all four districts would be looked at concurrently.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said the 441 corridor is under consideration, and the dead malls
could be demolished and rebuilt.
Mayor Schreiber added there are no declining residential areas in Tamarac; the
problem area is State Road 441, and there is a question of funding.
Commissioner Roberts said there are some run down areas in District 4.
Dr. Mathis said economic development is a key area.
Commissioner Portner alleged the Main Street development is slowed by the process.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said major economic development is coming in to the City as well
as the possibility of a hotel.
Commissioner Roberts asked if the commission is interested in economic development
and commercial property, why the commission consistently votes to change zoning from
commercial to residential.
Mayor Schreiber replied to generate tax money, and spoke about schools not
accommodating the children coming in to Tamarac.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said economic development is a two -headed
monster, as residents move in businesses are attracted to the area.
Vice Mayor Sultanof added when residential developers take over commercial property
that has been vacant for a few years they pay school impact fees.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco explained when an owner comes to us for
rezoning we must come up with a strong legal reason to say no. Commissioner Roberts
disagreed and said legally the commission does not have to change a land use. City
Attorney Kraft said there is a lower standard of the land use amendment, but after that,
when we get to the zoning issues and site plan approvals, then the standards do rise up
and there is more of a burden on the City to not approve it. The original land use
amendment is still considered a legislative process with debatable standards, and of
course, what comes later is all the competent, substantial evidence.
Mayor Schreiber said retail establishments need upgrading.
Dr. Mathis questioned staff's feelings about finances and the future:
Finance Director Newman said the city could become more flexible and be in a better
position to respond to wishes from the commission if decisions were pushed further
down into the organization.
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Dr. Mathis questioned image building:
Public Information Officer Crockett said we need to know where we are headed 10
years into the future, and if the way we currently communicate with the residents is
effective. The website is useful to residents, and we must find methods of bi-lingual
presentations for our residents.
Dr. Mathis questioned legal issues:
City Attorney Kraft said we need to look at modernizing code enforcement; we currently
have a Code Board but we need to move more to a Special Master.
Chief Budzinski suggested there is a need for depth in the organization.
Utilities Director Gagnon said the commission supported the Utilities Department to the
point where it is now in a maintenance mode.
Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said there is an ambitious program for the
development of parks and the necessary services that go along with these projects.
There is a commitment to social services and transportation, but as the community
changes, we need to be prepared to meet the changing needs.
Dr. Mathis asked where the needs are regarding development of the organization:
Human Resources Director Swanson responded there is major work to be done on the
compensation system to set a framework that will support staff.
Commissioner Portner recommended the use of technology in a more cost effective
way. IT Director Sucuoglu responded there is a lot to do; staff needs appropriate tools
and we need to keep up with the demands of staff to improve efficiency and allow us to
focus on future projects.
Human Resources Director Swanson spoke of the depth of staff in the organization, and
the recognition system, and said we have made progress but still need to do more.
Commissioner Roberts said the commission and staff work together so that good things
happen, but most residents are not aware of how much we do and how great we are.
Dr. Mathis asked if there is anything the commission should request from Public works,
and Public Works Director Strain said it would be to poll the residents to find out what
they think.
Dr. Mathis explained that due to the late hour the commission would not be able to get
started on the visioning process. Dr. Mathis asked the commission what they thought
was the most important part of today's discussion, and what they felt the next step
should be.
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Commissioner Roberts said the most important part was not gotten to during this
meeting, but it would have been goals that each of the commissioners envision.
Commissioner Roberts said she did not think a meeting of this magnitude should have
been relegated to one day. The next step is to get together again and talk about
visioning.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco agreed that two days for this meeting would have
been better. The best thing to come out of this meeting was that some things were put
out on the table and some tools were given to the commission to address those ideas.
Commissioner Portner said he felt the best assumptions were that the commission does
good work. The next step is to lay aside the bitterness.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said a roadmap has been laid and the commission has the
rudiments. Visions for the future must be worked on in a separate meeting, and there is
a lot of work left to do for the future.
Mayor Schreiber said Dr. Mathis did what he always does well; he pushed the
commission in a direction for a meeting of the minds, strengths, and weaknesses.
Mayor Schreiber said Dr. Mathis did a good job, and is always welcome to come back.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said the most important thing Dr. Mathis provided
us with is an environment where can talk freely and hear each other a little more clearly.
Dr. Mathis said he was extremely impressed with the results and accomplishments, and
added the commission has a great city manager in Mr. Miller, but they have yet to take
advantage of him. The way to get better is to push oneself to the limit. Be innovative,
pay people well and keep them with the organization, and use individual strengths. This
commission can do better, and it is important to meet in this venue a few times a year.
There being no further business to come before the city commission, the special
workshop meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Marion Swenson, CMC
City Clerk
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