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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-09 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2006 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, January 9, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t" Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Schreiber led the Pledge of Allegiance. JANUARY 11 2006 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(b). PURCHASE OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT FOR CAPORELLA AQUATIC CENTER — LIFE FITNESS: (TR10868) Purchasing fitness equipment for the fitness room at the Caporella Aquatic Center at a cost not to exceed $74,259.81, utilizing the School Board of Broward County Bid #25-088H; approving funding from the appropriate parks and recreation account. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner, Recreation Superintendent Zimmer, and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation and Mayor Schreiber asked if there would be fans in the ceiling. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said there would be fans for cross ventilation. Mayor Schreiber asked about the city's experience with the company and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the equipment is good and requires minimal repair. Commissioner Portner questioned the closure of the fitness room at the Tamarac Community Center and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner responded it has always been the city's desire to move the fitness room from the Tamarac Community Center to the Aquatic Center, but aerobics and fitness classes will still be held at the Tamarac Community Center. Commissioner Portner questioned the need for fans and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner stated the fans will provide better circulation with no direct hit on the participants. Mayor Schreiber asked about the distance of the showers from the new fitness center and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said they will not be far. Commissioner Roberts questioned notice to the program participants regarding the change of location for the fitness center. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said as much notice as possible will be given. Commissioner Sultanof asked about parking at the Aquatic Center to accommodate fitness room participants, and said the change of venue needs to be made palatable for the participants so we do not lose enrollment fees. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained there will be no increase in fee for this fiscal year so current participants will be able to see the benefits of the new facility. Mayor Schreiber suggested bus transportation from the Tamarac Community Center to the Aquatic Center and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained the Aquatic Center will be added as a stop on the bus route. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the time period between closure of one facility and opening the other to which Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner replied the January 9, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 1 of 6 new fitness equipment will be delivered directly to the Aquatic Center and for the one or two days it will take to move the existing equipment from the Tamarac Community Center to the Aquatic Center the facilities will be closed, but the public will be given ample notice. Commissioner Portner questioned whether it would be practical to keep the fitness room open in the Tamarac Community Center and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the decision to close the fitness room in the Tamarac Community Center was made because of the close proximity of the Aquatic Center to the Tamarac Community Center. To keep both open would be a duplication of services as well as a huge expense to the city for both equipment and personnel. Transportation to the Aquatic Center will be offered to senior program members and this will also be publicized. If there is a huge outcry after the change is made we can look at other options. Commissioner Sultanof added that many seniors do not know how to swim and suggested dovetailing swim lessons into their programs. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said there is always some resistance to change, but this is a positive change and there will be a trial period from April or May through October. b. Item No. 6(d). PURCHASE OF PARK MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT — WESCO TURF SUPPLY, INC.: (TR10873) Purchasing park maintenance equipment, at a total cost not to exceed $40,310.63, from Wesco Turf Supply, Inc., utilizing State of Florida Purchasing Contract Numbers 515-630-03-1 and 070-840-04-1; approving funding from the appropriate Parks and Recreation accounts. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner, Parks Superintendent Moll and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation and Parks Superintendent Moll described the equipment being considered for purchase and said this was approved as part of the 2006 budget process. C. Item No. 6(g). AFFILIATION AGREEMENT — EMS ACADEMY: (TR10787) Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Para-Med Academy, Inc. d/b/a Emergency Medical Sciences Academy, Inc. (EMS Academy) to allow Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students an opportunity to receive education and training from Tamarac Fire Rescue personnel in an EMS Student Preceptorship Program for a three-year period effective upon the execution of the agreement. d. Item No. 6(h). AFFILIATION AGREEMENT — FLORIDA MEDICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE FMTI : (TR10788) Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Florida Medical Training Institute (FMTI) to allow Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students an opportunity to receive education and training from Tamarac Fire Rescue personnel in an EMS Student Preceptorship Program for a three-year period effective upon execution of the agreement. Fire Chief Budzinski said items 1(c) and 1(d) on the workshop agenda are companion items; they are identical contracts with two schools that teach EMT and Para -Medic Classes. Students get required practical experience and observation time by riding on city vehicles. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what the students would do while they are on the vehicles and how many students are in the field. Chief Budzinski said it depends on where they are in their training; first time riders will observe and as they progress in the program if they are signed off for certain skills, they will, under the supervision of a preceptor, perform patient assessments and participate in treatment. The number of students varies. Commissioner Portner asked who in city hall is trained to perform CPR. Chief Budzinski said while he does not have a list in front of him, approximately 100 city employees January 9, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 6 have been trained as well as several commissioners. Mayor Schreiber stated that he read a recent newspaper article regarding defibrillators vs. CPR, and that the trend is more toward defibrillators than toward CPR. Chief Budzinski said the industry is looking at defibrillators as a more definitive treatment, and some protocols for CPR are now changing. Commissioner Portner asked if there is a defibrillator in City Hall and Chief Budzinski said there is, near the security guard station. Mayor Schreiber moved out of the order of business on the workshop agenda to take up item 1(f). f. Item No. 6(k). PURCHASE OF THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS AND ACCESSORIES: (TR10876) Purchasing three (3) thermal imaging cameras and related accessories from Axis Fire Supply, Inc. under the existing contract for the City of Tarpon Springs, FL at a cost not to exceed $35,885.76. Fire Chief Budzinski, Special Projects Coordinator Gresek, and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Chief Budzinski gave a presentation and said the cameras are being purchased under a grant. The city bought two approximately nine years ago and the technology has changed dramatically. Additionally, the equipment is now less costly. Mayor Schreiber asked for an explanation of the equipment and Chief Budzinski explained the equipment senses differentials in temperature and with the new machines, the differences show up as different colors. This is useful for fire/smoke investigations. Commissioner Roberts asked if special training is needed to use this equipment and Chief Budzinski said while it is not necessary, there is a program that comes with each unit and the firefighters will be trained. Commissioner Roberts asked if one unit would be placed at each station and Chief Budzinski said there would be one on each engine and the old imaging equipment would be maintained as backup. Commissioner Portner confirmed that in the event of afire, the unit will be able to distinguish a firefighter in the melee and Chief Budzinski explained that in addition to finding hot spots in the case of a fire it will also identify the body of a victim. Mayor Schreiber moved back to the regular order of business on the agenda to take up Item 10) e. Item No. 60). URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES' LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: (TR10874) Urging members of the Florida Legislature to support the Florida League of Cities' priority issues during the 2006 legislative session; authorizing the City Clerk to distribute copies of the adopted Resolution to Governor Bush, Senate President Lee, House Speaker Bense, Senator Campbell, Representatives Meadows, Greenstein, and Porth and the Florida League of Cities. Assistant City Manager Phillips and Management Intern Medlar appeared. Assistant City Manager Phillips gave a presentation and explained the FLC priorities, in particular legislation to preserve municipal autonomy regarding involuntary self-government which is in response to issues regarding annexation; request from municipalities for alternate funding options to respond to disaster relief promptly and provide services to constituents after disasters; municipal tools for community redevelopment and urban revitalization (Home Rule) allowing cities to develop CRA's; dedicated and recurring revenue sources for transportation projects; preservation of dedicated funding for affordable housing programs; and a comprehensive and uniform workers' compensation system. Mayor Schreiber asked if it would be possible for cities to have programs without developing a CRA, and added that we might need support January 9, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 3 of 6 from the federal government for transportation funding as the majority of funding comes from national rather than state coffers. Commissioner Sultanof said the MPO has cut itself away from Broward County and is looking for additional money and providing it, and Tamarac will get $9 million between 2006 — 2009 relating to transportation; however, it is a good idea for the cities to work together to get this money. Mayor Schreiber suggested the city have its own court system so we can 9rovide better service to the residents. Commissioner Sultanof said Tamarac is under the 17 Judicial Circuit and if any city tries to establish a court system it would have to come under the 17"' Judicial Circuit and he does not see how this can be done. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of home rule and assistance in retaining franchise fees from FPL and Bellsouth. Assistant City Manager Phillips said Tamarac is following this issue but it has not been identified by the League of Cities. Commissioner Portner said he supports what the FLC wants, but we have elected officials in Tallahassee and he would like the Mayor and City Commission to ask them to appear before this commission so we can discuss Tamarac's needs with our representatives. Additionally, he would like to have them here before their session starts, and suggested including the lobbyists. Commissioner Roberts added that last year Senator Campbell chided Tamarac for not telling him what we wanted. City Manager Miller said he would see what he could do to get the representatives here before they went into session. There was discussion regarding the type of forum to hold and a special workshop was decided upon, date and time to be announced. City Manager Miller added that each year a packet of Tamarac requests is sent to the legislators, and Senator Campbell is included. g. Item No. 7. AMENDING CHAPTER 24 AND CHAPTER 10 OF THE TAMARAC CODE: (TO2106) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 24 entitled "Zoning", Article V, "Off Street Parking", Section 24-580, "Specifications" and Chapter 10 entitled, "Land Development Regulations", Article V, "Improvements", Section 10-186, "Private Accessways" of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances to incorporate and differentiate driveway specifications pertaining to single-family residential and all other zoning districts, providing for a maximum width of driveways in residential districts, distinguishing that circular driveways must maintain fifteen feet (15') between driveway openings with a minimum 7.5 foot radius, and allowing for a grandfather clause (Case No. 24-Z-05); providing for codification. Community Development Director King gave a presentation and said since there are no specific requirements in the code with regard to regulations for driveways for single family residences, this ordinance will address those concerns and formalize that which we have been doing over the past years. Tamarac's demographics are changing and with younger people moving into our communities, there is a need for larger driveways. Commissioner Roberts said she has a problem with the fact that some lots are not large enough to accommodate the footage referred to in the ordinance. Community Development Director King explained if a homeowner did not have enough room to build a circular driveway then they could construct a 24' driveway which would accommodate two cars. Additionally, the code will allow for grandfathering existing driveways. Commissioner Roberts expressed concern about the fact that if a double driveway is constructed on some of the small interior lots it will take up % of the lot. Community Development Director King said the city is trying to not have the driveways encroach into impervious areas. h. Item No. 8. AMENDING CHAPTER 16PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT ARTICLE VII — POLICE OFFICERS PENSION TRUST FUND: (TO2107) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 16, Pensions and Retirement, Article VII — Police Officers January 9, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 4 of 6 Pension Trust Fund; providing for an annual supplemental retirement benefit to be funded only from the annual receipts of additional premium tax revenues mandated under Chapter 185; providing for a savings clause; providing for codification. Financial Services Director Chapman gave a presentation and explained the Pension Board and attorneys have reviewed the ordinance and are in agreement with the language. Commissioner Roberts confirmed that next year this will be done by December 1 and Director of Financial Services Chapman said that is correct. Commissioner Roberts asked if everyone eligible to receive the money will be equitably covered and Director of Financial Services Chapman said they would. Commissioner Sultanof confirmed the one active participant in the police pension plan who originally worked for Tamarac is covered. i. Item No. 9. AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE TAMARAC CODE — GENERAL EMPLOYEES PENSION PLAN: (TO2108) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 16, Pension and Retirement, Article III, Division 1, Section 16-133 to provide for an increase of the participant contribution from 5% to 7% of total cash remuneration paid for services rendered to the city; amending Section 16-219 of Division 4 to provide, effective February 4, 2006 for normal retirement upon the attainment of age 55 and 30 years of service; amending Section 16-233 of Division 4 to provide for an increase of the benefit multiplier to 2.6% for all participants retiring on or after February 4, 2006; providing for codification. Human Resources Director Swanson gave a presentation and explained part of the new FPE contract included changes to the pension plan: increase in the benefit multiplier, employees with 30 years service eligible to retire at 55 years of age with full benefits; and employees picking up higher percentage for cost of the plan. 2. DISCUSSION — RESCHEDULE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING FROM 7:00 P.M. APRIL 12 2006 TO 7:00 P.M. APRIL 11 2006 DUE TO COM NCEMENT PASSOVER HOLIDAY: City Clerk Swenson said due to the fact that several of the commissioners celebrate the Passover Holiday it is suggested that the commission meeting be moved to April 11. All were in agreement. Commissioner Portner said he had discussed with the City Manager and City Attorney the fact that he would like to try to freeze increases in the Property Appraiser's office, as many people can not afford an increase in their taxes. Additionally, he would like the 3% increase reviewed. Mayor Schreiber said instead of assessing at market value property should be assessed at 50%-60% of market value. Additionally, cities benefit from the increases in assessed value and as such, we may be able to reduce our millage rate. Commissioner Sultanof said the real estate market is going soft; the state has the Save Our Homes Act and can not go beyond 3%. Commissioner Sultanof said he does not know if we reduce our millage rate how this would affect the money we just borrowed. Director of Financial Services Chapman spoke of the equation used to compute the amount of money needed to run a city (assessed value x millage rate = money for general operations.) When one of those numbers change it will affect the amount of money available to operate. If there is no increase in assessed value and we leave the millage rate the same, we will then collect the same amount of money in the coming year as we did last year. With growth and expenditures we must look at additional as well as current levels of service. While the assessed value for most people only increases at 3% through the Save Our Homes Act, we need to leave the millage rate the same in order to have enough money to run the city. Debt service is our first obligation, and then come other obligations, such as contracts. Part of the budgeting process January 9, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 5 of 6 is that we ultimately have the power to control the bottom line property taxes through the millage. Commissioner Sultanof said we must make sure we meet every obligation. Commissioner Portner said while he understands Director of Financial Services Chapman's point, he feels we sometimes price ourselves out of the market. Many people can not sell their homes and move to other homes because the taxes are too high. Director of Financial Services Chapman said the problem is with the Save Our Homes Act, it is not an assessment problem. Commissioner Portner said the increase in appraised value of homes is forcing many people out of Broward County and the state, and this needs to be looked into, perhaps through our legislative body. Director of Financial Services Chapman spoke of HJR33, portability of Save Our Homes, and it is revenue neutral. For example, if one purchased a house for $100,000 and the assessed value is $100,000, and one could sell the home for $300,000 which would give a $200,000 taxable credit; that same seller may want to purchase a home for $80,000 but under the new proposed Bill the new home must maintain a $100,000 assessment. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of the federal law regarding taxable gains. Mayor Schreiber spoke of a $10 million surplus in Tamarac's budget and Commissioner Sultanof said there is no surplus. Director of Financial Services Chapman explained while he does not have the audit report in front of him there is about a $3.7 million surplus which is in accordance with the 7.5%-10% reserve fund. Commissioner Sultanof said the rest of the money is designated and if we use our surplus now we will have to borrow money for the future. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 10:55 a.m. Marion Swenson, CIVIC City Clerk 1 January 9, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 6 of 6