HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-25 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the
City Commission to order on Monday, February 25, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t" Avenue.
PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof,
Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, and Commissioner
Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren,
Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance and said this is a sad morning
for the City of Tamarac, as a beloved member of the team, Gary B. Jones, passed away
on Friday.
City Manager Miller said the passing of Gary Jones was a shock for everybody on the
staff and the Commission. He was a valuable member of the executive team; and he
was dedicated to his craft and to the building trades. Gary Jones had super customer
service skills and he did an excellent job leading the staff at the Building Department.
City Manager Miller said visitation will take place on Tuesday with the funeral service on
Wednesday. All of us in Tamarac will miss Gary Jones very much.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said Gary Jones was a gentle giant, and when she was
elected five years ago a special bond grew between her and Gary Jones because of
their love for dogs. Additionally, Gary Jones was very encouraging and supportive to
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and her husband as they went through medical issues.
Gary Jones will be missed.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said Gary Jones told him he lives day to day. Gary Jones met
adversity and sadness in his life with conviction and determination. With his family and
his dogs, his life was complete. Vice Mayor Sultanof said we do not live forever; while
we are here there must be a gentleness within us. Vice Mayor Sultanof thanked
everyone for their concern about his wife, Sylvia.
Commissioner Portner said Gary Jones had a nice life and enjoyed himself.
Commissioner Atkins -Grad said Gary Jones took a special interest in helping her and
she will miss him.
Commissioner Dressler said Gary Jones was truly a wonderful person, and
Commissioner Dressier's heart goes out to Gary Jones' family.
February 25, 2008
City Commission Workshop
Page 1 of 5
1. PRESENTATION RE: PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS: Director of
Parks and Recreation Warner and Recreation Superintendent Zimmer appeared.
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner reported on a new partnership between the
City of Tamarac and the City of North Lauderdale, the North Lauderdale/Tamarac
Sharks Swim Team. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the Swim Team is
part of the South Florida Recreational Services League (SFRSL). Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco questioned insurance, parking, the financial impact of hiring coaches, and
impact on residents using the pool. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said we
are working with Risk Management and the City Attorney with regard to insurance; we
currently have safeguards in place under the operations of the pool. SFRSL has a
blanket insurance policy and they oversee the leagues; there should not be an impact to
the City. Parking should not be a problem. There is no financial impact to the City of
Tamarac regarding the coach and there will be a minimal impact to residents.
Commissioner Atkins -Grad said North Lauderdale is as excited about the partnership as
Tamarac is and she is happy to see the two cities working as a team. Director of Parks
and Recreation Warner spoke of the Intergenerational Community Garden, a result of
the green initiative. The Teen Council and Senior Program members will come under
the supervision of staff. There are potential partnerships with Tropic Plants and
Broward County Naturescape. There was discussion regarding xeriscape plantings,
and Commissioner Portner spoke of residents who had used this type of landscaping in
their yards and whose Homeowner Associations made them revert back to the grass
lawn. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said there will not be xeriscape
plantings but we will be looking at alternatives for watering. City Manager Miller said
xeriscaping will be discussed during the Commission retreat. Commissioner Atkins -
Grad said she hoped once this garden is successful we can have more throughout the
City. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if this would be on the website and in the next
Tam -A -Gram and Recreation Superintendent Zimmer said it would be on the City's
website. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said Summer Camp 2008 would be
an eight week session with 350-375 campers and 43 staff. Camp will run from June 16
— August 8. The paid CIT program has been replaced with a volunteer program for 14+
teens who will serve as program aides. For the week between school and camp, and
for the week between camp and school there will be a sports program offered. There
was discussion regarding payment of the fee, and waivers, if applicable. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested an end of camp party with a drawing for the
volunteers, sponsored through the Chamber of Commerce.
2. FEBRUARY 27, 2008 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 6(h) on the consent agenda. AMENDING THE CITY OF TAMARAC
INVESTMENT POLICY: (TR11347) Revising the Investment Policy of the City of
Tamarac to authorize the utilization of certain investment instruments; to authorize the
amending of the investment parameters; to authorize the amending of the reporting
standards; to authorize the amending of the glossary; to authorize the amending of
Finance to Financial Services. Financial Services Director Chapman and Bill Spivey,
Client Manager FLSAFE appeared. Financial Services Director Chapman addressed
TR11347 and TR11363 together. Financial Services Director Chapman discussed the
February 25, 2008
City Commission Workshop
Page 2 of 5
investment policy and said the City looks for safety of principal, liquidity and lowering
the risk. Financial Services Director Chapman spoke of the SBA and the fact that
Tamarac had backed out of that investment pool. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned the
types of investments of FLSAFE and Mr. Spivey said they use a conservative model.
Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed the investment portfolio and its use. Commissioner
Dressler confirmed the investment policy is being adjusted to give the City of Tamarac
more flexibility and the Investment Advisory Board has approved the change. The
primary objective is safety of principal, which is more important than yield.
Commissioner Dressler said he had a disclosure with regard to Item 6(I). City Attorney
Goren explained Commissioner Dressler is a member of the FMIT for the Florida
League Board of Trustees. There is no conflict under Chapter 112 as these are two
separate entities. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed that in the future, as other
vehicles become available there will be other recommendations coming through the
Investment Advisory Board to the Mayor and City Commission.
b. Item No. 6(I) on the consent agenda. APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE
FLORIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT POOLS (LGIP): (TR11363)
Approving participation in the Florida Local Government Investment Pools (LGIP).
Financial Services Director Steven Chapman
City Attorney Goren left the room at 11:44 a.m. and returned at 11:46 a.m.
C. Item No. 6(d) on the consent agenda. DISASTER RECOVERY INITIATIVE
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - FIRST AMENDMENT: (TR11338) Authorizing the
Amendment of the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Tamarac and Broward
County to provide for funding for citywide single -unit and multi -unit housing rehabilitation
in the amount of $723,804 as part of the 2005 Community Redevelopment Block Grant
Disaster Recovery Initiative from the Florida Department of Community Affairs in order
to provide for a reallocation of funds into the City's Relocation Assistance Program.
Community Development Director Jennifer Bramley and Housing Administrator
Bauldree appeared. Community Development Director Bramley gave a presentation
and explained that to date only 12 families applied for assistance, but none were eligible
for the program. There was discussion regarding providing assistance to families who
are facing foreclosure and Community Development Director Bramley confirmed the
monies in question are only for disaster recovery; they cannot be used for foreclosures.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said it appears that people in need of this funding are not
coming forward. Commissioner Dressler spoke of property on Southgate Gardens
where people could not afford to maintain their mortgages and relocate at the same
time. By adding this strategy people in Southgate Gardens and Vanguard Village may
be assisted. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned how the word will get out and
Community Development Director Bramley said both Social Services Supervisor Cure-
Persad and Housing Administrator Bauldree are in contact with several families and we
will start the door hangar program through Code Enforcement. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco added the matter of foreclosures will be discussed during the Mayor and City
Commission retreat.
February 25, 2008
City Commission Workshop
Page 3 of 5
d. Item No. 6(k) on the consent agenda. PLANIMETRIC UPDATES TO THE
CITY'S GIS MAP: (TR11353) Approving the award of RFP No. 08-02R entitled
"Planimetric Base Map Update" to BAE Systems National Security Solutions for updates
to the City's Planimetric Base Map; authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute
an agreement with BAE Systems National Security Solutions for updates to the City's
Planimetric Base Map for an amount not to exceed $451,512 and a term not to exceed
24 months from date of City Commission approval. Community Development Director
Bramley, GIS Manager Feagan, and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared.
Community Development Director Bramley gave a presentation on the system and GIS
Manager Feagin discussed the cost and funding.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called for a recess at 11:20 a.m. and reconvened the
workshop meeting at 11:30 a.m., with all present as before.
e. Item No. 7 on the agenda. RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: (TO2158) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first
reading amending Chapter 9 entitled "Health Sanitation and Nuisances", by amending
Article IV entitled, "The Local Housing Assistance Program"; to provide for the
establishment of an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee pursuant to the
requirements of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Act; providing for codification.
Community Development Director Bramley and Housing Administrator Bauldree
appeared. Community Development Director Bramley gave a presentation and
explained that after the LHAP was approved, legislation was passed requiring
reestablishment of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, which will consist of 11
members to fill specific seats. This committee will not be sunsetted, but will be an ad
hoc committee, and meet as needed.
f. Item No. 6(m) on the consent agenda. APPOINTMENT OF TAMARAC'S MPO
REPRESENTATIVE: (TR11361) Accepting the resignation of Vice Mayor Marc Sultanof
from the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization ("MPO"); appointing
to replace the Vice Mayor as a Municipal District 1 Representative
on the MPO; directing the City Clerk to transmit a copy of this resolution to the members
of the MPO and the MPO Executive Director. City Manager Miller gave a presentation
and discussed Vice Mayor Sultanofs service on the MPO over the past 10 years as well
as the makeup of the MPO and the transportation projects associated with the MPO.
Vice Mayor Sultanof nominated Commissioner Portner to serve as Tamarac's MPO
representative. Commissioner Atkins -Grad nominated Commissioner Dressler to serve
as Tamarac's MPO representative. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called for an
expression on interest and Commissioners Dressler, Portner, Atkins -Grad, and Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco expressed interest in Commissioner Dressler serving as
Tamarac's MPO representative. Vice Mayor Sultanof expressed an interest in
Commissioner Portner serving as Tamarac's MPO representative.
3. DISCUSSION RE: COST OF HURRICANE WILMA: Commissioner Portner and
Financial Services Director Chapman appeared. Commissioner Portner and asked how
much money Tamarac received from FEMA. Financial Services Director Chapman
February 25, 2008
City Commission Workshop
Page 4 of 5
1
1
responded $9,700,000. Commissioner Portner confirmed Hurricane Wilma only cost
the taxpayers $300,000.
4. DISCUSSION RE: ETHICS: Commissioner Portner spoke about ethics and
civility amongst the commission, and added he has always been open and forthright.
Commissioner Portner added in the nine years he has been on the Commission, he has
brought forth ideas for the good of Tamarac, and he is disappointed he was not selected
to serve on the MPO, as he has served on the State Road 7/441 Collaborative for many
years and is knowledgeable in the area of transportation. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of
respect for each other. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the ability for any member of
the commission to object to what may be perceived as a personal attack, abuse, or
discussion off the topic.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:05 p.m.
Marion Swenson, CMC
City Clerk
February 25, 2008
City Commission Workshop
Page 5 of 5
i
Jones _
Jones, Gary;B. It is with incredible sadness
that we announce the death of Gary B.:Jones,
on February 22,2008_ Gary was born, raised
and resided`'in RMWArd rniint i W. .1- +k.
of
of
and hinting tflcotagh0ut Tiffs life He find a
-MYLI¢ug ice U[U. mis-etnics and standards.
were beyond reproach. But most of all Gary
. loved his family. His Mom and Dad set the —
standard that drove his heart and he
honored them in,all he did Gary was adored
by family and friends and they know who
they'=are. Services are'fn the bands of T.M.,
Ralph Funeral Home, 7001 NE 4th Avenue,
Plantation, (954) 587-6888. Friends welcome
on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 from 6-8pm.
Funeral Services will take place at 3:00 pm
on Wednesday, February 27 at Plantation
United MethodistChurch, 1001 NW' 70th
Avenue, Plantation, followed by a gathering
of friends in the fellowship hall. In lieu of
flowers, family and friends may wish to send
a donation to the Samoyed Club of America 4'
Gary Jones Memorial Fund, c/o Jim
Cheskawich, Treasurer, 183 Wieri Rd.,
Woodland, WA 98674-9211.
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