HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-11 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2002
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City
Commission to order on Monday, March 11, 2002, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Schreiber, Vice Mayor Sultanof, Commissioner Portner,
Commissioner Mishkin, and Commissioner Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Miller, City Attorney Kraft, Assistant City Manager
Cernech, and City Clerk Swenson.
City Manager Miller informed the commission of a break-in at the water plant over the
weekend. Utilities Director Gagnon provided an update and said the perpetrators
climbed over the fence, broke a window in a personal vehicle, and then broke into the
locker room. Staff came upon the vandalism and called BSO who traced the footprints
through the golf course. It is assumed that the vandals were youths, since they rode
bicycles. The entire system was flushed and several places throughout the city were
tested for contamination; none was found. Utilities Director Gagnon said no terrorist
activity was involved. Mayor Schreiber asked what was going to be done to secure the
area, and Utilities Director Gagnon said he is working with the security committee, and
perhaps more cameras would be installed. Staff will make sure the windows are locked
at all times. BSO took the tapes and are in the process of reviewing them.
Commissioner Mishkin asked about installing metal bars on the windows, and Utilities
Director Gagnon said he would look into the cost. Commissioner Roberts asked about
electrifying the top of the fence, and Mayor Schreiber said there could be a liability to
the city. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is concerned with potential terrorism, and City
Attorney Kraft said he would research the fence issue.
City Manager Miller said County Commissioner Lori Parrish will speak at Wednesday's
commission meeting.
MARCH 13, 2002 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 5(I). PARKS AND RECREATION USER FEES - SUMMER CAMP
PROGRAM: (TR9716) Establishing user fees for the City of Tamarac Parks and
Recreation Department Summer Camp Program effective fiscal year 2002. Parks and
Recreation Director Margoles gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber questioned the
camp fee increase and asked if it was sufficient. Parks and Recreation Director
Margoles said there were changes in the calculations and Tamarac's rates are
moderate in comparison with those of other cities. Commissioner Roberts asked why
non-resident employee rates are lower than resident rates, and Parks and Recreation
Director Margoles said several years ago when the non-resident fee was put into affect,
the employees received a discount. Commissioner Portner questioned the language in
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City Commission Workshop
every resolution that says "the City Commission deems it to be in the best interest of the
residents and citizens ..." City Attorney Kraft said the language addresses finding of a
public purpose and is consistent with home rule powers. Commissioner Roberts asked
how many residents use the summer program, and Recreation Superintendent Warner
said out of 288 openings, 90% are residents. Commissioner Portner said Parks and
Recreation is an outstanding part of the City, and he respects everything Parks and
Recreation Director Margoles' staff does for Tamarac. Parks and Recreation Director
Margoles thanked Commissioner Portner and said she has the finest staff.
b. Item No. 5(m). AGREEMENT RENEWAL - SUN RECYCLING LLC:
(TR9717) Authorizing a one year renewal to the agreement between the City and Sun
Recycling LLC for the disposal of city generated construction debris; executing an
agreement amendment to exercise the first renewal period; authorizing an annual
expenditure in an amount not to exceed $40,000. Public Works Director Verma gave a
presentation, and said over the last few years there have been a lot of in-house
construction and restoration projects. It is less costly for the City to take its debris to
Sun Recycling than to a land fill.
C. Item No. 5(n). AGREEMENT - MCNAB PARK RESTORATION: (TR9720)
Executing Addendum II to the Conceptual Approval Agreement between the City of
Tamarac and Florida Communities Trust. Assistant to the City Manager Phillips said
this is an extension of an existing agreement with Florida Communities Trust to offset
the purchase of McNab Park.
d. Item No. 5(o). AGREEMENT - TAMARAC SPORTS COMPLEX PHASE II:
(TR9722) Accepting a grant in the amount of $150,000 from the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection Land and Water Conservation Fund Program; executing an
Agreement between the City of Tamarac and the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection Land and Water Conservation Fund Program in the amount of $150,000,
providing for a cash match of $150,000 for a total project cost of $300,000. Assistant to
the City Manager Phillips said the City applied for a grant to offset a portion of the
expense to acquire the Lennar property. This agreement will entitle Tamarac to
$150,000 in supplemental costs to acquire the parcel, and this is federal money.
Tamarac will provide a match. Mayor Schreiber asked when the city would get the
money, and Assistant to the City Manager Phillips said the agreement required that we
acquire the parcel within one year of execution by all parties. City Manager Miller said
negotiations are going along well and he would have information to the commission
within a few weeks. Part of the match would be the purchase price of the land.
e. Item No. 6. AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE TAMARAC CODE — SITE
PLAN SUBMISSIONS: (TO1956) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading
amending Chapter 10 entitled, "Land Development Regulations", Article III entitled, "Site
Plan Submissions", Section 10-48(b) entitled, "Development Within Environmentally
Sensitive Areas", adding a new Section 10-48(b)(2) incorporating procedures for wildlife
protection on parcels proposed for land clearing, development or redevelopment (Case
No. 1-MI-02); providing for codification. Community Development Director King
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explained this ordinance arose out of the commission's concern regarding wildlife
removal as development occurs and gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber said he did
not feel the ordinance was strong enough. Commissioner Roberts expressed concern
with the language "rare and endangered". Mayor Schreiber agreed it should include all
wildlife. Community Development Director King explained that the Fish and Game
authority's only requirement is for rare and endangered species, and if Tamarac were to
go beyond the regulatory agency's requirements, we would have no one on staff to
make these determinations. Mayor Schreiber said he felt any costs should fall to the
developer, and Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if we could supercede a state regulatory
agency. City Attorney Kraft said Tamarac is precluded from being involved in certain
areas; there are limitations to home rule. The issue becomes can you impose additional
requirements on a developer? Vice Mayor Sultanof asked what the developer needs to
obtain from the County and Community Development Director King said nothing. City
Attorney Kraft said the legal department would work with Community Development on
this matter. Mayor Schreiber asked about an impact fee to cover the costs, and
Community Development Director King said he would look into it. City Manager Miller
said the city might want the ability to bill the developer, and suggested deferring the
item from Wednesday's agenda to give the City Attorney a chance to review the matter.
Commissioner Portner asked what year of the contract we are in with regard to consent
agenda Item 5(c), AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT - ZAMBELLI INTERNATIONALE
FIREWORKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.: (TR9684) Executing an
amendment to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and Zambelli Internationale
Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc., exercising the option to renew for the 2002
fireworks at a cost of $25,000.00. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said it is the
second year of a 5-year agreement.
Commissioner Portner asked when the funds would be available in consent agenda
Item 50), STATE OF FLORIDA'S STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP
(SHIP) PROGRAM: (TR9685) Amending the State of Florida's State Housing Initiatives
Partnership (SHIP) Program budget of estimated revenues and expenditures by
accepting an additional allocation of excess funds in the amount of $18,596.00 collected
in FY 2000-2001 to be utilized according to the City of Tamarac's Local Housing
Assistance Plan (LHAP) and Housing Delivery Goals Chart during Fiscal Year 2001-
2002; authorizing the appropriate City officials to appropriate said funds including any
and all subsequent budgetary transfers (Case No. 4-MI-02). Community Development
Director King said the funds would be available now.
Commissioner Portner asked where the new meters would go in consent agenda Item
5(k), PURCHASE WATER METERS - SUNSTATE METER AND SUPPLY COMPANY:
(TR9719) Purchasing Neptune water meters from Sunstate Meter and Supply, Inc.,
utilizing the City of Pompano Beach Bid Number H-14-00, entitled "Water Meters" for a
maximum annual cost of $80,000.00 for the purpose of replacing and installing new
water meters; approving funding from the appropriate Utilities Operational accounts.
Support Services Manager Wilder said this is a meter replacement program. Utilities
Director Gagnon said Support Services Manager Wilder developed a program to
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City Commission Workshop
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analyze meters and installation dates. Commissioner Portner asked if there was a way,
aside from the employee award program, to recognize individuals who save the city
money. City Manager Miller said there is a bonus program, up to 2.5% for which a staff
member could be eligible. Commissioner Portner said Mr. DeVoe complimented
Utilities Director Gagnon and his staff for a job well done. Mayor Schreiber confirmed
that the $80,000 would not be spent at one time.
Commissioner Roberts asked how Item 5(e) on the consent agenda would affect the
57th Street project the City is contemplating. WATER AND SEWER DEVELOPER'S
AGREEMENT - BUDDHIST TEMPLE PROJECT: (TR9676) Accepting and executing a
Water and Sewer Developer's Agreement with International Buddhist Progress Society
for the Buddhist Temple Project, located at 9341 NW 57th Street for one existing non-
residential water and sewer connection reserving 5.0 ERC'S for water and 5.0 ERC'S
for sewer and providing for one additional sewer connection requiring 1.0 ERC for
sewer; requiring the payment of $1,800.00 in CIAC fees; authorizing and directing the
City Clerk to record said agreement in the public records of Broward County. City
Manager Miller said this is an existing building. They are putting on a new fagade, and
they will try to make it as consistent with the 57th Street project as possible. Mayor
Schreiber'asked about the plans for the 57th Street project, and City Manager Miller said
it would be discussed at the retreat.
2. STATUS REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS CAPITAL PROJECTS INCLUDING
ROAD RESURFACING PROGRAM: Public Works Director Verma gave a presentation.
Commissioner Mishkin questioned streets in Woodlands and Commissioner Portner
asked about streets in Mainlands 5. Public Works Director Verma said the Woodlands
streets would be completed in January 2003, and he would bring information on the
Mainlands 5 streets to the next commission meeting. Commissioner Roberts said she
would prefer that 75th Street be done at the end. There was discussion about road and
median improvements and the 46 turn lanes to bring medians into conformance with the
Tamarac Code. Commissioner Roberts asked about turn lanes on 70 Avenue and
Public Works Director Verma said he would address that at the next meeting. Public
Works Director Verma said the program is 2 years ahead of its anticipated completion
date. There was discussion about 57th Street, and how the repaving would interface
with the anticipated renovations. There was discussion about the linear park on
Southgate and closure of two lanes. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if state and federal
moneys were available for the linear park and City Manager Miller said the city is going
to apply for these funds. Commissioner Roberts spoke about the need for left turn
lanes at Southgate, speeders, and the school bus that exits from Springlake and must
cross two lanes of traffic.
3. TAMARAC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: City Manager Miller introduced
Andrew Bern and Kristin Degina of the Chamber of Commerce. City Manager Miller
said Tamarac has had a strong and positive working relationship with the Chamber of
Commerce for many years, and they have encouraged small business activity, provided
services to the business community, been a central contact point, and encouraged
networking. Tamarac gives $20,000 to the Chamber each year. The Chamber has
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recently fallen into financial distress and has asked the city for assistance. Their
primary request is for financial assistance to pay off their debts. Calculations indicate
that about $30,000 would pay off most of the debts. The Finance Department prepared
a report, and provided emergency staff assistance to the Chamber. Vice Mayor
Sultanof asked how the Chamber foresaw rectifying the problem, and asked about
moneys on hand. Ms. Degina said there are 3 accounts; special events and directory
which have some money. The operating account has no money. Vice Mayor Sultanof
said he was of the understanding there was $18,000 in their accounts, and City
Manager Miller said at the time the financials were done, about 3 weeks ago, there was
approximately $18,000. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the IRS must be paid as soon as
possible, and asked if there was money available for that. City Manager Miller said he
did not believe there was. Mayor Schreiber suggested making arrangements to pay the
IRS over time with a minimum of penalties. Vice Mayor Sultanof said it is important to
make sure the Chamber of Commerce survives. Commissioner Roberts suggested
Tamarac combining with another city's chamber. Vice Mayor Sultanof said a city's
growth takes place with a library, museum and Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner
Roberts stressed these are not the City's debts; the chamber is a separate entity from
the city and questioned how can we be sure this will not happen again if we help them
this time. Mayor Schreiber said the city will be the overseer to prevent this from
happening again. Commissioner Roberts said she wanted a list of outstanding debts
and debtors before she makes a decision. Commissioner Portner said he feels
Tamarac should have a Chamber of Commerce, and whether it is combined with
another city is for further discussion. He suggested that Tamarac oversee the Chamber
for 6 months, and after that let them go on their own, but stressed that Tamarac will not
bail them out again. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he admires Ms. Degina for taking on the
chore and thinks she will do well. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he agrees with
Commissioners Portner and Roberts, and he too would like to see more facts and
figures relating to the three accounts. City Manager Miller said should the Commission
decide to move ahead with this, they will be provided monthly progress reports.
Finance and Policy Officer Williams explained the Chamber's financial report, and there
was discussion about the monies owed Celia Wagner. Commissioner Roberts said she
was disappointed in the Chamber, since the past three chair people had backgrounds in
banking. Ms. Degina said the Chamber wants to remain independent and start over.
City Manager Miller said the plan is to present a resolution to the commission at the
next meeting based on today's direction. The $30,000 expenditure will be a one-time
grant to the Chamber to take care of past debts. The City will continue temporary staff
assistance, review the books and provide monthly financial statements to the
commission. Vice Mayor Sultanof said there are some bills that can be negotiated
down, and he is not in favor of $30,000. The fact that money is owed to the IRS deeply
concerns him, and he would also like the Chamber to close shop so they have no more
rental money to pay out. Mayor Schreiber said he also wants to mitigate and cut down
costs and the Chamber needs a commitment for this; they must have money and be
able to pay while negotiating their payouts. Mayor Schreiber suggested the resolution
state "not to exceed" a certain amount of money and the balance would be mitigated.
City Manager Miller said one of the things he wanted to discuss with the legal
department is that some non-profit organizations hire an accounting firm to reduce the
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debt, and that firm reports directly to the body. They will need some funds, as he does
not feel they will be able to negotiate down FPL, the phone bill or IRS. City Manager
Miller said $30,000 is an approximation of what is needed. Commissioner Portner said
he would not approve a grant; the money should be a loan repayable to the city.
Commissioner Roberts said she also believes it should be a loan to be paid back. If we
have office space here for the Chamber, they can reduce their rent which would save
them about $5,000 in the first year. City Attorney Kraft said the City should oversee the
project but decisions need to be made by the Chamber. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is
not in favor of a grant, but he is in favor of operating capital and space, with a loan to be
repaid to the city. Mayor Schreiber asked about the terms of the loan. City Manager
Miller said the temporary staff assistance we have been providing will continue until the
Chamber hires permanent staff and monthly financial statements would continue. The
Chamber Board needs to consider the city's offer. Commissioner Roberts said she did
not get an ending report on Tamarac Days, and some of the outstanding bills look like
Tamarac Days expenses. Commissioner Roberts asked if any bills from Tamarac Days
were paid, and Finance and Policy Officer Williams said it appears that bills are paid as
money comes in and things snowballed over a period of time. Commissioner Roberts
said she is upset about this as she solicited many of the sponsorships for Tamarac
Days. Mayor Schreiber questioned the SunTrust Bankcard, and whether the expenses
were personal or business, since the bankcard was issued to Celia Wagner. Mayor
Schreiber asked for an expression of interest to provide a loan in a sum to be decided
upon, providing for conditions and with no exposure to Tamarac. Commissioner Portner
suggested the city manager continue negotiations to resolve the problem.
Commissioner Roberts said the utilities and IRS are priorities. All expressed an interest
in the City Manager negotiating the payouts and drafting a resolution setting forth the
terms of the loan. City Manager Miller said he would report back to the commission at
the next workshop.
Commissioner Portner spoke about Mayor Schreiber's endorsement of another
candidate for District 1. Mayor Schreiber spoke about rules of procedure for the
commission. Commissioner Portner spoke about civility, and addressed the matter of
the gas allotment. Commissioner Roberts said a workshop is not the proper place to
discuss political campaign issues. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about civility and said
this discussion does not belong here.
Commissioner Roberts seconded by Commissioner Portner moved to adjourn the
meeting. Mayor Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:55 a.m.
Marion Swenson, CMC
City Clerk
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City Commission Workshop
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