Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-09 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009 CONFERENCE ROOM 105 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the workshop meeting of the City Commission to order at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2009, in Conference Room 105 at Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Patricia Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Diane Glasser, and Commissioner Harry Dressler. Commissioner Pamela Bushnell participated in the meeting telephonically. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Deputy City Manager/Interim Financial Services Director Michael C. Cernech, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance. 1. Item No. 7 on the Consent Agenda. TEPHFORD PARK ARTIST SELECTION: (TR11577) A resolution of the city commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the public art proposal and concept by Ilan Averbuch to be placed at Tephford park; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; providing for an effective date. Community Development Director Bramley and Public Art Committee Chairperson George Gadson appeared. Community Development Director Bramley gave an overview of the public art program and the process used to arrive at this commissioned piece. Mr. Gadson spoke of Mr. Averbuch's credentials and the commissioned piece. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad said she likes the patina and it will wear well in this environment. Commissioner Dressler confirmed the tree in the illustration is tilted, while the maquette is not, and the actual piece will have the tree tilted. Commissioner Glasser said the piece is different and unusual. Deputy City Manager/Interim Financial Services Director Cernech confirmed the monies that pay for these particular projects are not taxpayer dollars; they are paid for entirely the by development community; new development in Tamarac funds public art. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco added if the money is not used then it goes back to the developer. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad confirmed there will be additional pieces coming before the Mayor and City Commission in the future. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the art work at the entrance to Coral Springs. 2. PRESENTATION REGARDING TWITTER PROGRAM: Public Information Specialist Quinn and Public and Economic Affairs Officer Berns appeared. Public Information Specialist Quinn gave a presentation on the new social media and said the city's goal is to engage the community in a different way but not to replace what we already do, such as the Tam -A -Gram and website. Commissioner Dressler said this technology is cutting edge, and questioned charges for cell phone texting. Public Information Specialist Quinn responded the city makes it clear if an individual desires to City Commission Workshop Meeting Monday, March 9, 2009 Page 1 of 3 receive information in text messaging, standard rates will apply. Commissioner Dressler questioned privacy issues and City Attorney Goren spoke of disclaimers regarding web access and public record laws; he will research the City's exposure and report back to the Mayor and City Commission. Commissioner Dressler asked if this could be used for the EOC and Public and Economic Affairs Officer Berns said it is not a substitute for the code red, but could be a supplement to it. City Manager Miller congratulated Public Information Specialist Quinn and Public and Economic Affairs Officer Berns for bringing this to Tamarac. This technology allows us to get to a whole group of individuals, and the service is free. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad said she is proud Tamarac is providing this service and she is pleased Tamarac is the first city using it in South Florida; there is no cost to it and we can give out important information. Commissioner Bushnell spoke of the two young men who started this program and the fact that they are making no money; who is paying for the program? Public Information Specialist Quinn said the two men are operating with venture capital and working on a process through a business model to make money. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the two men were also on the front page of New York Magazine and the New York Times. Commissioner Glasser added that elected officials have to be cautious in the way they use this program. Public and Economic Affairs Officer Berns assured the Mayor and City Commission that all City of Tamarac communications will be coordinated through the Public Information Office. 3. UPDATE REGARDING SB1306 GROWTH MANAGEMENT SB360 GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND SB2020 ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS SALARIES: City Attorney Goren gave an update on SB1306 regarding growth management, SB360 regarding growth management, and SB2020 regarding elected/appointed officials salaries. Commissioner Dressler read a satirical letter in which he expressed his displeasure with SB2020. City Attorney Goren spoke of contractual relationships. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested Commissioner Glasser visit with Senator Storm while she is in Tallahassee this week. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the impact on municipalities with SB1306 and SB360 and City Attorney Goren explained the intent of these Bills is to stimulate development with no obligation to pay on the part of the developer. City Manager Miller spoke about growth management since its inception in 1975 and the fact these Bills are the beginning of an assault on legislation that has served Florida well; this should be of concern to all municipalities. Commissioner Dressler asked the Mayor and City Commission for a consensus to bring forth a resolution in support of the South Florida Regional Planning Council Resolution 0901, and adding an objection to emasculation of the DCA. All were in favor. City Attorney Goren said he would draft a resolution for Wednesday's meeting. City Attorney Goren spoke of HB851 with regard to shade sessions; HB439 with regard to red light cameras; the 1 % surtax Bill, which if adopted as it currently stands would greatly impact Tamarac; and SB1142 which takes language from the Honor Services Act. Commissioner Dressler asked, with regard to SB2020, if it should pass, what recourse the city would have if someone from the State came to interfere with senior staff members earning more than $65,000? City Attorney Goren said the Bill has no penalty provision for non- compliance; it would need further amendments in the 2010 legislative session to come up with a form of punitive action. City Attorney Goren added there is a Law City Commission Workshop Meeting Monday, March 9, 2009 Page 2 of 3 1 L Enforcement Special Assessment Bill floating in Tallahassee, which provides that police services, like fire services, be assessed through non -ad valorem taxes. Certain sister cities are looking at this option and the Florida League of Cities supports this legislation. There would be an extension of time available in order that this legislation becomes effective for the 10/01/09 property tax notices. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:20 a.m. Marion Swenson, CIVIC City Clerk City Commission Workshop Meeting Monday, March 9, 2009 Page 3 of 3