HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-23 - City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes1
CITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the workshop meeting of
the City Commission to order at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2009, in Room
105, Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321.
PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Patricia Atkins -Grad,
Commissioner Pamela Bushnell (participated telephonically), Commissioner
Diane Glasser, and Commissioner Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren,
Deputy City Manager/Interim Financial Services Director Michael C. Cernech,
and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance.
1. Item No. 6 (c) on the Consent Agenda. FRANKLIN COMMUNICATIONS
AGREEMENT RENEWAL: (TR11580) A Resolution of the City Commission of
the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the appropriate City Officials to renew
an agreement for the "Printing & Distribution of City of Tamarac Publications" and
execute an agreement with Franklin Communications, LLC for printing services
for a one (1) year period, providing for two (2) additional one (1) year renewal
options at the discretion of the City; authorizing the City Manager to approve
expenditures for printing; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date. Public & Economic Affairs Officer Berns and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public and Economic Affairs
Officer Berns gave a presentation. Commissioner Dressler questioned whether
the City has a policy through the RFP process to contract for at least three -years.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said there is no policy but we look at the
marketplace to see how well we can hold the pricing; three -years with two one-
year renewals is a more common practice. City Manager Miller said we are
pleased with Franklin Communications, and some of the premier cities use them
as their work is of high quality. We look three years out; the opportunity is there
after the first year for us not to renew and our legal liability is limited.
Commissioner Glasser asked who does our layout as it is better now than it has
been in previous years. Public and Economic Affairs Officer Berns replied Public
Information Specialist Quinn is responsible for the layout. Vice Mayor Atkins -
Grad said she is happy to see Franklin Communications is protected in the event
of a power outage, and questioned the cost to the city should they have to send
our jobs out of state. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said there is no
additional cost to the city.
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Workshop Meeting
March 23, 2009
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2. Item No. 6 (d) on the Consent Agenda. UNIFORM RENTAL SERVICES:
(TR11584) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida
approving the termination of the agreement with Unifirst Incorporated authorizing
the appropriate city officials to approve the rental of uniforms from Cintas
Corporation, utilizing the Southeast Florida Governmental Cooperative
Purchasing Group Bid #188-08 for a total not to exceed $36,000 annually,
approving funding from the appropriate accounts; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing an effective date. Purchasing/Contracts
Manager Glatz gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad questioned what
would happen to the shirts when we leave Unifirst and Purchasing/Contracts
Manager Glatz said our patches would be removed from the shirts and the shirts
may be reused for another purpose.
3. Item No. 6 (f) on the Consent Agenda. NW 82nd STREET SIDEWALK
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: (TR11586) A Resolution of the City Commission of
the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the appropriate city officials to execute
an agreement with Homestead Concrete and Drainage, Inc., for the construction
of sidewalk improvements located on NW 82nd Street between University Drive
and NW 81 st Avenue in accordance with Bid No. 09-04B, for an amount not to
exceed $124,200.00 from the appropriate accounts; authorizing budget
amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Public Works
Director Strain and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public
Works Director Strain gave a presentation. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the
MPO TIP list and asked if we could offset part of the city's cost by making a
supplementary addition to the TIP list. Community Development Director
Bramley said there is a T.C.C. meeting this afternoon and she will ask at that
time. Commissioner Glasser asked if this is going to be approved as part of the
package or piecemeal and Commissioner Dressler spoke of approved funding by
the MPO through FDOT. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad confirmed the location of the
improvements.
4. Item No. 6 (e) on the Consent Agenda. TIRE PURCHASE UTILIZING
FLORIDA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION BID AWARD: (TR11585) A resolution of
the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida approving the purchase of
tires from Martino Tire Company for routine and emergency tire replacement to
city vehicles and equipment, utilizing Florida Sheriffs Association bid award
09/10-10-04-0120 authorizing the purchase of tires in the quantities needed
based on the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Net Price List; authorizing
budget amendments for proper accounting purposes; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Public Works
Director Strain and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public
Works Director Strain gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad said our
concern for safety and the people driving our vehicles is paramount.
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March 23, 2009
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5. Item No. 6(i) on the Consent Agenda. BIKEWAY/WALKWAY PHASE 3
PROJECT: (TR11587) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida authorizing submission of a grant application, acceptance and
execution of the grant agreement if awarded pending legal review in an amount
not to exceed $750,000, providing for a match not to exceed $750,000 in local
funds toward a total project cost of $1,500,000, to the Florida Department of
Transportation for Federal Surface Transportation Program funds through the
Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the City of
Tamarac Bikeway/Walkway System Phase 3 project. Public Works Director
Strain and Special Projects Coordinator Gresek appeared. (Discussion combined
with Item 6(h).)
Item No. 6 (h) on the Consent Agenda. CANAL PATH SAFETY LIGHTING
PROJECT: (TR11592) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida authorizing submission of a grant application, acceptance and
execution of the grant agreement if awarded pending legal review in an amount
not to exceed $195,000, providing for a match not to exceed $190,000 in local
funds toward a total project cost of $385,000, to the Florida Department of
Transportation for Federal Surface Transportation Program funds through the
Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the canal path
safety lighting project. Public Works Director Strain and Special Projects
Coordinator Gresek appeared. Special Projects Coordinator Gresek gave a
presentation and said items 6(i) and 6(h) would be combined for discussion.
Special Projects Coordinator Gresek spoke of the timing of the grant and said
while the funds will not be available until 2012 we have to apply for them now.
Commissioner Dressler spoke of possibly receiving the monies earlier than three
years and Public Works Director Strain said that would be for phase 1 only. If we
do not have our match by the time the funding comes through we do not have to
sign a contract. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the MPO amendments to the
funding of the projects. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said there are different pots
of funding from which we might receive monies for our projects. Assistant City
Manager Phillips confirmed the possible various funding sources. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said she received a phone call from Congresswoman
Wasserman -Schultz on Thursday wherein Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco was
assured the funding for the overpass was still front and center on the
Congresswoman's list. Commissioner Bushnell said information should be
gotten out to the communities letting them know that in these economic times we
are handling their money wisely. Assistant City Manager Phillips agreed we are
looking into the acquisition of grant funds specifically earmarked for our projects.
Commissioner Dressler said it is important for residents to understand that not all
grant applications have matching aspects; we must take every project one at a
time. City Manager Miller said we are up against larger cities for grant funding
and staff works hand in hand with elected representatives of the MPO as well as
sister cities to get our projects through; there is a lot of competition moving
through the process and we must be vigilant. The stimulus has engendered
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Workshop Meeting
March 23, 2009
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confusion into everything. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed the lights will
be LED and Public Works Director Strain responded we anticipate LED/Solar
powered lights. We will go with most environmentally sensitive product that will
last.
7. Item No. 6 (g) on the Consent Agenda. AQUATIC CENTER DRAIN
REPLACEMENTS: (TR11590) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City
of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the appropriate city officials to authorize the
purchase and installation of Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
approved drain covers for the Caporella Aquatic Center in an amount not to
exceed $40,000.00 from the appropriate accounts; authorizing budget
amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Public Works
Director Strain, Director of Parks and Recreation Warner, and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public Works Director Strain
and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the expected completion date and Public
Works Director Strain said possibly April. Director of Parks and Recreation
Warner added Tamarac decided to remain closed because we are not in
compliance, while many other cities and the county remain open without being in
compliance. This Act provides a per day fine; other cities and the county are
banking on the scope of the law which is unclear as to enforcement of the Act.
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner added he has been in discussions with
Ellis and Associates in order to work out a credit for the time the pool is closed.
Commissioner Bushnell said the burden is on municipalities as well as
communities; an additional burden is draining and filling pools. Commissioner
Bushnell asked whether homeowner and condo associations have been
cautioned with regard to the Act. Deputy City Manager/Interim Financial
Services Director Cernech agreed this is not just applicable to city and county
pools; it is for every condo and homeowner association and any public pool. It
touches a lot of people and yet there are a lot of people ignoring this legislation.
When it was initially passed cities were not governed by it; then legislators went
back and modified the legislation to include cities in the group that needed to
retrofit. Parks and Recreation then began complying with the legislation and
modifications done in support of the legislation were deemed not in compliance
so more significant repair design was needed. Commissioner Glasser said she
is happy we are moving forward with the modifications, as life is not expendable.
Commissioner Glasser said she would rather see the safety of our people put
first and would like to see this consideration for peoples' safety countywide.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned how the information was being
transmitted to the public so they know what we are doing is in their best interest.
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said it is on the website and more
information will be provided. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested using
twitter, the website and the Mayor and City Commission blast emails.
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8. Item No. 6 (b) on the Consent Agenda. EXTENSION OF FINAL SITE
PLAN APPROVAL - PALMS MEDICAL CAMPUS: (TR11579) A Resolution of
the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, granting a time extension of
one (1) year for final site plan approval for the Palms Medical Campus project,
requested by Virtual Design Group (Eric Mills, Applicant), Designated Agent for
the property owner Courtyard Properties (Joseph Vitolo, Owner) (Case No. 3-SP-
09); providing for conditions of approval; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date. Community Development
Director Bramley gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad and Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed the location. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
asked when the financing is expected to be completed and Community
Development Director Bramley said within a few weeks to one month the
applicant should be ready to go.
9. Item No. 6 Q) on the Consent Agenda. RECIPROCAL USE AGREEMENT
- SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY: (TR11578) A Resolution of the
City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida authorizing the appropriate City
Officials to execute a Reciprocal Use Agreement between the City of Tamarac
and the School Board of Broward County, Florida, to provide reciprocal use of
City and School Board facilities. Parks & Recreation Director Warner gave a
presentation. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed the facilities in question are
all three schools and our multi purpose center. Director of Parks and Recreation
Warner confirmed and said this year the Aquatic Center was included. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about any sticking points and Director of Parks and
Recreation Warner spoke of the use of the elementary school for summer camp.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the date for camp sign-up and Director
of Parks and Recreation Warner said packets will go out to employees next
week. We will try to keep enrollment between 375 and 400. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco questioned the issue of possible four -day school week and how that
will be handled for summer camp. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said
the city hag -scheduled outings at various county parks for Fridays.
10. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: City Attorney Goren gave an update on pending
Bills: S132020, HB365, SB594 and SB 1972, the two growth management Bills
1306 and 360, SB1142, SB 1386, and HB 439. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
asked staff to advise the Mayor and City Commission which Bills they can best
fight or support to protect the best interest of Tamarac. City Manager Miller said
the City Managers' Association is working with the League of Cities who is doing
a yeoman's job lobbying and keeping the municipalities informed. The two most
serious Bills are the resurrection of the Tabor Bill (Taxpayers' Bill of Rights)
which is now being called Smart Cap. It limits municipalities to last year's
revenue except for new growth and COLA, and limits a municipality's ability to
raise fees without taking a public vote. The companion Bill is the1.35 Bill which
limits counties, cities, special districts and the school board to 13.5 mils total,
which would have to be divided up between the above and no single entity would
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Workshop Meeting
March 23, 2009
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then have funds to operate. Both caps are a most serious threat to our existence
as local government. If the transparency Bill were to pass we would have to put
at least one additional person on staff to monitor the data. We will keep the
commission informed as to the current issues. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said
getting to Tallahassee is difficult at best with the way the flights are routed and
the travel costs. Commissioner Glasser added two -three days is not enough to
accomplish what we need to accomplish. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the
League has a program worked out for lobbying and they are working more
closely than ever under the City Manager's stewardship of the City Managers'
Association. Commissioner Dressier asked if we have the full support of the
Broward Delegation on municipal issues and Commissioner Glasser said for the
most part we do. However, it is important for the Mayor and City Commission to
go to Town Hall meetings hosted by our legislators and to listen to what they
have to say. City Attorney Goren spoke of a Bill regarding law enforcement
assessment, which may be imbedded in another Bill. City Attorney Goren asked
for an expression of interest to add a motion to Wednesday's meeting regarding
a satisfaction of mortgage on property located at 8310 NW 59 Place. All were in
agreement. City Attorney Goren spoke of the University Drive extension and
said Palm Beach County and the DCA can not come to closure on the settlement
documents and many issues are not resolved. The case will be tried in July or
August; Tamarac, Coconut Creek and Coral Springs' position still exists.
Commissioner Dressler asked if the Dixie Highway overpass could be
represented as mitigation and City Attorney Goren said it could not.
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.
Mari n Swensort, CIVIC
City Clerk
City Commission
Workshop Meeting
March 23, 2009
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