HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-25 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2005
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of
the City Commission to order on Monday, April 25, 2005, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 881" Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Commissioner Edward C. Portner,
Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts.
ABSENT AND EXCUSED FOR CAUSE: Mayor Joe Schreiber.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Deputy City Manager Michael C.
Cernech, Interim Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY VICE MAYOR FLANSBAUM-TALABISCO
a. Item No. 60). BID AWARD AND AGREEMENT — "CLASSIFICATION AND
COMPENSATION STUDY" AND DEVELOPMENT OF A "PERFORMANCE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM": (TR10695) Awarding RFP 05-08R, for a "Classification and
Compensation Study" and the development of a "Performance Management System",
and executing an agreement with MGT of America, Inc. for a cost not to exceed
$67,000. Greg Soltysiak, Project Manager, MGT of America, Inc., Human Resources
Director Swanson and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Human
Resources Director Swanson said the last complete study for Tamarac was in 1995.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz discussed the RFP process and reference checks.
After proposals were heard two weeks ago, MGT of America, Inc. was unanimously
chosen as the successful contractor. Mr. Soltysiak thanked the city for selecting MGT
of America, Inc. and added issues addressed will cut across every department of the
city. The work MGT has been contracted to do is part of the city's strategic plan. Mr.
Soltysiak referenced the firm's background, and said the goals of the study are to make
sure everyone is properly classified and paid based on what they do. MGT will make
sure the city is in compliance with FLSA, as well as look at the city's performance
management system. There will be communication with all employees, as well as focus
groups. The study is not an operations study and is not meant to evaluate individual
employees. Commissioner Sultanof questioned psychological analyses and Mr.
Soltysiak said while it is a valid tool for selection and placement it is not part of the
process. Human Resources Director Swanson added the city's personnel department
does other types of assessments, not psychological evaluations. Commissioner Portner
questioned how MGT's final recommendations would reflect the city's mission and
Human Resources Director Swanson responded classification, compensation, and
performance management are part of the strategic plan. Our mission is to serve the
citizens and the way we evaluate our employees as well as their accomplishments
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contribute to our overall success. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned if it is
unusual for 10 years to pass between studies and asked how long the current study
would take. Human Resources Director Swanson said most consultants would probably
recommend a study more often than every 10 years; however, Tamarac has adjusted its
plan within the 10-year period as well as addressed ranges yearly. The study is
scheduled for completion in August 2005 and when MGT completes their portion
Human Resources Director Swanson hopes to incorporate the suggestions into
upcoming negotiations. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned an
implementation fee and Mr. Soltysiak explained that is separate from the cost of doing
the study. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of anxiety on the part of the
employees and Human Resources Director Swanson said that was important when
considering the consultants. Human Resources Director Swanson said she already met
with the union representatives and will meet with the entire bargaining team tomorrow;
MGT will meet with Department Heads in mid -May and hold orientation sessions with
employees.
b. Item No. 6(h). GRANT APPLICATION — PINE ISLAND ROAD AND
WOODLANDS BOULEVARD SIDEWALK INSTALLATIONS: (TR10693) Seeking
Federal Surface Transportation Program funds via an application through the Broward
County Metropolitan Planning Organization to the Florida Department of Transportation
in the amount of $137,000 for sidewalk installation along Pine Island Road between 671h
Court and 62nd Street and Woodlands Boulevard between 59th Street and Commercial
Boulevard; authorizing a 10% match in City funds; authorizing City Officials to accept
and execute the required agreement upon approval of the application following legal
review. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty and Assistant City
Manager Phillips appeared. Assistant City Manager Phillips explained authorization is
needed in order to submit the proposed project to the MPO. The sidewalk connectivity
is similar to an application made last year, for which Tamarac was given a favorable
rating, but there was a lot of competition. Assistant City Manager Phillips said she
spoke with representatives of the MPO and FDOT and Tamarac was encouraged to
apply for this year's cycle. If we are approved we will have to provide a 10% match.
Commissioner Sultanof thanked Community Development Director King for the ground
work and said while the MPO tried to put the grant through with no matching funds,
FDOT requested 10%. Commissioner Roberts questioned the time frame and Assistant
Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said the process for approval should take
6-8 weeks. Assistant City Manager Phillips explained that Tamarac was not certified to
do the work in-house when we applied for a previous grant; however, since that time
Tamarac has become certified and can do the project and submit invoices for
reimbursement, which should move things through much quicker than our previous
grant. Commissioner Portner asked about the location of 591h Street sidewalks and
Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said this is halfway between
Commercial and Bailey; there are asphalt sidewalks in that location at this time.
C. Item No. 6(i). GRANT APPLICATION — NOB HILL ROAD MEDIAN
ENHANCEMENTS: (TR10694) Seeking Federal Surface Transportation Program funds
via an application through the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization to
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the Florida Department of Transportation in the amount of $271,000 for median
enhancements along Nob Hill Road between Southgate Boulevard and Westwood
Drive; authorizing a 10% match in City funds; authorizing City Officials to accept and
execute the required agreement upon approval of the application following legal review.
Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty and Assistant City Manager
Phillips appeared. Assistant City Manager Phillips said about 6 years ago Tamarac
submitted an application for the other end of Nob Hill Road; this project is similar going
from Southgate to Westwood Drive, for median enhancements and pavers. There is a
10% match if the grant is awarded. Commissioner Partner asked if the $40,000 match
for both projects has already been budgeted and Assistant City Manager Phillips
explained the grants matching account that is funded at $200,000.
d. Item No. 6(g). OPPOSING SENATE BILLS 1714 AND 2072 AND HOUSE BILL
1325 COVERED COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE: (TR10692) Opposing proposed
Senate Bills 1714 and 2072 and House Bill 1325 directed toward prohibiting or
restricting a governmental authority from providing a covered communications service
as defined therein; directing the City Clerk to provide copies to the Governor, members
of the Florida Legislature, Florida League of Cities, and the Broward League of Cities.
Assistant City Manager Phillips said there have been discussions at the Broward
League of Cities regarding the pending legislation that will limit telecommunication
services cities can provide to residents. While the City of Tamarac does not provide
these types of services, we do not want to give up our home rule authority should we
desire to make these provisions at some future point.
e. Item No. 6(k). ROOM RENTAL FEES WAIVER - TAMARAC CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE_ (TR10696) Approving a request from the Tamarac Chamber of
Commerce to waive room rental fees in the amount of $450.00 for their monthly
meetings to be held in the Recreation Center on the first Thursday of each month from
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., from May 5, 2005 through May 4, 2006. Interim Director of
Parks and Recreation Warner said the Chamber has been meeting in a variety of
locations and would like to have one constant location. Commissioner Roberts said
waiving the fees for the whole year may open a can of worms with other organizations.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained the fee in the resolution is
an annual fee for use of the Recreation Center. Commissioner Sultanof questioned the
$30,000 loan from Tamarac to the Chamber and City Manager Miller confirmed and
added they have been repaying the City at $5,000 each year. Additionally, the city
contributed $10,000 to the Chamber under the `Boards/Committees General' portion of
the budget. Commissioner Roberts also questioned an additional $35,000 grant from
the city to the Chamber. Commissioner Portner asked for clarification on the amount of
the waiver and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said $450.00 for the
entire year. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked for an explanation of the Chamber
providing the city with 10-15 minutes of air time, and Interim Director of Parks and
Recreation Warner responded it provides for a 10-15 minute period during each
chamber meeting where a representative of the city has the opportunity to speak to the
general membership.
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f. Item No. 6(d). APPOINTING COMMISSION LIAISONS TO BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES: (TR10678) Appointing Commission Liaisons to the Insurance Advisory
Board, Investment Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Board, Public
Information Committee, Social Services Board, and Veterans Affairs Committee to
serve until the next general municipal election which will be held on March 14, 2006.
City Clerk Swenson explained the commission liaisons serve until the municipal election
and at that time they may be reappointed to serve in their current liaison capacities or
someone else may be appointed. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said while Mayor
Schreiber is not present today she has no reason to believe he would want to change
his liaison positions. All were in agreement to keep the commission liaisons as they
currently stand.
2. UPDATE ON CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS: Update on City
Capital Improvement Projects. Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer John
Doherty gave a presentation on capital improvement projects as follows:
Prospect Road beautification between 22-28 Avenues; completed April 2005. This was
a joint project with the county and there has been positive feedback from residents.
Tamarac Commons (McNab Road and Pine Island Road); property acquired from
County; anticipated completion May 2005; in-house design and construction excluding
the fountain. Commissioner Sultanof asked about the benches and said he noticed
lighting posts along the pathway and a pump near the fountain, and questioned how the
pump will be hidden from view. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty
said the pump will be covered by a shell and landscaping; the benches are to be
incorporated into the design. Commissioner Roberts asked about a sprinkler system
and Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty explained it will be tied into
an existing system.
NW 53rd Street Improvements Project (Island Club Drive and State Road 7); this area
has a history of flooding; in-house design and construction excluding final grading,
paving and curbing; completed March 2005. Commissioner Sultanof asked about
Broward County input into the project and Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer
Doherty said they were only involved in permitting.
Boulevards Drainage Improvements Project; this area has a history of drainage
problems; in-house design and construction; currently in the design phase.
Construction to begin July 2005 with completion anticipated 120 days from
commencement. Commissioner Roberts questioned impact to residents and Assistant
Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said it would be kept at a minimum.
Phase V-B Road Improvements (Boulevards); in-house design excluding irrigation;
scheduled to begin January 2006 with completion expected 120 days after
commencement. Commissioner Portner asked if this is the last phase of the street
improvements and Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said
Southgate Boulevard is still to be done as well as some resurfacing of facilities.
Stormwater Pump Station Projects; west station is 70% complete — anticipated 100%
completion June 2005; central station 40% complete — anticipated 100% completion
September 2005; east station — eminent domain process. Commissioner Portner asked
who would assess the value of the property should eminent domain go through and
Interim Assistant City Attorney Klahr responded an estimate was made by outside
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counsel and submitted to the court ($11,500); the court will ultimately make the
determination.
70th Avenue Roadway Improvements Project (McNab and University); reducing 4 lane
undivided road to two lanes with medians and sidewalks south of 78th street; design
completed, preparing bid documents and specs; project to begin September 2005 with
anticipated completion 9 months from commencement of construction. Assistant Public
Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said next month workshops will be held for the
homeowner associations in that area. Commissioner Roberts said NW 70 Avenue
starts at McNab but after Heathgate/Sunflower Clubhouse it turns to 82" d Street.
Commissioner Sultanof asked if this is the street to be surveyed for speed humps and
Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said a study was done on this
roadway and the final product is redesign of the road instead of speed humps.
Veterans Park Improvement Project (Broward County Boating Improvement Grant); in-
house design and construction (excluding final grading, paving and curbing); currently
under construction, paving scheduled for May 2005; anticipated completion May 2005.
Commissioner Sultanof questioned the boat ramp and Assistant Public Works
Director/City Engineer Doherty said the ramp remains but we are adding angled parking
to increase maneuverability.
Fire Station 78 Generator; replace existing emergency generator; start-up is scheduled
for today; completion May 2005. Commissioner Roberts asked if this would alleviate
problems encountered during the last hurricane season and Assistant Public Works
Director/City Engineer Doherty said it would.
Southgate Boulevard Streetscape Improvements; going from four -lane to two-lane
roadway for traffic calming. Design completed; permitting submitted and bid docs and
specs are being prepared. Project to commence August 2005 with 150 days anticipated
completion. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said if we do have a hurricane this year it
would alter the length of the project and asked how we would deal with construction
debris. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said there is an
extensive plan for emergency situations; all sites are to be tied down and secured.
Southgate Linear Park; design for Phase 1A&B; design 80% complete; construction for
Phase 1A to begin September 2005. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the
impact to residents and Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said
there would be no impact due to the park construction; there will be some impact for the
roadway but adequate lanes will be open. Commissioner Sultanof questioned funding
from the Greenways for the park and Assistant City Manager Phillips said there have
been ongoing conversations with the County; to date we have had no definitive answer
for the amount of money they will provide. Commissioner Sultanof said County Mayor
Kristin Jacobs is actively involved in the Greenways projects and he will get her input.
Caporella Aquatic Center; groundbreaking held April 2005; design completed and
permitting in progress; construction to commence August 2005 through March 2006.
McNab Road Median Beautification (University Drive to eastern city limits); in-house
design and construction; partial funding through FDOT grant. Tamarac executed an
agreement with Broward County for maintenance and is currently working with Broward
County engineering for permits; construction to commence August 2005 with completion
in 120 days.
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Commissioner Portner spoke of truck traffic on Commercial Boulevard and asked if
Tamarac had the authority to limit truck traffic to only one lane. Assistant Public Works
Director/City Engineer Doherty said he would check with the State and County.
Commissioner Portner spoke of pipes going over canals in need of repainting. Utilities
Director Gagnon said there are a number of elevated canal crossings for water/sewer in
Tamarac; the condition of the hangers and pipes needs to be checked and then a
program put together to repaint the pipes.
Commissioner Portner asked if an adequate job is being done with only one harvester.
Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said the department decided one
harvester is sufficient.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Vice
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 10:45 a.m.
MARION SWENSON, CMC
CITY CLERK
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