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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 April 25, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 1 of 6 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 April 25, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 6 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. April 25, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 3of6 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 April 25, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 4 of 6 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. April 25, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 5 of 6 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 0 0 April 25, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 6 of 6