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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-07 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, MAY 7, 2007 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, May 7, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t" Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, and Commissioner Harry Dressler. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance. 1. MAY 9 2007 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(b) on the Consent Agenda. DESIGN AND RENOVATION — FIRE STATIONS 41 AND 78: (TR11165) Executing task authorization No. 07-05E with Saltz Michelson Architects to provide architectural services for the design of the Tamarac Fire Stations 41 & 78 facade and interior renovation improvement project, in accordance with the City's consulting service agreement as authorized by Resolution #R-2006-131; authorizing an expenditure for said purpose in an amount not to exceed $88,750.00; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. Public Works Director Strain, Fire Chief Budzinski and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed the work to be done on station 78 is minimal due to possible relocation of the station. Fire Chief Budzinski and Public Works Director Strain confirmed the majority of efforts will be put into Station 41; nothing that can be done without will be included. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said Station 78 is sorely in need of renovation. Commissioner Portner confirmed the money to refurbish the stations comes from the bonds and questioned the renovation to the interior of Station 78. Fire Chief Budzinski said the focus is the bunk area to provide more privacy for the firefighters. Fire Chief Budzinski replied as follows to Commissioner Portner's questions regarding how many female firefighter/paramedics we have, the total number of firefighters, and if there are any female officers. There are approximately 12 female firefighter/paramedics, about 104 people on the force and we have a female officer. Commissioner Portner questioned completion time and Public Works Director Strain said we are looking at late 2007 or early 2008 to begin construction. Commissioner Portner asked how much of the money is allotted for each station's renovation and Public Works Director Strain said it is split about 40/60 with Station 41 getting the majority of the money. Commissioner Portner said he felt there is already a footprint to be used for the new building slated for Rock Island Road and Fire Chief Budzinski said at this point we have the land but no design. Public Works Director Strain added the station on Rock Island Road can not be May 7, 2007 City Commission Workshop Page 1 of 6 a cookie cutter building as the facilities contained in Station 15 may not be needed in Station 78. Commissioner Dressler questioned the doors and Fire Chief Budzinski said we are currently waiting for an evaluation of our grant results for the hardening of the doors; this project includes hardening of the doors for both stations. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco asked if the fact that women are now in fire services is what initiated the change in the bunk area and Fire Chief Budzinski said that was the most influential reason but many new stations are providing more privacy in the bunk areas. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned replacement of the bedding in the stations, especially Station 78 and Fire Chief Budzinski explained it is a part of the process to refurnish the stations on three-year cycles. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the concept of the fire stations is that everything is used 24/7 and there is no shut down time. Commissioner Portner asked about sanitizing the beds or using mattress covers and Fire Chief Budzinski said if a firefighter wishes to use a mattress cover, he/she must provide their own, just as they provide their own sheets. b. Item No. 6(f) on the Consent Agenda. ACCEPTING A FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE LABOR MANAGEMENT GRANT AWARD: (TR11188) Authorizing the acceptance of a grant award from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Labor Management Grants Program in the amount of $93,352 to support the Tamarac Employee Safety Committee and enhance the City's safety program; providing for a 10 percent cash match of $10,373 in local funds for a total project cost of $103,725; providing for the execution of award documents. Human Resources Director Swanson and Risk/Safety Manager Tomaszewski appeared. Human Resources Director Swanson gave a presentation and explained the focus will be on accident prevention for sprains and strains, which are the majority of the injuries. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is happy that the match is only $10,000 and safety is primary. Commissioner Portner asked if the FMCS is part of OSHA and Human Resources Director Swanson said it is an independent agency of the federal government and was established in 1947 as part of the Taft -Hartley Act. Risk/Safety Manager Tomaszewski explained through our safety committee, task groups will be formed to look at the tasks that cause sprains and strains and we will evaluate new procedures. Commissioner Portner asked which departments report the majority of the injuries and how long the grant is for; Risk/Safety Manager Tomaszewski responded Parks and Recreation, Utilities, Public Works, Fire/Rescue, and Building and Code Compliance. The duration of the grant is 18 months. Commissioner Dressler said given what we anticipate coming out of Tallahassee, it appears it would be a requirement to focus on federal grants as a means for funding as much as possible. Commissioner Dressler asked if it is feasible for the City, in the context of our Sterling commitment, to prioritize and track each department's ability to obtain grant funding. City Manager Miller explained as we go through the budget process, one thing he talks to directors about, in addition to fees to replace property tax revenues, is to also look at all kinds of federal and state grants that are available, as well as grants through regional agencies. Commissioner Dressler asked how we can work closer with our local legislators to hold them accountable to identify monies needed, and City Manager Miller said our lobbyist in Tallahassee, Ron Book, works closely with our legislative delegation. When we have grant applications in the works, all the local people sign off May 7, 2007 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 6 and support those grants. We rely on them to help us endorse and identify all possibilities available to us. The last few years have been difficult, but each year we have been successful in getting at least one grant. Staff works throughout the year with various agencies to line up possible grant funding in advance, and if we get these approved through the state first, it is easier to get them through the legislative process. Commissioner Portner questioned several sections in the letter from Fran Leonard and Human Resources Director Swanson explained this is a federal grant and there are a lot of commitments that we have to make. Risk/Safety Manager Tomaszewski explained the FMCS has a list of vendors they would prefer we not use. Human Resources Director Swanson explained the use of the title "Commissioner' for staff members of FMCS and the fact that there will be a FMCS staff member assigned to assist us through our process. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he believes the federal government wants to save money, and that is the reason for this grant. C. Item No. 7 on the Agenda. FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE SERVICES: (T02138) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute a Commercial Garbage Franchise Agreement between the City of Tamarac and FSR Transporting and Crane Services, Inc. Public Works Director Strain appeared and gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed this is for commercial services. Commissioner Portner questioned several items in the contract, specifically what the 10% would equate to, what other method there could be for future revenue, and the primary term. Public Works Director Strain said the 10% depends on the volume and with regard to the primary term, they are on a month to month basis and the company must meet certain standards; if they do not meet the standards we do not have to give them the remainder of the year. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained the provision in the contract with regard to other methods protects the city for future revenues. Commissioner Partner questioned billing and servicing of the customers and Public Works Director Strain explained we do not bill for commercial pickup; the company must give us a report regarding removal from commercial establishments. Commissioner Portner spoke of illegal immigrants working in the labor force and asked how we can protect ourselves from this. Public Works Director Strain explained the company is required to meet federal requirements. Commissioner Portner asked if BSO has a method of tracking illegal immigrants in the City of Tamarac and BSO Chief Dugger said no. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained this matter is separate and apart from the City and is regulated by the federal government through immigration and customs. If the company does not comply, we can terminate their franchising rights. d. Item No. 8 on the Agenda. ADDITIONAL SENIOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: (T02139) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 6 of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances, entitled "Finance and Taxation", by specifically creating Article VII, entitled "Senior Homestead Tax Exemption"; providing that an additional homestead exemption of up to Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for persons sixty-five (65) years of age and older shall be authorized to taxpayers satisfying the requirements as set forth in Section 196.075 of the Florida Statutes, which includes but is not limited to the person's household income does not exceed Twenty Thousand May 7, 2007 City Commission Workshop Page 3 of 6 Dollars ($20,000.00), as adjusted pursuant to State Statute; providing that a taxpayer seeking the additional homestead exemption shall submit on an annual basis a sworn statement to the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office; providing for an annual adjustment; providing for severability; providing for conflict; providing for inclusion in the code; providing for an effective date subject to the acceptance of the Ordinance by the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office. Financial Services Director Chapman and Assistant City Attorney Klahr appeared. Financial Services Director Chapman gave a presentation and explained with an inflation clause, the low income amount for the calendar year 2007 is $24,214. The Property Appraiser's Office has informed us this affects about 400-500 residents in the City of Tamarac, or about 2.4% of our base of assessed value. In a normal year where the commission could set the millage rate without other obligations it would reduce our tax income by $365,000. Without knowing what the legislature will do, we do not know the impact on the City. That will be decided in special session being held June 12-22, 2007, in Tallahassee. If the Commission wants to do this for calendar year 2007 the ordinance must pass two readings and get to the property appraiser's office by June 1st. This can not be done incrementally. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked how many cities in Broward County offer the first $25,000 additional homestead exemption to low-income seniors and Financial Services Director Chapman said it is his belief almost all the cities have adopted this. He is only aware of Lighthouse Point offering the second $25,000 exemption. Vice Mayor Sultanof said it is incumbent upon people to file each year, the exemption is not automatic. Because we do not know what Tallahassee is doing, we could end up with a $100,000 exemption for some residents. Vice Mayor Sultanof suggested we say yes on first reading with the opportunity to think about what would be beneficial to all our residents. Financial Services Director Chapman said if we do not provide for the additional senior homestead exemption by June 1st it will not go into effect for calendar year 2007. An additional state exemption for everybody is being spoken about in conjunction with a referendum, and the earliest that would be put in place would be calendar year 2008. Vice Mayor Sultanof added if we dig ourselves into a hole, services will become problematic in the future. He wants to protect the overall picture of Tamarac and its residents and we need to look deeper into this matter. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said this is a frustrating position to be in and we try to make the best decisions we can based on information we have at hand. Commissioner Atkins -Grad left the room at 10:22 a.m. and returned at 10:25 a.m. Commissioner Portner said he feels this is discriminatory as many young families make under $24,000 and there is no protection for them. Commissioner Portner said he received more back from the United States than he ever thought he would. Vice Mayor Sultanof said many in the senior community can no longer work and depend upon Meals on Wheels and gratuities that come their way. They are in the ebb tide of their lives. Young families have more than one person in the household working and it may be tough, but seniors had it tough in 1929. It is a cycle. When we look at seniors we look at haggard, humble people who bring into this county hundreds of millions of dollars in social security money. Young people struggle to make a living and their opportunities are created by the monies brought into the county by the seniors. It is a May 7, 2007 City Commission Workshop Page 4 of 6 difficult package. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she spent Saturday at the Aquatic Center and it was a most rewarding day. There were people of all ages enjoying the facility, and it is affordable. Tamarac has done everything it preaches for its residents, and one of the best things this Commission has done is build the Aquatic Center, because it covers everyone. Everybody is interested in tax relief and seniors are no different. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said those affected the most are the needy. We try to be fiscally responsible, and an article in the Sun -Sentinel said Tamarac will be the hardest hit financially. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she believes the ordinance should pass first reading and the Commissioners and City Manager Miller should get on the phone this afternoon and get some answers from Tallahassee. We need to give this matter consideration, and based on the time frame we all resent being put in this position. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked City Manager Miller from his standpoint and conversations with our Tallahassee lobbyist, where this all fits in. City Manager Miller said most cities are in the same situation, passing this ordinance on first reading and thinking about it over the next few weeks. They will make their decisions prior to June 1st. If Speaker Rubio's proposal passes it will eliminate all property taxes and this Ordinance would be superfluous. On second reading, we will have to be careful, and we hope to have a recommendation at that time. It looks like we will get hit hard on tax relief; everybody will get relief across the board; a $25 billion tax package will hit Tamarac to the tune of $9 million - $10 million. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said her main concern is that the public understands what is going on in Tallahassee and the decisions we are faced with this year are not typical budgetary decisions. The public might not be following tax reform as closely as they need to; and Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco said she is not getting a sense the public understands the implications. It is an emotionally charged issue and she hopes as the public reads about these decisions they understand it is a balancing act. Commissioner Portner said we will be in the same position on June 1'st as we are today. City Manager Miller said if the Ordinance passes first reading we still have options for the second reading. If the Mayor and City Commission deny the ordinance on first reading, we will not have time for two more readings before June Vt. If more information is available, City Manager Miller said he would bring it to the Mayor and City Commission with the best prognosis of our lobbyist. Commissioner Dressler said the deadline was not set by the City of Tamarac; it has to do with transmittal to the Property Appraiser. Commissioner Dressler asked if imposition of the ordinance is subject to future revocation and Financial Services Director Chapman said if we notify the Property Appraiser by June 18t we will be doubling the homestead exemption for qualified seniors and it will be in effect for calendar year 2007. If later we revoke the ordinance, as long as we notify the Property Appraiser timely, the exemption can be reduced in the future. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco asked for an expression of interest to keep the item on Wednesday's agenda for first reading. All were in agreement. 2. AMENDING CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE III OF THE TAMARAC CODE PROVIDING FOR THE PROCESS FOR APPOINTING INDIVIDUALS TO THE CITY'S ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES: (T02140) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 2, Article III of the Tamarac Code, providing for the process for appointing individuals to the City's Advisory Boards and Committees. City May 7, 2007 City Commission Workshop Page 5 of 6 Clerk Swenson and Assistant City Attorney Klahr appeared. City Clerk Swenson gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed this ordinance would allow each Commissioner appointments from their respective districts and appointees would be subject to current code regarding absenteeism. Commissioner Portner commended City Clerk Swenson and said this ordinance takes all politics out of the appointment process. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked how the Mayor fits into the process and City Clerk Swenson explained mayoral appointments would be made at -large; the number of appointments to any given board or committee is dependent on the make-up of the particular board or committee. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said this would be better than the current process used. Commissioner Portner asked if the Commission could object to an appointment by an individual commissioner and City Clerk Swenson said only by a super majority vote (4-1). Commissioner Dressler clarified the process if a commissioner chooses to appoint someone from a district other than their own and that district's commissioner objects, and confirmed the effective date of the ordinance and the fact the upcoming appointments in June would follow the new process. City Clerk Swenson thanked the City Attorney's office for their assistance with crafting the ordinance. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed that City Clerk Swenson would direct the Commission in the process. All were in agreement for the new process to be put into place for the June 2007 appointments. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:00 a.m. r Marion Swens n, CMC _? City Clerk 1 May 7, 2007 City Commission Workshop Page 6 of 6