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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-12 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAM RAC CITY COMMISSION WOR SHOP MEETING MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabis o called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, May 1 , 2008, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tam rac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talat Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, and Commi ABSENT: Commissioner Edward C. Portner. Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, er Harry Dressler. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. �Iler, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and ity Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance. 1. MAY 14.2008 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(c) on the consent agenda. ONSTRUCTION OF A WESTBOUND RIGHT -TURN LANE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD AND NW 94T" AVENUE: (TR11 84) Awarding Bid No. 08-05B to Kailas Corp. and executing an agreement with Kailas Corp., for an amount not to exceed $89,403.00 for the construction of a westboun right -turn lane located at the northeast corner of Commercial Boulevard and Northwest 94th Avenue; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty and Purchasi g/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer herty gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned the design and the safety of the students. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said Harris E gineering worked on the design, and explained with the turn lane would add to the safety of the students. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she and both principals t ank the City for doing this. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the impact to the bank with regard to moving the traffic signal and Assistant Public Works Di r ctor/City Engineer Doherty said there would be no impact. City Manager Miller addec we have completed the sidewalks from Commercial Blvd. and 94th Avenue to McNab Road, and the children will not have to walk in the street. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if these schools are being used for camp and City Manager Miller said they are iot. b. Item No. 6(d) on the consent agenda. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT the amount of twenty thousand five REFUNDS: (TR11385) Approving a refund in hundred forty eight dollars and no cents ($20, 48.00) which was an overpayment on commercial alteration permits 05-1386, 05-2321, 06-5268, 06-5999, 06-6271, 06-6558 and 0 06-254, 06-2658, 06-3049, 06-3211, -6591. Building Operations Manager McIntyre gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof expressed concern over the May 12, 2 08 City Commission orkshop Page 1 o 8 developer putting the bay in the back of the office building, and Commissioner Dressler confirmed the fees noted in the recommendation and background fall under the current fee schedule. C. Item No. 6(i) on the consent agenda. BARRY UNIVERSITY STUDENT RIDERS: (TR11376) Executing an Agreement between the City of Tamarac and Barry University, Inc. (University) to allow Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students an opportunity to receive education and training from Tamarac Fire Rescue personnel in an EMS Student Preceptorship Program for a three-year period. Fire Chief Budzinski gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed hold harmless agreements would be in effect. Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked if this is comparable to shadowing and Fire Chief Budzinski responded shadowing is a more informal process, while this program is a requirement in order to complete para-medic training. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked to what degree the students are allowed to work on cases and questioned the ages of the students. Fire Chief Budzinski explained they start off observing. Then, depending on where they are in the program dictates how much they are able to do on the road, under the supervision of a preceptor. The students must be at least 18 to participate in the program. d. Item No. 6(e) on the consent agenda. ACQUISITION OF THE REQUIRED NETWORK AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT: (TR11388) Approving the acquisition of the required network and telecommunications equipment from Coleman Technologies / CISCO Systems, to integrate the new IT/Utilities building into the City's telephone and data network, utilizing State of Florida Contract #250-000-03-1; authorizing budget amendments for proper accounting purposes and authorizing an expenditure for an amount not to exceed $63,072.00. Information Technology Director Sucuoglu, Assistant Director of Utilities Moore and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. I.T. Director Sucuoglu gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned moving the equipment and I.T. Director Sucuoglu explained the bare essentials would be left in City Hall as well as a portion of the telephone system, so that this building can function if connectivity is lost. Additionally, the main frame will be moved to the new building. Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked if it is possible to keep iguanas from getting into the equipment, as happened last week when power was lost in parts of the county. I.T. Director Sucuoglu said the new building is protected against that occurrence. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when the move would take place and Assistant Director of Utilities Moore responded the equipment should be moved and occupancy granted by late August or early September. Additionally, funding is provided from the interest accrued on the bonds. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that information about our new building and information management changes be shared with other cities under best practices. Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked how the underground wiring would be affected by flooding and Assistant Director of Utilities Moore said we are above the expected flood levels. e. Item No. 6(f) on the consent agenda. AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT — ADDITIONAL LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX ON MOTOR FUEL ORDINANCE: (TR11392) Executing the 2008 Amendment to Interlocal Agreement May 12, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 8 between Broward County and City of Tamarac the proceeds from the Broward County Additioi Ordinance. Finance Director Chapman said agenda together are interrelated, and suggest Services Director Chapman gave a presentation f. Item No. 6(g) on the consent age providing for division and distribution of ial Local Option Gas Tax on Motor Fuel Items 1(e)(f) and (g) on the workshop :d discussing them together. Financial AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL P1Vf%LL1TIL1% 1 - rlr 1 fl VLI\ 1 r%LTLl11 IVI\P%L. L,W%OP%L. Vr 1 IVI\ WP1a7 IPU% Will MW 1 VR FUEL FOR TRANSIT: (TR11393) Executing the 2008 Amendment to Interlocal Agreement between Broward County and City of Tamarac providing for division and distribution of the proceeds from the Broward dounty Fifth Cent Additional Local Option Gas Tax on Motor Fuel for Transit. g. Item No. 6(h) on the consent agenc a. AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT -- LOCAL OPTION GAS TAXORDINANCE: (TR11394) Executing the 2008 Amendment to Interlocal Agreement between Broward County and City of Tamarac providing for division and distribution of the proceeds of the Local Option Gas Tax imposed by the Broward County Local Opti n Gas Tax Ordinance. h. Item No. 60) on the consent agenda. INC. AGREEMENT - 2008 FIREWORKS: (TR agreement between the City of Tamarac exercising the option to renew for the 2008 firs Recreation Director Warner and Purchasin Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave Grad said we are very fortunate to have been, did such a great job last year. Director of F stipulations have been added to the agreemen- scheduled for July 5th; the additional cost is i show, the cost is capped at 40%. Mayor F sponsorships which show community support. said he would work with community partners Sultanof said the concession stand monies go not want to take anything away from them. i. Item No. 6(k) on the consent agenda. TEAM (SERT): (TR11399) Grant applicatioi Security through the Florida Department of E Emergency Response Team (SER1) sub Emergency Response Team (CERT) equipn materials in an amount not to exceed $20,00 and execution of documents upon approval of Special Projects Coordinator Gresek appeare gave a presentation. Fire Chief Budzinski s., participation in the CERT Program and providi MELROSE SOUTH PYROTECHNICS, 11396) Executing an amendment to the nd Melrose South Pyrotechnics, Inc., :works at a cost of $20,000.00. Parks & I/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. a presentation. Commissioner Atkins- ible to negotiate with this company, who arks and Recreation Warner explained for inclement weather and a rain date is upped at 10%. If the City cancels the ansbaum-Talabisco spoke of corporate Director of Parks and Recreation Warner if they wish to participate. Vice Mayor to the youth sports groups and he does GRANT APPLICATION TO THE US 1R STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE to the US Department of Homeland iergency Management for Florida State trant program funds for Community ,ant, supplies, training and promotional ; providing for acceptance of the award he application. Fire Chief Budzinski and I. Special Projects Coordinator Gresek d we are looking forward to increasing ig additional training for those who have May 12, 2 08 City Commission Workshop Page 3 o 8 already gone through the program. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked how many participants are in the program, and Fire Chief Budzinski said 500 people have already gone through the program. Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked if anyone signed up at the Hurricane Expo Booth, and Fire Chief Budzinski said there were inquiries. Commissioner Dressler questioned the last time the City offered CERT training and when CERT people are used. Fire Chief Budzinski said the last program was held within the last few months and the CERT people are used as administrative volunteers at the fire department, as well as at the Hurricane Expo. Additionally they worked with City employees after the last hurricane, delivering resources to the community and some were in the EOC. Vice Mayor Sultanof added a CERT volunteer made use of the AED at the Kings Point Clubhouse a few years ago. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested targeting the newer communities and the younger families, and Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she would work along with Fire Chief Budzinski to bring the information to the new communities in District 2. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco also suggested meeting with the PTA's as the schools are our partners. Commissioner Dressler suggested getting in touch with Burt Schneider from the Woodmont Homeowners' Association. j. Item No. 6(I) on the consent agenda. GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION FOR FLORIDA BOATING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: (TR11400) Grant application to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for Florida Boating Improvement Program (FBIP) grant funds to enhance recreational boating opportunities at Veterans' Park in the amount of $24,000; providing for a 25 percent match of $8,000 in local funds for a total project cost of $32,000; providing for acceptance of the award and execution of documents upon approval of the application. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty, Director of Parks and Recreation Warner and Special Projects Coordinator Gresek appeared. Special Projects Coordinator Gresek gave a presentation. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the time frame and Special Projects Coordinator Gresek said if we are successful we will know in July 2008 and then we have 18 months to spend the funds. k. Item No. 6(m) on the consent agenda. GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA FOREVER PROGRAM (FCT) FUNDS_ FOR ACQUISITION COSTS RELATING TO THE CHEVRON PARCEL: (TR11401) Grant application to the Florida Communities Trust for Florida Forever Program funds for the Tamarac Reclamation Park Project in an amount not to exceed $736,800; providing for a cash match of $2,000,000 in local funds for a total project cost of $2,736,800; providing for acceptance of the award and execution of documents upon approval of the application. Assistant City Manager Diane Phillips and Special Projects Coordinator Mike Gresek appeared. Special Projects Coordinator Gresek gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed the money is not coming from the City taxpayers, and asked that this be communicated to the residents. Public and Economic Affairs Officer Berns responded that the next issue of the Tam -A -Gram is being put together and an article will appear regarding the Chevron parcel. Assistant City Manager Phillips spoke of funding sources. Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed we are mandated to have 3 acres of park land May 12, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 4 of 8 1 1 I per 1,000 residents, and the Chevron people m ill remove structures and tanks from the property. Commissioner Dressler said the pLirchase of land for a park should not become a political issue, and he is in favor of ff e purchase. Commissioner Atkins -Grad spoke of an article in the Sun -Sentinel and E poke of the new Botanical Gardens in Lauderhill, adding she hoped our park would h ve a similar feeling. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco said at the last land acquisition meeting Tamarac was commended on forging ahead with perseverance on this matter, beca ise there is almost no money left in the fund. Additionally, that committee is being sun 5efted. Tamarac is one of the only cities to have purchased this type of property. On Saturday, Commissioner Atkins -Grad and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco attended the opening of the Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens; it is a beautiful park and Mr. Gadson and Ms. Ravitz, both of who did art work for Tamarac, also did some art work for the new park. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said last week she was at the Aquatic Center and Sunset Point Park with her family and people came up to her telling her how much they loved our facilities. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco questioned the design for the park and Assistant City Manager Phillips said we have just begun to think about what might be there; we need to keep 70% of the surface pervious and we want to tie it in with the main Street project and also be an entryway feature. Commissioner Dressler com lemented staff and the City Manager on the negotiations for the parcel. City Manager Miller said the credit goes to Assistant City Manager Phillips who did a fantastic job. Ii took over a year to negotiate with the oil corporation. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spok3 of shade elements at the park and said people gravitate to gazebos. Commissioner Dressler asked that the Public Art Committee investigate a gazebo for the new park. Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked what could be done to provide shade at the park on McNab and Pine Island and Assistant City Manager Phillips explained the trees that were put in were not mature trees. Item No. 6(n) on the consent agenda. INTER OCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN 1ARD COUNTY AND CITY OF I TAMARAC FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED PEDESTI Interlocal Agreement between the City of Tam, Construction of a Covered Walkway at Tamar West Commercial Boulevard, in an amount not Five Hundred Dollars ($260,500.00) from appr amendments as needed for proper accoun, Director/City Engineer Doherty appeared and I Talabisco questioned the plans for the Cou Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer ours. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of money pu be made clear they are City benches with Dressler asked if the new logo would be used said we will look into that. There was discussie the new logo. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco sui alternatives. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco tha and County Commissioner Lieberman for tr funding for the City. Commissioner Dressle UAN WALKWAY (TR11404) Executing rac and Broward County for Design and is Branch of the Broward Library, 8701 to exceed Two Hundred Sixty Thousand )priate accounts and authorizing budget ng purposes. Assistant Public Works ave a presentation. Mayor Flansbaum- ity's half of the covered walkway and )oherty said the plans are the same as aside for the benches and asked that it he City seal on them. Commissioner )n the benches and City Manager Miller i whether to use the seal with the bird or gested waiting for the design to discuss eked Broward County Vice Mayor Ritter �ir assistance in bringing forward the . complemented the Mayor, City staff, May 12, 2 08 City Commission Workshop Page 5 o 8 Assistant City Manager Phillips, and Lobbyist Mitch Ceasar, who worked over a weekend to make sure we got the funding. Commissioner Dressler said he read an article over the past weekend about a city in California that filed bankruptcy; Tamarac is prospering and he would like that communicated to the residents. M. Item No. 7 on the regular agenda. EXTENSION OF FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL - MONTEREY PROJECT: (TR11397) Granting a time extension of eighteen (18) months for Final Site Plan approval and a Waiver of the fee for the extension for the Monterey Project, requested by the law offices of Billing and Cochran (Gerald L. Knight), on behalf of the applicant (Bruce Chait, owner Prestige Homes) (Case No. 7-SP-08). Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested discussing Items 1(m) and 1(n) on the workshop agenda together. Community Development Director Bramley gave a presentation. Commissioner Dressler confirmed they are asking for the extensions due to the extraordinary circumstances developers are experiencing now. Commissioner Dressler asked if requesting the waiver of the fees is usual for developers and Community Development Director Bramley said it is not. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is in favor of waiving the fees. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said while she always has been and still is in favor of these projects, she is not in favor of waiving the fees. Commissioner Dressler addressed the staff memo and said he would argue that there is a fiscal impact to the City via the extension of the final site plan approval for 12-18 months, and he is not in favor of waiving the fees. City Attorney Goren explained the applicant has already paid the fees. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she is in favor of the project but not waiving the fees. n. Item No. 8 on the regular agenda. EXTENSION OF FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL — SABAL PALM PROJECT: (TR11398) Granting a time extension of twelve (12) months for Final Site Plan approval and a Waiver of the Fee for the Extension for the Sabal Palm Project, requested by the law office of Billing and Cochran (Gerald L. Knight), on behalf of Bruce Chait, owner of Prestige Homes, applicant (Case No. 6-SP-08). o. Item No. 9 on the regular agenda. 2008/2009 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR CDBG: (TR11403) Approving the projects recommended for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Action Plan for expenditure of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Funds estimated to be $418,811 for the Ninth Program Year (Case No. 07-MI-08). Community Development Director Bramley and Housing Administrator Bauldree appeared. Community Development Director Bramley and Housing Administrator Bauldree gave presentations. Commissioner Dressler asked if the Aquatic Center is used for therapeutic purposes and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said there are some exercise classes held as part of the Senior program. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called for a recess at 11:23 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:31 a.m. with all present as before. May 12, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 6 of 8 2. DISCUSSION AND UPDATE RE: WE CASTING COMMISSION MEETINGS: I.T. Director Sucuoglu gave a presentation on costs for webcasting only the commission meetings with one camera; webcasting the commission meetings and workshop meetings with one camera; webcasting the cc mmission meetings with two additional cameras; and webcasting the commission mee ings and workshop meetings with three cameras in the chambers and two cameras in Room 105. I.T. Director Sucuoglu said the quality of the website will not be comparable to televising, and he has also looked at other cities that webcast. Vice Mayor Sulta of said he is not in favor of televising commission meetings, but he feels the workshop meetings provide the essence of what the Mayor and City Commission do; we should take the workshop meetings to the public either via travelling to various areas in the City or webcasting, and asked that the cost for both be brought back to the Mayor and City Commission. Commissioner Dressler discussed amortizing costs over a five-year period and questioned the cost of webcasting only the workshop meetings. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about a pilot program and I.T. Director Sucuoglu said preparing for a pilot program requires full implementation of the hardware, software and infrastructure. Commissioner Dressler spoke about leasing vs. purchasing the equi ment and I.T. Director Sucuoglu said purchasing is a better option. One concern is tt ie burden on the website as there is a T- 1 telephone line that serves access to the wet isite, a-gov, e-mail communications and all other communications. With the video, therE will be an extra burden on the capacity. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and Commissions Dressler said they would want to track the numbers of people using the site. I.T. Dire Aor Sucuoglu said at this point he does not feel lines need to be added, as most of the demand will be on demand viewing, not live viewing. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like to see some more figures. I.T. Director Sucuoglu added this is not funded in this year's budget; if we follow the budgeting process we can begin putting the project in force after October Vt. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the time it would take to set up and I.T. Director Sucuoglu said a total of about 90 days. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said the key thing she is concerned about is funding. B th she and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco ran for office with televising/webcasting as tl eir platform. She is concerned about funding as we have just been cut by Tallahassee, and she is also concerned about grandstanding at the Commission meetings. Oayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned whether there is a way to limit the number of iours a meeting runs and City Attorney Goren spoke about scheduling of public hearings. Commissioner Atkins -Grad questioned how to determine how many people are actually going onto the webcast and I.T. Director Sucuoglu said we may need to set up a pre -registration process; we can count the number of hits on the page but that d es not tell us how many people actually look at the webcast. Commissioner Dressler said he is opposed to pre -registration; we all ran on an open government to the people campaign and he would like to go the least intrusive way to count the hits to the site. Commissioner Dressler said he would also like to know the differential between costs for commission only and commission/workshop meetings, as well as the difference in cost to take the meetings to the public and webcasting. Mayor Flansba m-Talabisco said she would also like to have information on a mechanism of counting the people feel they are part of something new number of people who use the site so happening in the City. Commissioner Atkins -Grad suggested requiring names so we will know exactly how many people go May 12, 2 08 City Commission orkshop Page 7 o 8 into the site. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and Commissioner Dressler were not in favor of requiring names. I.T. Director Sucuoglu confirmed the Mayor and City Commission wanted information on figures comparing the cost of taking the workshop meetings to the public vs. webcasting the meetings. 3. UPDATE RE: INDIGENT DEFENDANT CASES: City Attorney Goren introduced his daughter Jessie, who was in the audience. City Attorney Goren spoke of the 4tn DCA decision which impacts the City of Tamarac. In municipal ordinance violations where the City prosecutes, if there is a potential for jail time and the defendant fails to appear, and the judge issues a capeas, the City is then obligated to provide a defense attorney for the defendant. Under the State statutes, it appears the public defender is legally obligated to provide that service, but he chose not to contract with municipalities. 4. UPDATE RE: TRAFFIC MAGISTRATE: City Attorney Goren said he met with Judge Tobin, and there is a meeting scheduled for May 13 for the State Court administration, the object of the meeting is to funnel money into the budget for Broward County, in order for the traffic magistrate program to continue. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:25 p.m. Marion Swenson, CIVIC City Clerk 1 May 12, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 8 of 8