HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-22 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 22, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the
City Commission to order on Monday, May 22, 2006, 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 Edward C. Portner,
Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner
Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Deputy City Manager Michael C.
Cernech, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that all cell phones, except for those belonging to
staff, be put on buzz or vibrate so as not to disturb the meeting.
MAY 24, 2006 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 6(g). VOIDING WATER AND SEWER DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT
WITH JOSEPH T. ROMANO: (TR10958) Voiding the Water and Sewer Developer's
Agreement with Joseph T. Romano for Lot #5 of the property located at 5501 NW 22"d
Avenue; releasing the current owner, Holly Geyer Doro, of delinquent guaranteed
revenues in the approximate amount of $395.76; authorizing and directing the City Clerk
to record said nullification in the Public Records of Broward County. Utilities Director
Gagnon, Support Services Manager D'Amato, and Michael Doro, owner of Coit
appeared. Support Services Manager D'Amato gave a presentation. Commissioner
Sultanof questioned the original agreement and confirmed that should the current or
future owner of the property wish to develop the property, new permits would have to be
sought and a new agreement would have to be entered into between the owner of the
property and the City. Assistant City Attorney Klahr confirmed. Mr. Doro asked about
the possibility of receiving a refund or credit on fees previously paid and City Manager
Miller said the appropriate solution is for the City to refund revenues collected over the
past six months. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the money will be refunded back to
December.
b. Item No. 6(k). GRANT APPLICATION — 2006 BROWARD BEAUTIFUL
COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM GRANT FOR LANDSCAPING AT SOUTHGATE
LINEAR PARK: (TR10964) Submitting an application to the Broward Beautiful
Community Grants Program in the amount of $10,000 for the provision of landscaping
at the Southgate Linear Park between the Sawgrass Expressway and Nob Hill Road;
providing for acceptance of the award and executing of documents upon approval.
Public Works Director Strain and Special Projects Coordinator Gresek appeared. Public
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City Commission Workshop
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Works Director Strain gave a presentation and said once the design is completed the
City would go out to bid. Special Projects Coordinator Gresek said the granting agency
is Broward County through the Broward Beautiful Community Grants Program. This
small grant, in the amount of $10,000 will provide for landscaping from the Sawgrass
Expressway to Nob Hill road. The area has been designated low income by the U.S.
Census Bureau and as such, there is no match necessary. We will be notified in
September 2006 regarding our success in receiving the grant.
C. Item No. 60). CHANGE ORDER — SOUTHGATE BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: (TR10962) Executing Change Order Number 1 to the
agreement between the City of Tamarac and Tenex Enterprises, Inc. for the
construction of additional parking area at northwest end of Southgate Blvd. Streetscape
Improvement Project; authorizing an additional expenditure in an amount not to exceed
$54,361.95 for said purpose. Public Works Director Strain and Purchasing/Contracts
Manager Glatz appeared. Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation.
Commissioner Sultanof asked Public Works Director Strain if he foresaw anything else
coming down the pike and Public Works Director Strain spoke of the wall that will be
built with regard to the round about. The wall is to be 30" in height, culminating at 6'. At
the high end of the wall a homeowner association sign will be put up for that section.
There will be two entrance features at the traffic circle for the development and he
anticipates people will be happy when the project is completed. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco questioned the completion date of the project and Public Works Director
Strain said December 2006. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of a project several years
ago for the entry to Mainlands 1 and 2 that abuts to Commercial Boulevard. At that time
the Mayor and City Commission agreed to clean the area, landscape and give signs to
the community, but there was a caveat that the City would not be responsible for
maintenance of the signs. Commissioner Sultanof asked if this would be the same
situation for the Westwood 24 community. Public Works Director Strain said the signs
under discussion are in the public right-of-way and so the City must maintain the signs
and wall. The wall will be stucco and may need to be repainted occasionally. The
lettering should not have to be done again at any time in the future.
d. Item No. 6(f). TRAFFIC SIGNAL BID AWARD — HORIZON SIGNAL
TECHNOLOGIES: (TR10963) Awarding Bid Number 06-15B to Horizon Signal
Technologies, Inc., for the purchase of ten (10) trailer mounted emergency portable
traffic signals, including the optional left hand turn signal indicators to provide for traffic
safety, authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $137,610.00. Fire Chief
Budzinski and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Fire Chief Budzinski
gave a presentation and said the 10 signals would be used during emergency recovery
periods. Fire Chief Budzinski commended Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz and
Community Education Preparedness Specialist Schoen on their due diligence in finding
this vendor and these devices. In addition to the signals we will also get safety cones
and turn signal devices. Commissioner Sultanof questioned whether the devices were
self contained or needed to be recharged and if we piggy -backed on another contract.
Fire Chief Budzinski said no other governmental agency had these on contract and the
devices have battery packs as well as solar panels. Purchasing/Contracts Manager
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City Commission Workshop
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Glatz said the battery is under warranty to last for two weeks and solar panels are
included. Vice Mayor Portner asked if the units were self regulated or need to have
deputies operate them. Fire Chief Budzinski said they are programmable but also have
manual controls. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned mobility of the devices and
Fire Chief Budzinski said they are towable and the tow bar and wheels are removable
for security reasons. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if deputies are needed for the
devices, who would decide where they are to be put, and if Tamarac is the only City that
has such devices. Fire Chief Budzinski said there may be some intersections where
deputies could be stationed, but the devices will work on their own. As of now, Tamarac
is the only City with these devices. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested since
Tamarac is the only City out of 31 with these devices, we may want to invite other City
Managers to come and look at them. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked where the
devices would be stored and Fire Chief Budzinski said in the Public Services Complex.
Commissioner Dressler questioned receipt of the signals and Fire Chief Budzinski said
between 30-90 days. We anticipate having them before the active part of the season.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like to see everything done to get these
devices here as soon as possible. Fire Chief Budzinski spoke of the location of the
lights; along Commercial Boulevard from University Drive to 31 st Avenue Broward
County plans to install pigtails so lights can be worked from generators; however
Broward County does not have as many generators as they have intersections,
therefore, it may fall to Tamarac to provide generators. Commissioner Sultanof asked
what the County is preparing itself for and Fire Chief Budzinski responded he attended
several meetings with the traffic engineer from Broward County. Broward County has
identified 136 critical intersections in the county and plans to put pigtails on these
locations, five of which are in the City of Tamarac. The County indicated as time goes
on they hope to do more; they have approximately 70 generators for distribution
throughout the County. Depending on the impact of a future storm they will be able to
put these devices at appropriate sections of the County. Commissioner Sultanof asked
where the County would get the gas for generators in Tamarac, and Fire Chief
Budzinski said from Public Works. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of a suggestion he
had made with regard to corporations supplying tankers at strategically located gas
stations and also for the use of propane gas for generators: Commissioner Sultanof
spoke of burying propane tanks for safety purposes. Commissioner Sultanof added he
would like the Mayor and City Commission to be kept informed. Fire Chief Budzinski
said fixed generators at homes are now available but they are more expensive and the
only limitations would be zoning and building. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of
small generators for condominiums and homes and asked that this information, as well
as generator safety be provided to the public. Fire Chief Budzinski said there is a
generator safety brochure, and for small generators, location is critical. They must be in
fully ventilated areas; they are more convenient to use but easier to misuse. Public
Information Officer Crockett said the City is working on a 4-page Tam -A -Gram Extra
that should mail in early June. There is also a tabloid from Broward County and both
address generator safety. Fire Chief Budzinski did not recommend generators being
placed on any type of enclosure, such as a screened room or screened balcony.
Generators need to be away from building openings. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
expressed concern that condominium residents, especially on second and third floors
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City Commission Workshop
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might not heed the warning. Commissioner Sultanof asked what size generator and
propane tank would be needed for high buildings, such as those in Kings Point, and
said he would like information on this so he could give it to the homeowner associations.
Fire Chief Budzinski replied the size of the tank is dictated by the size of the generator.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco encouraged the commissioners when they are out
speaking to the residents to be cognizant of the small generators people will be
purchasing and encourage people to get information about the generators and be
cautious. Fire Chief Budzinski added the City received the radio tower but we have not
yet received all the equipment that goes with it. Fire Chief Budzinski suggested bringing
this by Wednesday for the Mayor and City Commission to look at. Fire Chief Budzinski
said we also received one of three sign boards, which cost $13,000. At the next
commission meeting he will be requesting the purchase of two more. The emergency
plan is being re -written and it will be ready for the commission in June. This is part of a
FEMA requirement for reimbursement. There is a considerable amount of detail
required in the plan to ensure federal compliance. Commissioner Sultanof expressed
concern for elders as well as younger people who suffer from emphysema, and
questioned the ability for them to recharge their medical equipment and refill their
oxygen tanks after a storm. Fire Chief Budzinski said there are two methods to
accomplish this; after the last storm people were able to come to Station 15 to recharge
their equipment. That has now been moved to the Tamarac Community Center, and
there will be the ability to assist more people. A number of years ago we received a
Broward County EMS Grant for oxygen refilling stations for use during normal
operations. Part of the grant is to make this available to residents at the time of a
disaster. Residents can bring in oxygen tanks to be refilled at Station 15 after an
emergency. Fire Chief Budzinski reported that Thursday, at the Broward County Library
a person suffered cardiac arrest. The County places AED's at all Libraries and trains
staff in their use. The patient was successfully revived; however, the AED did not
deliver a shock as it was not needed. The staff member continued to administer CPR
and when Fire/Rescue arrived they took the patient to the hospital. This is consistent
with our AED/CPR program. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked where the equipment
will be located on Wednesday so that staff and the public could view it, and Fire Chief
Budzinski said he would arrange for it to be placed in front of the building.
e. Item No. 7. RECONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION R2006-55 OPPOSING
NORTH BROWARD HOSPITAL DISTRICT'S CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPLICATION
FOR NEW HOSPITAL: (TR10943) Reconsideration of Resolution R2006-55 opposing
the North Broward Hospital District's Certificate of Need Application No. 9920 for a
Nova Southeastern/North Broward Hospital District new hospital; directing the City Clerk
to send a copy of this Resolution to Jeffrey N. Gregg, Chief, Bureau of Health Facility
Regulation, Agency for Health Care Administration.
MOTION TO RECONSIDER APPROVED ON APRIL 26, 2006
TABLED AT THE MAY 10, 2006 MEETING TO THE MAY 22, 2006 WORKSHOP AND
THE MAY 24, 2006 REGULAR MEETING. Vice Mayor Portner said he would reserve
his remarks and make a decision on this item on Wednesday.
May 22, 2006
City Commission Workshop
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f. Item No. 8. NOVEMBER ELECTIONS: (TO2117) Motion to adopt Ordinance on
first reading submitting to referendum an amendment to Article VI of the City's Charter,
entitled "Qualifications and Elections," Section 6.04, entitled "Elections," to change the
election date in the City to occur in November of even numbered years, pursuant to the
authority set forth in the Special Acts Governing Municipal Elections in Broward County;
amending Article IV of the City Charter, entitled "Legislative," to amend Section 4.02 of
the City Charter, entitled "City Commission; Election, Terms and Qualifications" to
change the terms for the Mayor and Commissioners in coordination with the change in
election date for city elections, to provide for a four (4) year term of office for the Mayor
and City Commissioners, beginning November, 2008 for Districts 1 and 3, and
November, 2014 for the Mayor and Districts 2 and 4; providing for adjustments in the
current terms for the Commissioners in Districts 1 and 3 to extend until the November,
2008 election and the current terms for the Mayor and Commissioners in Districts 2 and
4 until November, 2009; providing that the terms for the Mayor and Districts 2 and 4
commencing in November, 2009, shall extend until November, 2014; amending Article
IV of the City Charter, entitled "Legislative," to amend Section 4.03 of the City Charter,
entitled "Mayor and Vice -Mayor' to change the date for the City's Vice -Mayor to be
elected annually by the City Commission to be no earlier than the third Tuesday of
November; providing for a notice of an advertisement of the referendum election to be
published in accordance with the Code of Ordinances and the Charter of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, as well as the State of Florida Election Code; providing that this
Ordinance, when adopted, shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, on the November, 2006, General Election Ballot and shall become
effective as provided by law; providing for conflicts; providing for severability and
providing for an effective date. Assistant City Attorney Klahr gave a presentation and
said the ordinance requested by the Mayor and City Commission is to initiate a change
in election date from March to November. Bringing elections into compliance with
November elections facilitates cost and voter turnout issues. Additionally, it will be
necessary to change terms of office from three-year to four-year terms and extend the
terms of those in office to move from March to November elections. A modification to
the terms is provided for in the ordinance. Commissioner Sultanof said this is a critical
time to make these changes as we do not get the voter turnout in March and we
currently spend approximately $100,000 for March elections. Many cities are moving in
this direction. Commissioner Sultanof questioned costs involved for November
elections and Assistant City Attorney Klahr said only the costs that are attributable to
the city's election, such as printing. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed that in
passing this ordinance the Mayor and City Commission are asking the voters to vote on
4-year terms, November elections, and three 4-year terms. Assistant City Attorney
Klahr said our Charter would need to be amended to reflect the above. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed we are maintaining term limits. Commissioner Atkins -
Grad said many other cities have already done this. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said
while she was campaigning one of the questions asked repeatedly was why March
elections. We are raising peoples' awareness. Vice Mayor Portner said he
recommended this change two years ago.
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City Commission Workshop
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2. UPDATE ON RECOVERY FROM HURRICANE WILMA DAMAGES: Building
Official Jones, Public Works Director Strain and Financial Services Director Chapman
appeared. Building and Code Compliance Director Jones spoke of recovery of the
community and said we are at equilibrium today. Building and Code Compliance
Director Jones spoke of a tour of the city a week and a half ago and it was determined
that approximately 700 units in the City of Tamarac still have blue tarp roofs. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what the original count was and Building and Code
Compliance Director Jones said approximately 2,400. Southgate Gardens is nowhere
near ready for re -occupancy. There are several buildings in Kings Point where people
are able to move back in; Bermuda Club is nearing completion for interior renovations.
Commissioner Sultanof commended Building and Code Compliance Director Jones and
staff for all the work over the past months. Commissioner Dressler agreed with
Commissioner Sultanof s commendation and added it has been brought to his attention
that many local elected officials on the state level and higher, such as State
Representative Ari Porth and U.S. Representative Robert Wexler are lobbying FEMA to
reopen inquiries for assistance for people who have run out of benefits.
Commissioner Atkins -Grad left the room at 10:43 a.m. and returned at 10:45 a.m.
Commissioner Dressler asked for a letter of support from the Mayor and City
Commission to reopen FEMA emergency assistance for those who can not afford to
have their benefits cut off but their housing is not ready for occupancy. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said she spoke with Representative Porth over the weekend and
asked City Manager Miller how quickly we could do something. City Manager Miller
responded he would be happy to draft a letter for Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco's
signature. City Manager Miller said he also spoke with Representatives Porth and
Wexler and they are doing everything they can, but the City of Tamarac weighing in is a
good idea. Commissioner Dressler said not to exclude Southgate Gardens. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked for an expression of interest and all were in agreement.
Public Works Director Strain spoke of city debris cleanup and repairs and said most of
the work is completed. Canal debris cleanup is almost completed and the seawall at
81st Avenue is temporarily secured and repaired. There is no seawall presently at
Westwood Drive and we are waiting for Natural Resource Conservation Services
(NRCS) to approve funding.
Commissioner Dressier left the room at 10:48 a.m. and returned at 10:50 a.m.
Public Works Director Strain said when the design for the seawall is approved we will go
out to bid. The sidewalk is impassable, but the road is not in danger. Public Works
Director Strain continued with facility repairs and said they are 90% complete. With
regard to the hazardous tree removal program, we are in the process of getting County
permits to remove some trees. Vice Mayor Portner questioned hazardous trees and
Public Works Director Strain explained the amount of canopy damage as a result of the
storm. Some of the trees will not have the structural integrity to survive another storm
and we are trying to be proactive. FEMA will fund 55% and the City of Tamarac will
appeal at a later date for the remainder of the funding. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of
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City Commission Workshop
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a canal between Fairfax Building H and Granville Building I that was created by Lennar
and said it is static and asked Public Works Director Strain to look at it. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if the seawalls are city property and Public Works Director
Strain said they are as they abut city right-of-ways and may affect the integrity of city
structures.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco moved out of the order of business to take up Item #4 on
the agenda.
4. DISCUSSION RE: DAY CARE FOR EMPLOYEES' CHILDREN: Vice Mayor
Portner said many employees have children in the pre -kindergarten age range who
need to be cared for during the day, and asked the Mayor and City Commission and
City Manager Miller for the ability to use a room at the Tamarac Community Center for a
day care center for employees to drop off their children. City Manager Miller said he
would look into this suggestion and get back with Vice Mayor Portner.
Vice Mayor Portner left the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
Commissioner Sultanof questioned insurance and certifications that come into play and
said while Vice Mayor Portner's suggestion is a good one, there is just so much a City
can do. Commissioner Dressler said Vice Mayor Portner's sentiment is admirable but
he has questions about practicability and asked staff to explore a partnership with City
Furniture, who brought forth plans before the commission for child care for their own
employees. City Manager Miller said he would discuss this with City Furniture; at one
time they offered joint use. Commissioner Dressler confirmed part of the benefit option
package offered to employees could be spent for the purpose of day care.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco returned to Item #2 on the agenda. Financial Services
Director Chapman gave a presentation on FEMA reimbursements and said as we
submit our invoices, FEMA has reimbursed us. The turnaround time has been 10-20
business days. Because of the Economic Stabilization Reserves we have been able to
pay for items without worrying where we would get the money.
3. PRESENTATION RE: BSO VISIBILITY: Chief Dugger gave a presentation and
said the citizen survey indicated residents wanted more police visibility. BSO Chief
Dugger spoke of police visibility in various areas, such as radar enforcement, juvenile
truancy, SWAT Team, code enforcement sweeps, traffic enforcement, golf cart patrol
and all terrain vehicles, mounted patrols, foot patrol/park and walks, bike patrol, aviation
patrol, parking enforcement, message boards, BSO watch cards and public education
programs. BSO Chief Dugger said arrests are up 35% over last year, and compared
the new agreement between the City and BSO with the previous agreement.
Commissioner Sultanof said it is his understanding that BSO Chief Dugger is satisfied
with the CSA's and BSO Chief Dugger said he is. While several still need to go through
the training program, they do take many responsibilities off the sworn deputies.
Commissioner Sultanof spoke of a letter he received from Sheriff Jenne, wherein he
stated that he is proud of Tamarac and the job being done by BSO Chief Dugger.
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City Commission Workshop
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Commissioner Dressier asked what accounts for more arrests on less crime and BSO
Chief Dugger said order maintenance crimes, such as graffiti, broken windows, truancy,
which when deterred tend not to breed other crimes. The idea is from New York based
on the 'broken window concept'.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:30 a.m.
arion Swenson, CIVIC
City Clerk
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City Commission Workshop
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