Loading...
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 May 22, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 1 of 8 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 May 22, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 8 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 May 22, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 3 of 8 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 Page 4 of 8 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. May 22, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 5 of 8 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 May 22, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 6 of 8 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. May 22, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 7 of 8 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 1 May 22, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 8 of 8