HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-26 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
NOTICE OF WORKSHOP MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
CITY HALL - CONFERENCE ROOM 105
TUESDAY MAY 26, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the workshop meeting to
order at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in Room 105, at Tamarac City
Hall, 7525 NW 881h Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321.
PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Patricia Atkins -Grad,
Commissioner Pamela Bushnell, Commissioner Diane Glasser, and
Commissioner Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: Deputy City Manager/Interim Finance Director Michael C.
Cernech, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, Assistant City Manager Diane
Phillips and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance.
1. Item No. 6(I) on the Consent Agenda. APPROVAL OF CDBG RECOVERY
SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT: (TR11627) A Resolution of the City Commission
of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving Second Substantial Amendment to the
City of Tamarac's Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Action Plan for expenditure of the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development
Block Grant Funds; to provide for the allocation of additional funds received
pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 estimated to
be $113,751.00 for the ninth program year (Case No. 14-MI-09); providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Community Development Director Bramley and Public Works Director Strain
appeared and gave presentations. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed the
money was to be only used for public buildings. Commissioner Dressler
questioned why solar panels are not installed on the Recreation Center Building
since it has a new roof, and confirmed the flexible panels are new technology.
Public Works Director Strain explained pitched roofs do not lend themselves well
to solar panels. Commissioner Dressier questioned the percentage of kilowatt
hour usage at the Tamarac Community Center and Public Works Director Strain
addressed the matter saying we will save about 20%; we get credit for the
electricity whether we use it or not; additionally, there are a lot of restrictions
associated with the use of the $113,000. There was discussion regarding the
directional exposure of the panels at the Tamarac Community Center.
Commissioner Dressler questioned a battery backup and Public Works Director
Strain said there would not be one. Commissioner Bushnell questioned the time
within which we must spend the money and spoke of the significance of spending
$113,000 to save 20% in electricity costs. Public Works Director Strain said we
must spend at least 50% of the money within 120 days of approval.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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Commissioner Dressler said while it may seem expensive, if we forecast out 20
years, electricity could be double the cost it is today; and discounting back the
savings could be huge, far in excess of the $113,000. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco said because of very successful lobbying efforts and our plan, we have
gotten this money. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when we would go out to
bid for the project and Public Works Director Strain said in 30 — 60 days. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that the Mayor and City Commission be provided
information regarding solar panels. Community Development Director Bramley
added should the Commission approve the Second Amendment, we will then
need to send the Resolution to HUD for their approval. Commissioner Glasser
confirmed and we will have 120 days from HUD's approval of the plan to spend
the money.
2. Item No. 6(e) on the Consent Agenda. TEMPLE BETH TORAH FEE
REFUND: (TR11611) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, authorizing a refund of $2,000.00 submitted by Manuel
Synalovski of Cubellis, inc. Designated Agent for the property owner, Tamarac
Jewish Center Inc., for a Special Exception application fee, collected for the
Temple Beth Torah project (Case No. 11-MI-09); providing for conflicts; providing
for severability; and providing for an effective date. Community Development
Director Bramley gave a presentation and explained after reviewing the site plan
it was determined that a special exception is not needed. Staff had accepted the
application and check, but no action was taken. We now need to clear the record
and refund the full amount.
3. Item No. 6(d) on the Consent Agenda. CDBG OVERAGES: (TR11609) A
Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
acknowledging that two participants in the City's Community Development Block
Grant ("CDBG") program received more than the maximum allocation of funding;
ensuring that the City staff has taken the necessary administrative action to avoid
a recurrence of this error; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date. Community Development Director Bramley
and Housing Administrator Bauldree appeared and gave a presentation outlining
the reason for the overages. One recommendation that came out of this was to
increase the maximum amount for funding sources in question. The City is
currently reviewing the cap and will bring the information and recommendation
back to the Mayor and City Commission at a future date in order to eliminate a
recurrence. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed it is within the purview of the
local agency to make cap changes. Commissioner Bushnell asked if someone
only uses $25,000 of the $30,000 allotted, can the remainder be added on to
another household, and Housing Administrator Bauldree said the amounts are
calculated per household. Commissioner Glasser asked who oversees the
repairs and Housing Administrator Bauldree said the City hires a general
contractor who goes through the home and gives the City a list of repairs; there
have been certain instances where the City has eliminated certain items from the
list because they may have been cosmetic in nature. The City oversees every
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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line item of repairs. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad asked if there are any specific areas
in the community where this funding is allowed or not allowed and Housing
Administrator Bauldree said it is based on income. Community Development
Director Bramley explained the cap on projects would be in low/moderate income
areas only. Commissioner Glasser questioned whether foreclosures are
included in the process and Housing Administrator Bauldree explained this
money discussed today is specifically for repairs. If a person purchases a home
under the NSP we know they will come back after the purchase for repair money.
Commissioner Dressler said the rules are complex and seem to change daily;
Commissioner Dressler questioned the recently enacted legislation allowing tax
credit for first time home buyers, and expressed his concern regarding double
dipping. Housing Administrator Bauldree discussed the tax credit and said the
legislature is trying to make changes to ensure that no fraudulent activities occur,
by way of giving the money to the local entity to verify the purchase prior to going
through the tax credit program. Housing Administrator Bauldree discussed the
benefits to those who purchase property under their own, as well as those who
purchase under the NSP, and said under the NSP, the question is whether the
money should come back to the City.
Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad left at 10:006 a.m. and returned at 10:09 a.m.
4. Item No. 6(b) on the Consent Agenda. SPYGLASS STORMWATER
EASEMENT: (TR11595) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute a
stormwater easement with Spyglass Condominium Association, for the
Stormwater Boat Ramp Project, authorizing and directing the City Clerk to record
said agreement in the public records of Broward County; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Public Works
Director Strain gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad asked how many
more boat docks the City has to place and Public Works Director Strain said two
or three more if the property owners agree. Commissioner Glasser said she
imagined most of the associations would be agreeable because people are
concerned about the cleanliness of the canals.
5. Item No. 6(k) on the Consent Agenda. BID 09-08B - 2009 FIREWORKS
DISPLAY: (TR11624) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, awarding Bid #09-08B, "Aerial Fireworks Display", and
executing an Agreement with Pyro Engineering, Inc., d/b/a Bay Fireworks, for an
amount not to exceed $18,000, for the 2009 Fourth of July Fireworks. - Parks
and Recreation Director Warner and Puchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz
appeared. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned a rain date and Director of Parks and
Recreation Warner said the agreement spells out if the show is rained out it will
then be held on the next possible date weather permitting at no additional cost.
This provision is good for six months. Commissioner Bushnell asked if there are
any local branches of this company and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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explained they contract with technicians throughout the United States and the
company will contract with local certified pyrotechnicians. Vice Mayor Atkins -
Grad said she is happy to see the company adheres to safety regulations, and
questioned whether the City paid the company last year for the rain date.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz explained we negotiated a settlement with
the company that handled the fireworks for us last year. Commissioner Dressler
asked if there is a provision in the agreement for underperFormance and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said there are several negotiating clauses
in this contract. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner added we do not pay
for the fireworks until after the display. The Fire Department goes out and counts
the shells with the pyrotechnicians to make sure we receive the amount for which
we contract. Commissioner Dressier confirmed the funds are already budgeted
for the show. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the use of the Southeast
Florida Governmental Purchasing Cooperative for better pricing.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz explained July 4th is unique; the company is
providing a show to the City and they do not want to spread themselves too thin
because then the quality deteriorates, which is why for this type of event we want
to remain independent and not go into a Coop situation.
6. Item No. 6(f) on the Consent Agenda. AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT — LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX ORDINANCE: (TR11612) A
Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida authorizing the
appropriate city officials to execute the 2009 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 Option Gas Tax Ordinance; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
7. Item No. 6(g) on the Consent Agenda. AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT — ADDITIONAL LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX ON MOTOR FUEL
ORDINANCE: (TR11613) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute the 2009
Amendment to Interlocal Agreement between Broward County and City of
Tamarac providing for division and distribution of the proceeds from the Broward
County Additional Local Option Gas Tax on Motor Fuel Ordinance; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
8. Item No. 6(h) on the Consent Agenda. AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT -- FIFTH CENT ADDITIONAL LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX ON
MOTOR FUEL FOR TRANSIT: (TR11614) A Resolution of the City Commission
of the City of Tamarac, Florida authorizing the appropriate City Officials to
execute the 2009 Amendment to Interlocal Agreement between Broward County
and City of Tamarac providing for division and distribution of the proceeds from
the Broward County Fifth Cent Additional Local Option Gas Tax on Motor Fuel for
Transit; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that items 6, 7, and 8 on the
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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workshop agenda be discussed as one item. Deputy City Manager/Interim
Financial Services Director Cernech and Controller Cajuste appeared. Controller
Cajuste gave a presentation and said these are routine resolutions; the County
gets a portion of the gas tax monies and the other portion is divided between the
municipalities based on population. The tax is based on the volume of gasoline
sold, not the price. Deputy City Manager/Interim Financial Services Director
Cernech said this is one revenue stream that has remained fairly steady;
however, as gas prices rise, people will drive less and the tax is based on
volume. The revenue is on track so far to meet or exceed what has been
budgeted. Commissioner Dressier questioned the language in the last
paragraph of the executive summary regarding volume vs. price. Controller
Cajuste confirmed Deputy City Manager/Interim Financial Services Director
Cernech's statement. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad said residents need to purchase
their gas in Tamarac.
9. Item No. 60) on the Consent Agenda. ROOF TARPS RENEWAL:
(TR11623) A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida,
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to exercise the Second Renewal Option
for Bid Number 07-26B for roof tarps to the Sherwin-Williams Company for
economy roof tarps and to Harpster of Philipsburg, Inc. for heavy grade roof tarps
to provide for the purchase of annual requirements for roof tarps for the City of
Tamarac and on behalf of the Southeast Florida Governmental Purchasing
Cooperative for a period of one year, with the option to exercise up to one (1)
additional one (1) year renewal, providing for conflicts; providing for severability;
and providing for an effective date. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz gave a
presentation and said the City of Tamarac is the lead agency for this item. We
have about 600 tarps in storage at the BSO lot and in case of an event this
contract will be ready to utilize if we need to restock our supply during or after an
event. There are provisions in the contract for expedited delivery. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned whether there is a limit to the number of tarps
we can store and Public Works Director Strain said only space limitations.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz added in the aftermath of an event we will
probably see FEMA tarps show up for the residents' use. Deputy City Manager
/Interim Financial Services Director Cernech explained the strategy we employ
for hurricanes is that we have a certain amount of supplies on hand to deal with
the first several days after an event. We do not rely on FEMA, and thanks to
everyone who has participated in the process we have the necessary contracts in
place. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said it is incumbent upon the elected officials
when out and about to add information regarding the roof tarps, as well as
batteries and other hurricane supplies. We want to be as prepared as we can.
Deputy City Manager/Interim Financial Services Director Cernech added we
have contracts in place and they are at our expense. We have money set aside
in the budget for hurricane reserves. Companies know we are good customers
and we pay our bills, so in the event of a hurricane it is safe to say they (vendors)
look forward to doing business with Tamarac. Purchasing/Contracts Manager
Glatz added this contract provides us with price protection. Vice Mayor Atkins -
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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Grad said during Hurricane Wilma she lost the roof on her house but she did not
know the City offered tarps to residents, and asked how we can let our
constituents know about this. Deputy City Manager /Interim Financial Services
Director Cernech said when the Mayor and City Commission is out in the
community he strongly encourages they tell people the City is prepared, but also
tell people about being prepared on their own. People should go out and
purchase bottled water, batteries, etc. on a basic level prior to the hurricane
season. The City has literature that can be provided for the Mayor and City
Commission to distribute. There is also a hurricane preparedness section in the
Tam -A -Gram and the Fire Department has publicized hurricane preparedness
and self reliance. After an incident, the City tries to help people recover with a
variety of things. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said June 15t starts the hurricane
season and requested an update at the next workshop meeting in order to
refresh the Mayor and City Commission regarding what is available to the
residents and advise of new avenues available to get the information out to the
public. Deputy City Manager /Interim Financial Services Director Cernech said
the matter will be put on the next workshop agenda. It has been two full
hurricane seasons since an event and people have let their guard down, both on
the individual as well as agency levels. We will remain vigilant. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said this Commission is more active than other
Commissions have been with regard to getting out into the community. The
District 2 meeting is coming up and we can ramp up our hurricane discussions at
that meeting. Commissioner Glasser said her district's meeting will not be until
September; however, she meets with her constituents once each month at the
Kings Point Clubhouse, and next month's meeting will be about hurricanes. The
Fire Department will be there to give out information, and Commissioner Glasser
said she will also distribute information from the City. Commissioner Glasser
suggested information regarding hurricane preparedness be distributed at
Homeowner meetings. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of the fact that many
residents do not have family members here and after Hurricane Wilma there
were many calls to the Fire Department asking us to check on their loved ones in
Tamarac. People need to have backup phone numbers available.
Commissioner Bushnell questioned who distributed the tarps, who installs them,
and if there is a charge for the tarps. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said a
distribution point will be set up for the tarps. Public Works Director Strain
explained the Building Department helps distribute the tarps and they are also
available in the Public Works yard after an event. The Tam -A -Gram Extra, which
was distributed to all clubhouses, gives a listing of distribution points in the City.
Inspectors drive through the City after a storm and they carry about 10 tarps on
each truck. These tarps are offered to people who are in need of them. If they
have no one to install the tarps, they are told they need to hire someone to assist
them. There is no charge for the tarps.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called for a recess at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened
the workshop meeting at 11:00 a.m. with all present as before.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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10. Item No. 6(c) on the Consent Agenda. THIRD AMENDMENT TO
AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES: (TR11607) A
Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida authorizing the
appropriate City Officials to execute the Third Amendment to the Agreement
between the City of Tamarac and Broward County for Public Transportation
Services, providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date. Parks & Recreation Director Warner and Community Services
Manager Maldonado appeared. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner
discussed the background of the transit service. Community Services Manager
Maldonado spoke of core services and para-transit services. Director of Parks
and Recreation Warner discussed budgetary challenges beginning in FY2008
and reductions in staff and service. Basic challenges are staffing levels — to
maintain the level of service we currently have; Broward County's proposal to
reduce the per hour payment to the City; and County restrictions on the
maximum fare. The Third Amendment is specifically to expand the time of the
current agreement to the end of the year, because the County is dealing with
budgetary issues. Commissioner Glasser said she understands the City's
challenges; however, there are people who would like to be able to go to the mall
in order to enjoy a quality of life. The City needs to map out a plan to enable
people to get from one bus to another so they can get to the mall, but we must be
specific and not leave this matter up to the County. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
asked if the County's restriction on fares is challengeable. Assistant City
Attorney Klahr said this is more of a lobbying issue and an issue of the cities
getting together and discussing their needs and the method of meeting those
needs. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that Assistant City Attorney Klahr
bring this matter back to City Attorney Goren for him to present to the League of
Cities. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would be happy to spearhead the
discussions. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner discussed the fares and
the number of riders over the past year, as well as the fact that the County has a
minimum ridership requirement; if we raise the fare it may be difficult to meet the
minimum ridership. Assistant City Attorney Klahr said that can be discussed in
connection with the issue. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said during the holiday
season we offered trips to the mall, but it is her understanding that the mall does
not permit buses on their property, so seniors and others who ride the City buses
must be dropped off and cross at a major intersection. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco questioned the charge to take people to the mall during that time.
Community Services Manager Maldonado said she will check whether this
applies to City vans. The charge was $1.00 per trip (one way). Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco added seniors do not like using cabs and she believes
people will pay a little more for a bus ride to the mall. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco asked that Director of Parks and Recreation Warner look into the use
of private service vans. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the City
has a spare backup vehicle and we are looking into contracting with agencies
that provide drivers at $30.00/hour. We can set up a pilot program and track gas,
vehicle depreciation and ridership; hopefully we can come up with a revenue
neutral program. Commissioner Glasser said this does not have to be a daily
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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trip. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said while she is not against using a temporary
agency, there are a lot of people out of work and we can probably cut costs by
hiring a part time driver. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said he will
figure out the options and the associated costs. Commissioner Dressler said
given the fact that we are likely to face draconian financial circumstances next
year, if we are able to figure out some revenue neutral plan he would most likely
support it. Commissioner Dressler said we must not cater to one part of the City
over another, and he would like everyone to consider that setting up a
transportation system to benefit the Coral Square Mall might be at a deficit to
small business owners in Tamarac. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said we
already have a system that stops at various shopping areas in Tamarac and if we
can come up with a revenue neutral and fair system, she would be apt to support
it also. Additionally, there may be others in addition to seniors who would benefit
from such a program. Community Services Manager Maldonado reminded the
Mayor and City Commission that the City is putting forth an aggressive marketing
campaign for transportation and we will continue to educate our riders. Vice
Mayor Atkins -Grad asked that the cost for a taxi from, for example, Lime Bay to
the Coral Square Mall be calculated and brought back to the Mayor and City
Commission. Commissioner Bushnell said it is a good idea to also check into
individual shuttle services, which would limit liability for Tamarac and still provide
good service. Vice Mayor Atkins -Grad suggested looking into TOPS.
Commissioner Glasser said she does not want to do away with our current
transportation system; she had this idea in mind and thanked the Mayor and City
Commission for participating in the discussion. Director of Parks and Recreation
Warner said he would try to get the information for the next workshop meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission,
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:35 a.m.
Marion Swenson, CMG
City Clerk
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City Commission Workshop Meeting
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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