Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-27 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC WORKSHOP MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2003 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Karen L. Roberts, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, Assistant City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Schreiber. 1. DISCUSSION RE: CONSULTANT'S FINDINGS RELATIVE TO TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES/SPEED HUMPS: Assistant City Manager/Acting Public Works Director Michael C. Cernech introduced Consultant Karl Passetti, of Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Mr. Passetti gave a presentation and discussed general issues regarding traffic calming and specific issues relative to NW 70 Avenue. Commissioner Portner asked for clarification of want versus need, and Mr. Passetti explained that each individual city sets its own thresholds, using traffic volume, traffic speed and crashes as variables. Commissioner Portner asked what the most important point is and Mr. Passetti said volume and speed are the main indicators; crashes are included as an outside factor. In Broward County speed humps are the preferred treatment; Coral Springs prefers enhanced speed humps; and Margate sticks to the Broward County Traffic Management Manual. Other cities designate one demo project for each commission district. Vice Mayor Roberts said according to the recommendations, it appears that 70th Avenue does not fit into the plan per the speed limit and because there are more than two lanes. Mayor Schreiber asked the consultant what the experiences are in other cities, and Mr. Passetti said Coral Springs' program has evolved because at first it was too stringent; Boca Raton also modified its program, and they are now mature programs and they have worked the bugs out. Hollywood has decided to go with a pilot project in each commission district. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about the impact of humps/bumps on fire rescue and police vehicles, and Mr. Passetti responded that there is more concern with fire rescue vehicles and the rule of thumb is 3-10 seconds per hump on response time. Vice Mayor Roberts asked about different types of speed humps and costs involved. Mr. Passetti said there are 22' flat table humps with a 3" height and a 6' rise, and the issue with this treatment is driveway spacing may not allow for the expanse. Coral Springs uses 14' humps with 3" height, which slows people down more. The smoother the ride for emergency vehicles, the faster people can drive over the humps. The cost difference between the two is $1,500-$2,000 more for speed tables, depending on the materials. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about moveable humps and Mr. Passetti May 27, 2003 City Commission Workshop 1 said Coral Springs uses temporary speed humps of the same profile, but they are made out of recycled rubber. Mr. Passetti said it is better if a confident place is found to go with permanence. Commissioner Portner asked if it would be more cost efficient in the long run to reconfigure the streets, and Mr. Passetti said in older developments there would be problems with rights -of -way and drainage issues; putting curvature in the roads would mean that driveways would need to be realigned and property purchased by the city, which would be cost prohibitive. Mr. Passetti reviewed the NW 70 Avenue Speed Management Study and said because the vehicle MPH tally was in the 39th percentile, Broward County's recommendation would be to raise the speed limit. Mr. Passetti reviewed the pros and cons of raised crosswalks and said this would be the first site for traffic calming of a challenging site and we would want the site to guarantee success. Vice Mayor Roberts said some of the residents in that area are in favor of this and have offered to pay for it, but until there are meetings with the public we do not know if this is entirely true. Mayor Schreiber agreed the Commission should find out from the community their desires and get their support. Mr. Passetti said for a larger stretch of roadway a temporary hump may be considered, but for a short stretch the Commission should consider permanent traffic calming devices. Assistant City Manager Cernech said NW 70 Avenue is one of the more challenging roadways in the City for a test, and while the Consultant said that speed humps on 4-lane roads is not usually applicable, the City can look at this along with other options. Assistant City Manager Cernech said he would like to schedule community meetings with the people in Vice Mayor Roberts's neighborhood; the concern is with Pine Island to 77t" Street where the medians begin. Neighborhood participation is set at a high bar in other cities — 2/3 vote is needed before any options can be implemented. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if this means 60% of the people who live on the street or all the people in the community. Mayor Schreiber said we are dealing with the whole community and this is for the betterment of the community. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what the community would be voting on — the type of calming device they would like or whether to have it or not. Mayor Schreiber said the Commission determines the best type of device for that location and the residents would get just one choice. Assistant City Manager Cernech said this is a collector street and there are larger user groups of this road which makes it more challenging. Phase V of the road program is coming up and we have opportunities on this road to install medians and cut back on lanes to make two lanes and a bike path. Mayor Schreiber questioned the cost and said he did not want to see roads changed for this experimental program. Assistant City Manager Cernech said the City has been able to achieve a significant savings during the first five phases of the road program and this would be considered an improvement for the neighborhood. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said if one recommendation is taking the road from 4 to 2 lanes and adding a bike path and making it uniform with the other road that has a median, and we have excess funds, this could enhance the quality of the neighborhood, unify the road with the other road that has a median and slow down traffic. Mayor Schreiber said then every neighborhood would want the same thing and it would get to be a great expenditure. Commissioner Portner said he would rather see the project done properly with an eye toward the future. Mayor Schreiber asked that the commission be kept informed. Assistant Director of Utilities Doherty said before moving forward with any options a speed hump policy is being drafted. May 27, 2003 City Commission Workshop 2 2. DISCUSSION RE: FIRE ASSESSMENT FEE AND GENERAL FUND: Finance Director Dona Newman gave a presentation on general fund and the fire assessment fee. Finance Director Newman said there is a connection between value to property and cost to property that is reviewed every year. Vice Mayor Roberts asked which account the Fire Assessment Fees go into and Finance Director Newman said they can only be applied to costs related to fire protection and the assessment fees go into the Fire Rescue fund, not the general fund. The general fund is used for Rescue Services and other general government services. At the last workshop $113 was discussed as the residential fee to cover 100% of the Fire costs, and in accordance with Commission direction, Finance Director Newman said she figured out the assessment based on $80.00, $90.00 and $100.00, which would only cover the City through 2004. At $113.00 the City would be covered to 2006 before an increase in the general fund would be needed. This takes into consideration the new Fire Rescue Unit. Finance Director Newman explained it makes financial sense to fully utilize the Fire Assessment fee at 100% every year; since it was not increased over the last few years, this is a big increase, and due to several windfalls the general fund was able to subsidize costs. If the assessment is kept at 100% there will be only incremental increases over the coming years. Mayor Schreiber asked for dollar amounts rather than percentages, and said of all the increases, the one for the fire department is more popular since the fire department is a very favorable department in the eyes of the public; they save lives. Vice Mayor Roberts said whether we go with $80.00 or $100.00 the general fund will still have to be adjusted after 2005. Commissioner Sultanof said if we do not go with the 100% increase we will slip further back into the general fund and we must make a step in this direction so the Fire Department and the City can function properly. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said the people who benefit most are the public. Commissioner Portner said we must bite the bullet and do what needs to be done now. Vice Mayor Roberts said when the millage rate was raised three years ago we were to be okay through 2003; 2004 was questionable. Vice Mayor Roberts said she would rather see this done as a two-step process; go to $80-$90 now and then to 100% the following year. Mayor Schreiber said the Commission would get more criticism by doing it that way and suggested the Commission go with the 100% increase now, and Vice Mayor Roberts said according to Finance Director Newman it may not be $113.00 next year, it may be more. Finance Director Newman discussed the revenue stream and increasing costs and spoke of raising the fire assessment fee slightly each year. There was discussion about the possibility of excess funds at the end of the fiscal year and the impact these funds may have on the fire assessment fee. Mayor Schreiber suggested that the entire budget be looked at closely to see where money can be saved. Vice Mayor Roberts questioned fleet budget appropriations during the mid -year process. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest for the $113.00 Fire Assessment fee and Vice Mayor Roberts said no to $113.00; Commissioners Sultanof, Portner, Flansbaum-Talabisco and Mayor Schreiber were in favor of the $113.00. 3. MAY 28, 2003 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item 6(b). COMPREHENSIVE ANNEXATION BILL: (TR10110) Requesting the City of Tamarac be included in a comprehensive annexation bill to be prepared by the May 27, 2003 City Commission Workshop 3 Broward County Legislative Delegation as a choice city for certain contiguous unincorporated areas to join. (Case No. 9-Mi-03). Community Development Director J. Christopher King gave a presentation and Vice Mayor Roberts asked about the benefit of this Bill. Community Development Director King spoke of the benefits of annexing Mira Lago, Kozy Kampers, State Road 7 property and the area by Caporella Park. Vice Mayor Roberts asked about the County performing upgrades and Mayor Schreiber said that is part of the deal, the County is obligated to do that so the cost does not fall to the annexing city. Commissioner Portner said he sat on the Broward County Annexation Committee and it was agreed that the cost for infrastructure would not fall to any city. Commissioner Sultanof said he noticed many mobile homes for sale at Kozy Kampers and asked if Tamarac would be able to develop that area. Community Development Director King said as Kozy Kampers ages it may be put up for sale which would give Tamarac the opportunity for redevelopment. There are no RV Park designations in Tamarac, and it would have to fall under non -conforming uses. Commissioner Sultanof asked if the mobile homes were owner occupied and Community Development Director King said the residents did not own the property. Vice Mayor Roberts questioned the mobile home park off Prospect Road, and Community Development Director King said that is the 441 Section under consideration. Additionally, the property north of Caporella Park is surrounded by Tamarac on three sides, and that property will most likely end up in Tamarac. Vice Mayor Roberts said the city can bring the property up to Tamarac's standards. Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 11:00 a.m. and reconvened the workshop meeting at 11:10 a.m. with all present as before. b. Item 6(d). GRANT APPLICATION — FUNDING FOR ACQUISITION OF TAMARAC PRESERVATION PARK: (TR10119) Seeking $1,616,264 in grant funds through the Florida Communities Trust's Florida Forever Program for the acquisition of Tamarac Preservation Park (King's Point Replat, Parcel R) for conservation, preservation of open space, and recreational development providing for a $2,424,396 match and total project costs of $4,040,660. Assistant City Manager Michael C. Cernech introduced Special Projects Coordinator Kim Perron who gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if the money would have to be designated for a specific use, and Special Projects Coordinator Perron said it did not. Commissioner Portner said the property was to be purchased for $3.5 million, but the Resolution cites the cost as $4,040,660. Special Projects Coordinator Perron said that is because we are able to incorporate additional costs associated with acquisition of the property. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when we would know if we are getting the money and Special Projects Coordinator Perron said there would be a meeting in Tallahassee in mid -October. C. Item 6(e). GRANT APPLICATION — FUNDING FOR BEAUTIFICATION, LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION OF TAMARAC COURTYARD: (TR10120) Seeking grant funds through the Broward Beautiful Community Grant Program in the amount of $10,000 with a local match in the amount of $30,000 for a total project cost of $40,000 for beautification, landscaping and irrigation of Tamarac Courtyard located May 27, 2003 City Commission Workshop 4 between the Tamarac Community Center and the new Tamarac Branch Library on Commercial Boulevard. Special Projects Coordinator Kim Perron gave a presentation. Commissioner Sultanof said money was raised from private organizations and there is approximately $30,000 that has not been used and he hopes there is enough to use for the fountain. Community Development Director King said staff is working on an idea to tie the Tamarac Community Center and Library together with a walkway between the two. Consultants have been hired for conceptual plans and to incorporate the fountain into the lake. Mayor Schreiber said Broward County was to share this with Tamarac. Community Development Director King said the consultant, Parks and Recreation Staff and Library Staff met on this and the Library Staff has committed $15,000. Mayor Schreiber said the original commitment was to share the cost and no dollar amount was spoken of; this needs to be straightened out as the cost may be more. Community Development Director King said when this project began it was just a fountain in the lake at a cost of approximately $30,000 and the library staff said they would go half. Since then the project has grown to include benches and sidewalks. It is a two-phase project. Commissioner Sultanof said the County must remember that Tamarac donated the land for the library. Mayor Schreiber said after the Commission sees what is proposed, they will go to the County for extra money. Commissioner Portner said he remembers talking about statuary in the fountain. City Manager Miller said staff will come back with a design at a future meeting. Vice Mayor Roberts asked about costs for Phase I and Phase II, and if Florida Beautiful grant money is County money. Community Development Director King said the cost has not been set yet; we are trying to finalize the plans, and Special Projects Coordinator Perron said Florida Beautiful is not county related funding. d. Item 6(f). WATER TREATMENT PLANT DISINFECTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS: (TR10124) Executing Task Authorization No. 03-08E with Mathews Consulting, Inc., to provide professional services for the design, permitting, bidding and construction administration services for the Water Treatment Plant disinfection system improvements, in accordance with the City's Consulting Engineering Agreement as authorized by Resolution #R-2001-185, for a lump sum amount of $121,550.00; approving funding from the appropriate budgeted Utilities Operational account; authorizing the appropriate City Officials to administer the contract. Utilities Director Ray Gagnon gave a presentation and said the Safe Drinking Water Act requires the EPA to be more stringent and the new regulations propose to eliminate chlorine gas at the water treatment plant. Commissioner Portner questioned parts per billion (ppb) and Laboratory Manager Oney said it translates to one day in 31 years. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what happens to the old cylinders and Utilities Director Gagnon said they are sent back to the manufacturer. Mayor Schreiber asked if this is safer and healthier than what we have now and Utilities Director Gagnon said it is. Vice Mayor Roberts asked about the cost and Utilities Director Gagnon said it is slightly more expensive now but the cost will go down, and this meets all EPA standards. Utilities Director Gagnon added that this is an unfunded mandate, and it is already budgeted. e. Item 6(g). PURCHASE OF MODULAR RESTROOM BUILDING WITH SHELTER: (TR10128) Approving the purchase of a modular restroom building with May 27, 2003 City Commission Workshop 5 shelter at a total cost not to exceed $81,249.76, from Hunter Knepshield Company utilizing the City of Jacksonville, Florida, Price Agreement Contract for Park and Playground Equipment and Lighting, Bid No. SC-0463-00; approving funding from the appropriate capital improvement account. Parks and Recreation Director Kathleen Margoles gave a presentation and said that due to a delay in the design process and to ensure we can meet the schedule (the project must be complete by November 30) the modular unit must be on site so that when the contractor is engaged we can move forward with the project. Mayor Schreiber asked if a key is needed to get into the bathroom and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the bathrooms are open when the park is open and locked at night. Commissioner Sultanof asked who locks the restrooms and Parks Superintendent Moll said staff does. Commissioner Sultanof questioned who is responsible for opening and closing the nature walk on NW 80th and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the County is responsible for that park. Commissioner Portner questioned revisions to the site plan and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the first revision was removal of a black olive tree at the edge of the existing parking lot, which Broward County denied, and which then necessitated redesign of the parking lot. The parking lot was then in Broward County's right of way, and had to be further redesigned. Commissioner Portner said he is missing page two of the minutes under item 6(a). 4, OVERVIEW OF CURRENT PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS: Overview of current public works projects. Assistant City Manager/Acting Public Works Director Michael C. Cernech said in order to conserve time at Thursday's retreat, this presentation was being made today, and gave an overview of the public works department, current and future projects. Vice Mayor Roberts asked how the pump stations would relate to Southgate Linear Park, and Assistant City Manager Cernech said on -site stations would be kept working while new ones are built in an appropriate way to blend in with the design of the park. Mayor Schreiber asked if stormwater pumps are not working efficiently, who determines replacement. Assistant City Manager Cernech said he would check into that. There was discussion regarding the joint project between the County and City on Prospect Road, and Commissioner Portner said a sidewalk is needed. Operations Manager Ritchie said that is a separate project. Mayor Schreiber questioned sole source vendor and the wisdom of using a sole source vendor in the event the vendor goes out of business. There was discussion regarding who is responsible for repair of sidewalks and reasons that public works would repair a sidewalk rather than the property owner or resident. Mayor Schreiber said the laws should be changed so that the City has no responsibility and City Attorney Kraft said Tamarac has maintenance requirements for sidewalks but Florida law covers the liability issue because sidewalks are on rights -of -way. Vice Mayor Roberts said most people do fix the sidewalks when they are cited. Commissioner Portner asked if there is an agreement with Sabal Palm and Assistant City Manager Cernech said the survey has been done and the City Attorney's Office will now be working on the agreement. Assistant City Manager Cernech thanked Doug Ritchie, John Engwiller, Wes Tipton, Tom Vreeland, Vinny Sciacca, Vinny Rutigliano, Amber D'Amato, Jean DuPuis, and Lee Rowbotham for their efforts and work in the Public Works Department. May 27, 2003 City Commission Workshop 6 1 Vice Mayor Roberts said on the May 19, 2003 Revenue Workshop minutes, page two, it is noted that the consultant said 6,000 gallon usage would result in about $4.00 per month increase, but the backup said $4.50, and asked which is correct. There was discussion about what the consultant said and the backup. Commissioner Portner asked about the Economic Development Committee, and City Manager Miller said at the last workshop he told Commissioner Portner he would get back with him in 60 days. There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:05 p.m. Marion Swenson, CMC City Clerk May 27, 2003 City Commission Workshop 7