HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-09 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARA
WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2003
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Mayor Roberts called the Workshop Meeting of the City
Commission to order on Monday, June 9, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac
City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Karen L. Roberts, Commissioner Edward C. Portner,
Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof.
EXCUSED FOR CAUSE: Mayor Joe Schreiber.
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 Vice Mayor Roberts.
1. REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE REPORT: Diane Glasser, Redistricting
Committee Chairperson gave a presentation. City Clerk Swenson explained that the
Redistricting Committee would be reconvened due to information learned this morning
regarding 13J, and a new report would then be presented to the City Commission.
2. PRESENTATION RE: PROPOSED FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT PROJECT
TO EXPAND THE EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINES ALONG THE C-14 CANAL
RIGHT OF WAY AND WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION: Tony Newbold, External Affairs
Manager, Florida Power and Light and Assistant Jean Lindsey gave a presentation. Mr.
Newbold explained Broward County has seen a 13% increase in demand for electricity
and the service area is bounded by the Conservation Substation at Commercial
Boulevard and the Sawgrass and the substation in Oakland Park. Mr. Newbold
revealed the trail the new line would follow and said he expects the project to be
completed by June 2005. Mr. Newbold added that a portion of the line would impact
Tamarac and FPL is working with City staff to coordinate activities so there will be no
adverse impact with regard to the Southgate Linear Park. Public meetings will be held
to get input from the public affected along the route. The Woodlands will be affected by
a portion of the route and new structures will be placed there, modifying the old "H"
poles. Commissioner Sultanof questioned the circuits at Sawgrass and Commercial
Boulevard, and whether they would properly feed into the park so it will be lit nicely.
Additionally Commissioner Sultanof expressed concern about seeing a web of poles,
and said people do not like to see a lot of lines. Mr. Newbold said a 3rd circuit would be
added which will be compatible with the existing pole structures, and this will be a great
partnership ability between FPL and the City. Mr. Newbold acknowledged that
pedestrian lighting is important and there will be adequate power to light the park. FPL
will make every effort to match pole locations. Commissioner Portner asked when and
where the 13% increased demand came from, and Mr. Newbold said it is both new
growth and incremental growth. Additionally the Eastward Ho movement has brought
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about renovations to older buildings which play a part in the 13% increase in demand.
The figures are based on 5-year projections, beginning in 2000. It is anticipated in 2005
there may be a need for increased capacity in existing stations, and an increase from
original areas of distribution are more the norm than additional poles. Commissioner
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about the Woodlands Substation, and Mr. Newbold said it
is a name given to the substation in Inverrary. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco
asked about underground lines and Mr. Newbold said distribution lines are
underground, but it is very costly to place transmission lines underground.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about the location of the poles at
Woodlands and Mr. Newbold explained most of the poles are going through the golf
course area, which is closest to Rock Island Road, and there are currently two wooden
poles at each location, which will be replaced with single poles with insulators on one
side of the pole for existing wires and on the opposite side of the pole an insulator for
new wires. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when the Commission would be
able to see visuals of the project and Mr. Newbold said as soon as the consultants
complete the visuals he will arrange with City Manager Miller to present them to the
Commission. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned how the public hearings
would be run and which areas are involved, and Ms. Lindsey explained they would be
similar to a book fair setting with powerpoint presentations, aerials and various
information available for the public. There will be one presentation in each of six cities,
but perhaps additional hearings would be held in the Woodlands and the Southgate
neighborhoods. Commissioner Portner asked about an impact on franchise fees, and
Mr. Newbold said transmission lines are excluded from franchise fees, but there is an
impact on personal property through ad valorem taxes. Vice Mayor Roberts said she is
concerned about the Southgate Linear Park, as staff and the commission just went
through a process with the residents, and over the years people have been concerned
with children walking under the electric lines to get to the High School. Vice Mayor
Roberts said people will not be happy with more poles and lines and asked if there is
another option to get from one substation to another. Mr. Newbold said the consulting
group is looking at the matter, and it has been learned from various communities that if
FPL can use the existing areas rather than creating new ones, residents are more
receptive. If the community is willing to work with FPL as well as the development of
the linear park, then it will be a win/win situation. Mr. Newbold said he would need to
know who the community leaders are so dialogues can begin. City Manager Miller
thanked Mr. Newbold for coming to speak to the Commissioners this morning and for
working with Tamarac. City Manager Miller said outreach at the beginning of a project
is a new step for FPL, and to recap the Commission's concerns, City Manager Miller
said Tamarac would like fewer poles than are now at Southgate Park and to have them
moved toward the canal, as Southgate Boulevard will be realigned. City Manager Miller
said Commissioner Sultanof's request for FPL to look at the lighting along Southgate
Park is an excellent idea as Tamarac is concerned about the potential for criminal
activity. City Manager Miller also said Tamarac would like FPL to look at doing
landscaping to improve the aesthetics of the poles and asked for a commitment from
FPL for more maintenance in rights of ways. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco
asked when the public meetings would be held and Mr. Newbold said they would be
held before work begins, possibly mid -July through mid -September. Vice Mayor
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Roberts said many people will be on vacation during the summer months, and
Commissioner Sultanof said the Commission would also be on vacation the last two
weeks of July and the first two weeks of August. Mr. Newbold confirmed that late
August or September would be preferable for the Commission.
3. JUNE 11 2003 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 6(d). PURCHASE OF WATER METER FITTINGS AND WATER LINE
ACCESSORIES: (TR10141) Utilizing the City of Deerfield Beach Bid Number 2000-
01/08, entitled "Water Meter Fittings and Water Line Accessories" issued on behalf of
the Southeast Florida Governmental Purchasing Group; authorizing the purchase of
water meter fittings and water line accessories in an amount not to exceed $110,000;
approving funding from the appropriate Utilities Operational account. Utilities Director
Ray Gagnon gave a presentation and said a blanket purchase order will be issued so
the City can purchase parts used in the day to day operations as needed. Utilities
Director Gagnon said last year 2,356 meters were installed or replaced, 580 yokes
raised, and 732 meters were relocated from either the rear of homes or on homes to the
front of the homes. Vice Mayor Roberts asked how many more relocations need to be
done, and Utilities Director Gagnon responded less than 50%. Commissioner Portner
asked about resale value of old meters and Support Services Manager Wilder explained
there is no resale value; they are sold for scrap for approximately $6,000-$7,000.
Commissioner Sultanof questioned the use of PVC and Utilities Director Gagnon said it
is not as good nor does it last as long. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if the money for this
is in the budget and Support Services Manager Wilder said it is.
b. Item No. 6(f). GRANT MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT — FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AND CONSUMER SERVICES -- MEDIAN LANDSCAPING ALONG SOUTHGATE
BOULEVARD BETWEEN NOB HILL ROAD AND PINE ISLAND ROAD: (TR10149)
Executing a Grant Memorandum of Agreement and Maintenance Memorandum of
Agreement between the City of Tamarac and the State of Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services for an Urban and Community Forestry Grant in the
amount of $10,000 for median landscaping along Southgate Boulevard between Nob
Hill Road and Pine Island Road providing for a City match of $16,650 and a total project
cost of $26,650; authorizing the appropriate City Officials to amend the grants fund
budget in the amount of $10,000 in accordance with proper accounting procedures
during the third quarter budget revisions. Assistant City Manager/Interim Director of
Public Works Michael C. Cernech introduced Special Projects Coordinator Perron, who
gave a presentation. Commissioner Portner asked if this is linked to the linear park and
Special Projects Coordinator Perron said it is not. Vice Mayor Roberts questioned the
beginning and completion time, and Special Projects Coordinator Perron said the work
would begin when the contract is signed, about 4-6 weeks, and it would take about 6
weeks to complete. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if the irrigation system had been
installed in the median on Southgate and Assistant City Manager Cernech said it had.
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C. Item No. 6(i). INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT — NPDES PERMIT: (TR10139) Executing
an Interlocal Agreement between Broward County, the City of Tamarac, the Florida Department
of Transportation District 4, the Florida Turnpike Enterprise and twenty-five other municipalities
in Broward to share the resource burden of the system -wide EPA National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (N.P.D.E.S.) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit;
authorizing the Broward County Department of Planning and Natural Resource Protection
(D.P.E.P.) to conduct specific routine activities under the N.P.D.E.S. Permit; authorizing annual
expenditures for the term of this permit of $7,482.00 for 2003, $10,075.00 for 2004, $8,771.00
for 2005, $9,122.00 for 2006, and $9,487.00 for 2007. Assistant Director of Utilities/Acting
City Engineer John Doherty gave a presentation and said Broward County is the lead
permittee on this project, and they are responsible for performing the technical
requirements of the permit, such as testing for pollutants. Tamarac's average annual
contribution is $9,000 a year, which is paid out of the stormwater fund. Commissioner
Portner asked how the $9,000 was arrived at, and Assistant Director of Utilities Doherty
said it is based on population figures from the 2000 census. Assistant Director of
Utilities Doherty said he would look into the breakdown as set up by Broward County.
d. Item No. 60). AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT — ENVIRONMENTAL
MITIGATION AT MCNAB ROAD PARK PROPERTY: (TR10148) Executing an
amendment to the agreement between the City of Tamarac and Silverstein Enterprises,
Inc., for environmental mitigation at the McNab Road Park property. Parks and
Recreation Director Kathie Margoles said this item and Temporary Resolution 10147
are companion items. Tamarac executed an agreement with Arch Aluminum to mitigate
the wetlands, and Arch Aluminum was to construct a canal and wetlands. Mr.
Silverstein has expressed a desire to pay to have the work done, which is the reason for
the amendment to the agreement. Commissioner Sultanof asked if the money will
cover the expenses and whether it will be done in-house. Parks and Recreation
Director Margoles said it will be farmed out, and the following resolution is an
amendment to the contract with RDC to do the work. Commissioner Portner asked why
Arch Aluminum did not want to do the work and City Manager Miller said Mr. Silverstein
is not a land developer and he got locked into permitting and construction issues, which
is outside his scope. The delay is due to Mr. Silverstein's project being delayed, and he
is willing to pay all costs.
e. Item No. 6(k). AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT — CONSTRUCTION OF
WETLANDS AND CANAL AT MCNAB ROAD PARK PROPERTY: (TR10147)
Executing an amendment to the agreement with Recreational Design & Construction,
Inc., in an amount not to exceed $73,680.00 for the construction of the wetlands and
canal at the McNab Road Park property.
4. DISCUSSION OF PIONEER DAYS NOMINATION: Assistant to the City
Manager Diane Phillips gave a presentation on Pioneer Days. Commissioner Sultanof
suggested naming Tina Celentano as Pioneer, as she has lived here for many years
and has been extremely active in the community, but now she is ill, and he would like to
honor her in some manner. Ms. Celentano is a fine individual who has the City at heart
at all times. Commissioner Portner asked how long she has lived in Tamarac.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when the decision needs to be made and
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Assistant to the City Manager Phillips said the information has to be turned in by mid to
late August, but we would like to have the Commission's decision before the
Commission goes on vacation.
Commissioner Portner said he had discussed televising City Commission meetings with
the City Manager and asked whether information was available from I.T. City Manager
Miller said I.T. is gathering the information, but he has no report for the Commission
today. Vice Mayor Roberts said that while she is not in favor of televising meetings, she
would like to hear IT Director Sucuoglu's report before making a decision.
Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she also would like to hear IT Director
Sucuoglu's report, and asked about a trial period for televising Commission meetings.
City Manager Miller said that is not advisable; when people get used to a service it is
hard to take it away. City Manager Miller said even without IT Director Sucuoglu's
report, he would recommend the Commission not televise meetings. Commissioner
Flansbaum-Talabisco said during her campaign there was much discussion about
perception, and she feels more discussion is needed on this issue. Vice Mayor Roberts
asked how putting the commission meetings on the road was going and City Manager
Miller said it is in the works. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about
considering a road show policy and taking one meeting a month on the road. Vice
Mayor Roberts said sometimes there are conflicts, and it does not have to be a policy
set in stone. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of the pros and cons of televising
commission meetings. Commissioner Sultanof said the City Manager of Deerfield told
him it is an abomination and he could not figure out why it was ever put into place.
Commissioner Sultanof said it was better to take the meetings to the people as we have
in the past, and it has been successful. Plantation and Lauderhill also have problems
with televising their meetings. Commissioner Sultanof asked about the cost factor to
televise meetings and said one of the cable companies had set aside monies for this;
Vice Mayor Roberts said it would be part of I.T.'s report.
City Manager Miller introduced Bernadette Hughes, Management Intern from NC State
in Raleigh.
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Vice Mayor
Roberts adjourned the workshop meeting at 10:45 a.m.
Marion Swenson, CMC
City Clerk
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