HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-11 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the
City Commission to order on Monday, June 11, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof,
Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, and Commissioner
Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren,
Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance.
Commissioner Portner, on behalf of himself and the rest of the Commission, expressed
condolences to Commissioner Dressler on the loss of his brother.
1. JUNE 13, 2007 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 6(g) on the Consent Agenda. PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF
GUARDRAILS: (TR11214) Approving the purchase and installation of guardrail from
Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $68,905.00, located at Mainlands
Drive, NW 791h Street, and Westwood Drive, utilizing Broward County, Price Agreement
Contract for the general roadway and miscellaneous construction, Bid No. HZ-05-376-
131; approving funding from the appropriate Capital Improvement Account. Public
Works Director Strain and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public
Works Director Strain gave a presentation and responded to questions from
Commissioner Portner regarding the strength of concrete versus extruded steel and
whether the County is responsible for repairs. Public Works Director Strain responded,
saying a concrete barrier has no give but it will keep a car from going into the canal and
there is no money available from the County for repairs. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if
the City has looked into funding from the Safety Council and Assistant City Manager
Phillips said the Safety Council is more oriented toward other programs and she will
continue researching funding sources. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if this is a
pre-emptive strike, and whether affected neighborhoods would be inconvenienced.
Public Works Director Strain said it is pre-emptive and there is an alternate route to the
Mainlands while the other areas are far off the roadway. Neighborhoods will be notified
regarding the construction. Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked if there is a way to put the
guard rail behind the architectural guard rail and Public Works Director Strain said there
is not enough room.
b. Item No. 6(i) on the Consent Agenda. SIDEWALK REPAIRS: (TR11217)
Executing Change Order Number 1 to the purchase order with Straightline Engineering
June 11, 2007
City Commission Workshop
Page 1 of 5
Group for the sidewalk repair and replacement project; authorizing an additional
expenditure in an amount not to exceed $120,000.00 for said purpose; authorizing
budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. Public Works Director
Strain and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public Works Director
Strain gave a presentation and said while the sidewalks affected are scattered
throughout the City, the majority of them fall into the areas of Sunflower/Heathgate,
Woodmont, Southgate Boulevard area and the area north of 57th Street. Vice Mayor
Sultanof said he is delighted 71st Street is being done. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
confirmed Public Works will monitor the sidewalks once they are completed.
Commissioner Partner questioned the original budget for sidewalk repairs and the
amount of money that will be spent, including this change order. Public Works Director
Strain and Management and Budget Officer Sammartino explained there was no budget
for the original repairs, since the City did not know the extent of repairs. When this is
completed the City will have spent a total of $570,000. After monies are transferred
from contingency there will be $800,000 left in the contingency fund. Commissioner
Atkins -Grad asked who is responsible if there is landscaping on private property that will
cause harm to the sidewalks. Public Works Director Strain said if a tree on private
property will damage the sidewalks it is the owner's responsibility to take care of the
source of damage. The City will notify the property owner 90 days prior to the City
doing any repairs.
C. Item No. 6(I) on the Consent Agenda. SETTING NEW SCHEDULE OF PERMIT
FEES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: (TR11202) Setting a new schedule of
permit fees for construction projects within the City of Tamarac; repealing Resolution
No. R-99-250. Public Works Director Strain and Assistant Public Works Director/City
Engineer Doherty appeared. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty
gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof said this is a wise move on the part of the
City. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked how much of an increase this will bring to the
City and Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty said about $109,000.
d. Item No. 6(b) on the Consent Agenda. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH
BARNEY AND WORTH, INC. FOR PUBLIC ART MASTER PLAN: (TR11211)
Amendment to Agreement between Barney and Worth, Inc. and the City of Tamarac to
provide for development and implementation of the Public Art Master Plan; providing for
conditions of approval. Community Development Director Bramley and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Community Development Director
Bramley gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked who would be the watchdog
over public art, and spoke of Messrs. Yelin and Cantor, who are interested in donating
art to the City. Community Development Director Bramley said the Master Plan
establishes criteria for public art and will be monitored by the Public Art Committee and
then approved by the Mayor and City Commission. Vice Mayor Sultanof quoted from
evaluations of Tamarac University Students, who said Tamarac is more progressive
than most cities, and Vice Mayor Sultanof said he would like Tamarac to shine.
Commissioner Dressler asked if there was a memorandum on record with regard to Mr.
Cantor's wishes regarding the donation of art to the City and Community Development
Director Bramley said there is not. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco added when Mr. Yelin
June 11, 2007
City Commission Workshop
Page 2 of 5
approached the City, the Mayor and City Commission chose from several pieces.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when the Master Plan would be done for the Mayor
and City Commission's approval and Community Development Director Bramley said
December 2007. Community Development Director Bramley added Barney and Worth
are ready to start public meetings and she would like to get the Public Art Committee
together by the end of August. Additionally, everyone who applied to serve on this
Committee is ready to begin work and put in long hours. Commissioner Dressler
questioned the purpose of the Committee and Community Development Director
Bramley explained the Public Art Ordinance. Alternate strategies will be provided by
Barney and Worth who will identify funding sources to perpetuate the program.
Commissioner Portner asked if he would be able to recuse himself from voting on public
art, since he does not feel he is qualified to make such selections, and City Attorney
Goren said a commissioner could only recuse themselves from a vote if there is a
specific conflict of interest or they are on vacation. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she
is pleased to see funds are still being collected for Public Art. Vice Mayor Sultanof said
no City can exist as a metropolis without museums, libraries and art. Many of us are
not art connoisseurs but we can see what appeals to the eye. City Manager Miller
explained the establishment of Public Art and funding for Public Art in Tamarac. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said having just won the ArtServe Government Leadership in Art
award, going forward with Public Art will be this Commission's legacy and she would
like to see the money invested appropriately.
e. Item No. 6(h) on the Consent Agenda. DRAFT MODEL PUBLIC SCHOOL
FACILITIES ELEMENT: (TR11216) Demonstrating general support for the Draft Model
Public School Facilities Element and related plan provision in the Intergovernmental
Coordination and Capital Improvement Elements; providing for conditions of approval.
Community Development Director Bramley and Planning and Zoning Manager Ross
appeared. Community Development Director Bramley gave a presentation and said as
of this date, Tamarac schools are under enrolled and the effect of this model element in
Tamarac would be negligible but it is required, by law, to be approved.
f. Item No. 7 on the Regular Agenda. FY 2007 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS: The City seeks public comments on the
recommended use of the FY 2007 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
A draft has been developed based on comments and recommendations received during
the June 6, 2007 Planning Board meeting. Community Development Director Bramley
and Housing Administrator Bauldree appeared. Housing Administrator Bauldree gave a
presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned the handicap access doors at the
Tamarac Community Center and asked if these fall under the new 2006 Code. Building
and Code Compliance Director Jones said they do not since we are in compliance with
the existing doors.
2. DISCUSSION RE: DRAFT RESOLUTION DECLARING RETRACTABLE
CURTAIN IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS AS BEYOND SURPLUS STOCK: (TR11220)
Declaring the floor -to -ceiling retractable curtain in the City Commission Chambers as
beyond surplus stock as defined by Section 6-153 of the City's Code of Ordinances;
June 11, 2007
City Commission Workshop
Page 3 of 6
finding that the retractable curtain has no ascertainable value to the City; authorizing the
City Manager or his designee to dispose of the retractable curtain in the manner most
practical and beneficial to the City. Public Works Director Strain and City Attorney Goren
appeared. Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof
questioned the curtain's value were the City to give it as a gift. Public Works Director
Strain said it has no value. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned adding this to the charitable
donation page of the budget and City Attorney Goren explained the non -legal value is
different than the contribution value. Commissioner Portner asked if the City takes the
curtain down whether the cost of labor could be added to the contribution value. City
Manager Miller said it would be looked into. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when all
this would occur and Public Works Director Strain replied during the Commission hiatus.
3. Item No. 8 on the regular agenda. DISCUSSION RE: DRAFT RESOLUTION
APPROVING INVENTORY LIST OF MUNICIPALLY OWNED PROPERTY
APPROPRIATE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING: (TR11221) A resolution of the City of
Tamarac, Florida approving an inventory list of municipally owned property that is
appropriate for use as affordable housing pursuant to Section 166.0451, Florida
Statutes. City Attorney Goren appeared and gave a presentation. Commissioner
Partner confirmed this is for land only and questioned foreclosure property in the City
and the ability of the City to purchase the property and turn it into affordable housing.
City Attorney Goren said he would look into the City's ability to acquire foreclosed
property. City Manager Miller added the City of Tamarac has more affordable housing
on a percentage basis than other cities in Broward County. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked
if Tamarac has placed a lien on a house, and the owners are unable to pay the lien,
whether the City could take the house and use it for first time home buyers. City
Attorney Goren said as long as it is not homesteaded property. There are several steps
to go through, and the City may not be on a par with other obligations such as
mortgages and taxes. Many properties have debt incurred, which could make it more
expensive to take over the property than the lien, itself.
Commissioner Portner questioned the status of the Branding Consultant and City
Manager Miller said this is on the agenda for the next Commission Retreat.
Commissioner Portner asked about Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and Assistant City
Manager Phillips's trip to Washington last week. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the
Commissioners will each get a report from our lobbyists. She met with six people on
Capitol Hill, both Senators and Representatives, and she and Assistant City Manager
Phillips were well received. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco will give a brief update at
Wednesday's meeting.
City Manager Miller said the Florida Legislature came out with another property tax
proposal. Over the weekend he spent time on the phone with our lobbyists and staff
and at this point in time he can not tell exactly the impact this new plan will have on
Tamarac, but he will have a five-year projection prepared, and this is a lot more
encouraging on the front end. Last Monday, in Tallahassee, they were talking about a
15%-20% roll back, based on a percentage. Most of the larger cities, and Tamarac is
June 11, 2007
City Commission Workshop
Page 4 of 5
1
one of them, are in the 9% category. The 9% reduction is based on the last year's
numbers and numbers for the coming year. We are analyzing the affect of the
constitutional amendment on Tamarac, which is the second part of the package.
Commissioner Dressler spoke of a lack of understanding on the part of the legislators
regarding the difference between a percentage and dollar increase. To compare
property values on a percentage basis without considering the base or average property
value in a city is incompetent and embarrassing, and this speaks to the general
incompetence of the leadership in the legislature. City Manager Miller said the watch
word from the League of Cities, that represents us well in Tallahassee, made that exact
point; one size does not fit all. What is also discouraging is that unlike local
government, there is no opportunity to comment or address the legislators directly.
Many things are discussed and decided in private and this has not been a good or fair
process. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the concept in Tallahassee of rolling back
City budgets and capping them on average, spend -able income, on a statewide basis.
In Tamarac, a high percentage of people are on a fixed income and their only increase
may be the CPI, so we can not apply the same standards to people in Tamarac who will
not have inflationary net increases in spend -able income. This huge restraint severely
impacts Tamarac. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said the special session starts
tomorrow. Over the weekend she received a communication from a fellow Mayor and it
appears the plan is firm. The biggest issue for the local levels is that the residents see
tax reform and are not aware of the affect this will have on our City. Vice Mayor
Sultanof said the general public is beguiled by all the information on TV and we are at
fault because we vote these legislators into office. People in Tallahassee need to be
shaken up; they do not answer to the same standards as local government. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said it will be up to the Mayor and City Commission to determine
how to run our City with fewer funds. Commissioner Portner said all elected officials
pander, and hopefully, some day we will return to what our original founders intended —
not to make a career out of being an elected official. Until then, elected officials will
pander in order to be reelected. The general public likes to hear about tax cuts and
increased services, but they do not want to hear about the underlying things that will
happen.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:10 a.m.
Marion Swenson, CMC
City Clerk Y Y
June 11, 2007
City Commission Workshop
Page 5 of 5