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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-12 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC WORKSHOP MEETING JUNE 12, 2001 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Gertrude Mishkin and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. 1. DISCUSSION OF FDOT'S PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS FOR S.R. 870 COMMERCIAL BOULEVARD BETWEEN FLORIDA'S TURNPIKE AND N.W. 31-' AVENUE: Director of Public Works Raj Verma gave a presentation and said DOT would review the desi?n and take the concerns raised by citizens regarding the traffic light and left turn at 47t Terrace and Commercial Boulevard under consideration. They would then be in a better position to discuss this at the next workshop meeting. Vice Mayor Sultanof said Tamarac does not have a pipeline to DOT, and it might be a good idea to talk to someone at the State level because Tamarac should have representation on this matter. Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Portner said DOT has heard Tamarac's concerns and will consider redesigning the project. 2. June 13, 2001 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item #7(c). AGREEMENT - STATE ROAD 7 PARTNERSHIP: (TR9409) Executing the State Road 7 partnership agreement. Community Development Director King gave a presentation. b. Item #7(d). STATE ROAD 7/US 441 AESTHETIC AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: (TR9410) Appointing as the City's designee to the State Road 7/US 441 Aesthetic and Economic Development Committee; appointing the Planning and Zoning Manager as the City's staff member alternate to the State Road 7/US 441 Aesthetic and Economic Development Committee. Community Development Director King gave a presentation. There was consensus to nominate Commissioner Portner as the City's designee. c. Item #8. AMENDING CHAPTER 10 SECTION 10-132 - "WELLFIELD PROTECTION": (TO1924) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Section 10-132, entitled "Wellfield Protection" of Chapter 10 of the Tamarac City Code, entitled "Land Development Regulations", providing criteria for regulating and prohibiting the use, handling, production and storage of certain deleterious substances which may impair present potable water supply wells and wellfields; providing for codification. Director of Utilities Gagnon introduced Fran Oney, Laboratory Manager, who gave a June 12, 2001 City Commission Workshop 1 presentation. Commissioner Portner asked about brown fields, and there was discussion about how substances seep into the ground. Mayor Schreiber asked if Tamarac has any recourse because of seepage; Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if the gasoline companies could be held responsible, and asked whether the federal government is involved. Ms. Oney responded. Commissioner Portner asked for an explanation of time travel, and Commissioner Roberts asked if adding Zone 4 would affect zoning on University Boulevard. Ms. Oney said no gas stations, dry cleaning establishments, lawn and garden shops or auto repair businesses would be allowed. d. Item #9. AMENDING ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 8.01 AND ARTICLE VI, SECTION 6.04 OF THE CITY CHARTER -CHARTE R BOARD: (T01930) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Article VIII, Section 8.01, of the City Charter, entitled "Terms and Qualifications"; amending Article VI, Section 6.04 of the City Charter entitled "Elections"; changing the Charter Board from an elected to an appointed board; eliminating the elected Charter Board; providing for term of office; providing for transition; providing for removal from office; providing for meeting schedule to be set by resolution; providing that if the amendment is approved by a majority of the voters at the March 12, 2002 election, then such amendment shall become a part of the City Charter upon certification and acceptance of the election results; providing for codification. Mayor Schreiber spoke about placing the referendum question on the same ballot with Charter Board elections, and the fact that the City of Tamarac would benefit from a Charter Review Committee that would meet on an as needed basis. There was discussion about the wording of the referendum question. Mayor Schreiber suggested placing the question on the September 2002 primary, and Commissioner Roberts said the public should be educated about the referendum question. Commissioner Portner asked about the report the Commission requested from the Charter Board, and City Clerk Swenson said the Charter Board is preparing the report and will present it to the City Manager for distribution. After discussion, City Attorney Kraft suggested that since the Commission has decided not to place the question on the ballot until September 2002, there is no need to place it on the upcoming Commission agenda. There was consensus to pull the item from the agenda at the June 13tn meeting. e. Item #10. AMENDING CHAPTER 5.6, SECTION 5.6-5 — "TELECOMMUNIC_ATIONS FEES AND PAYMENTS" AND CHAPTER 20, SECTION 20-42 — "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS FEES": (TO1931) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Section 5.6-5 "Fees and Payments" of Chapter 5.6 "Telecommunications" of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances, implementing the "Communications Services Tax Simplification Act" (Chapter 2000-260, Laws of Florida) and Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1878, passed during the 2001 State Legislative Session, which restructures the City's Communications Services Tax and Fee Structure; amending Section 20-42 "Fees" of Chapter 20 "Streets and Sidewalks" of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances, providing for waiver of permit fees for telecommunications services providers pursuant to Section 337.401, Florida Statutes, as amended by Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1878, passed during the 2001 State Legislative Session; authorizing and June 12, 2001 City Commission Workshop 2 directing the City Clerk to provide notification to the Department of Revenue via certified mail postmarked by July 16, 2001; providing for codification. Assistant to the City Manager McKew gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber said he recommended the maximum of 5.42%, and said the state would take a percentage for handling fees, which would reduce the amount collected by the City. Mayor Schreiber said this would enhance Tamarac's revenue. Commissioner Portner spoke about collecting 5%. Commissioner Roberts asked for the figures based on 5% and Finance Director Robert Lange said for FY02, 5% would generate $1,321,205 and for FY03, $1,441,315. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest from the Commission regarding the percentage to collect. Commissioner Partner, Vice Mayor Sultanof and Commissioner Mishkin said they felt comfortable with 5%, and Commissioner Roberts said 5.42%. Mayor Schreiber said the majority of the Commission agreed on 5%. Assistant to the City Manager McKew said she would amend the Ordinance to reflect 5%. Commissioner Roberts said she read in the latest Legislative Alert that a two-hour seminar is planned for June 14t" to explain the rate structure of the telecommunications tax. City Manager Miller said someone from the City would be present at the seminar. Commissioner Portner questioned, Item 7(g) on the agenda. Item 7(g), UTILITY EASEMENT ENCROACHMENT AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT - ESTATE OF SALLY D. TZERMAN: (TR9413) Accepting and executing a Utility Easement Encroachment and Hold Harmless Agreement with The Estate of Sally D. Tzerman, for walkways, slabs and landscaping located within utility easements on the Estate of Sally D. Tzerman Property, located at 4727 NW 50t" Street; authorizing and directing the City Clerk to record said agreement in the public records of Broward County. Utilities Director Gagnon said the executor of the estate is trying to sell the property and needs to have a clear title. City Attorney Kraft said Commission action on this item would give a clear title. Mayor Schreiber asked about the hold harmless, and City Attorney Kraft said the document would be recorded in the public records and run with the land. Community Director King spoke about clear title and vacation of easement. Commissioner Portner asked regarding Item 7(e) on the agenda, whether this is going to be sent to U.S. Senators. Item 7(e), POSTAL FACILITY: (TR9411) Advocating for an additional postal facility within the city limits of the City of Tamarac; authorizing and directing the City Clerk to forward a copy of this resolution to the United States Post Master General, as well as the Federal, State and County Legislative Representatives of the City of Tamarac. City Manager Miller said if the item were approved at the Commission meeting, it would be forwarded to U.S. Senators. Mayor Schreiber said for the past five years Tamarac has been told that a new post office is not needed and that there is no funding for an additional post office. Mayor Schreiber said he is in the process of gathering signatures for a postal facility. There was discussion about a postal store. Commissioner Roberts suggested the petition be sent to the senators along with the resolution and spoke about a postal substation in the western end of Tamarac, and said the petition should address a substation not a postal store, as there is a difference between the two. Vice Mayor Sultanof said there is a woman in Tamarac who has been in touch with the postal service and was told she could not establish a June 12, 2001 City Commission Workshop 3 substation. She does provide complete services. Vice Mayor Sultanof said if we do not get anything from the government then the same thing should be done as was in Eckerds; they paid for the spot in the store. Winn Dixie said they would open a substation in their store, and to date they have not done this. Commissioner Roberts asked if the petitions could have language added saying that the Commission backs the new postal facility, and City Attorney Kraft said if the Commission desired, the resolution could be revised saying that the Commission supports a new postal facility. Commissioner Portner suggested sending a representative of the City to Washington for face-to-face discussions. Commissioner Portner questioned Item 7(i) on the agenda. AGREEMENTS - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL CONTINUING SERVICES: (TR9380) Accepting and executing agreements with the following three (3) consulting firms to provide Landscape Architectural Continuing Services for a period of five years on an "as needed" basis beginning with the Street Resurfacing and Median Beautification Program: (1) Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Lopez Rinehart, Inc.; (2) Miller Legg & Associates, Inc., and (3) RMPK Group. Assistant Public Works Director Greenspan and Purchasing and Contracts Manager Flurry gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber asked how the firm is chosen, and Purchasing and Contracts Manager Flurry responded. Commissioner Portner asked why the City did not do this work and Assistant Public Works Director Greenspan spoke about liability in the public right of way, and the fact that the City does not have the capability and manpower to do this type of work. Commissioner Roberts asked who designed 70th Avenue, and Assistant Public Works Director Greenspan said Miller Legg was the designer. Commissioner Roberts said she was not happy with their work and could not understand the City wanting to use them again. Assistant Public Works Director Greenspan spoke about awarding the design to Gladding Jackson, and said there are numerous medians that will need work, and the project is open for public input. City Attorney Kraft said, to clarify Mr. Greenspan's earlier remark about liability, if something happens in Tamarac's right of way, the City will be held liable. Commissioner Portner asked what major roadways are included in the project, and Assistant Public Works Director said Southgate Boulevard, sections of McNab Road, 571h Street, 47th Terrace, Sabal Palm and several other streets. Assistant Public Works Director Greenspan said Commercial Boulevard is an FDOT project. Commissioner Roberts asked about the cost factor for the companies to be on the pre -qualified list, and Purchasing and Contracts Manager Flurry said there is no cost to the City. Mayor Schreiber asked what Miller Legg cost the City, and Purchasing and Contracts Manager Flurry said she would get that information. Mayor Schreiber asked whether we would be better off to do the design work in house, and City Manager Miller said that staff could do the smaller projects but did not have the expertise or time for the large projects, and reminded the Commission that the project is paid for with bond money. Commissioner Portner questioned Item 7(I) on the agenda. BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE PERMIT APPLICATION - PARKS AND RECREATION: (TR9218) Executing a Broward Sheriffs Office Permit Application for special details for police services to be used by the Parks and Recreation department in an amount not to exceed $47,555.00 in FY 01; approving funding from the appropriate parks and recreation account. June 12, 2001 City Commission Workshop 4 Commissioner Portner said in reading the contract with BSO, he was unclear as to why the City must pay extra. Special Projects Manager Phillips said the Parks and Recreation Department contracts with BSO for additional officers for special details. There was discussion about BSO deputies working 8-hour shifts, and City Manager Miller said BSO has allocated officers to regular districts and they are working 8-hour shifts. The City needs additional officers for special events for parking and traffic control, which is beyond the normal shift work. Commissioner Portner questioned Item 7(m) on the agenda. NSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION; (TR9414) Expressing sincere appreciation and gratitude to the National Sheriffs' Association for selecting Broward County as host site for its 2001 annual conference and exhibition; welcoming attendees, their guests and their families. City Clerk Swenson said the resolution was requested since there will be over 4,000 officers in attendance, and Chief Dugger will give a power track presentation at the conference. The surrounding cities will reap ancillary benefits from the conference. Commissioner Roberts wished Chief Dugger the best of luck in his presentation. Mayor Schreiber called a recess at 11:40 a.m. The workshop meeting reconvened at 12:00 p.m. with everyone in attendance as before. 3. Census 2000 and the City of Tamarac: Community Development Director King gave a presentation, and said Tamarac's population is growing and getting younger. 4. Discussion of Restaurant Recruitment: Community Development Director King gave a presentation, and said that while Tamarac is up and coming it is still too soon to meet the criteria that restaurants look at before moving into a city. Community Development Director King said an incentive package program might be needed to attract restaurants to Tamarac. Sunrise is actively pursuing restaurant recruitment along University Drive. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he heard that the Publix in the Sunrise West Mall intends to put in a restaurant, and also asked if the Dodge dealership in Sunrise would attract restaurants. Community Development Director King said the Publix Shopping Center is trying to attract several restaurants. Commissioner Portner asked if Tamarac has taken the tack of being in close proximity to Lauderhill, Sunrise and Coral Springs, as that may attract some restaurants, and Community Development Director King said that he has spoken about proximity to other cities and diversity. Commissioner Mishkin said when one restaurant comes into Tamarac others will follow. Commissioner Roberts asked about the restaurant that City Furniture was to include in their building, and Community Development Director King said it was in the plans when they originally came through for approval, but there was subsequent discussion to take the restaurant out of the plans because of the cost factor. There will be an eating establishment on the property but he did not know if it would be open to the public. Commissioner Roberts said the plans should not have changed without notifying the Commission. Community Development Director King said he would look into the matter. Commissioner Portner asked about the incentive package, and Community Development Director King said it would be similar to that given to light industry, June 12, 2001 City Commission Workshop 5 although the dollar figures would be different. Mayor Schreiber spoke about retirees' ability to pay for upscale dining. Commissioner Roberts said she was curious about how many Tamarac residents go to Coral Springs to eat. There was discussion about Cracker Barrel coming into the City. Commissioner Portner strongly suggested pursuing upscale dining for Tamarac. 5. Libra Update: Community Development Director King gave a presentation, and said the programming for the library is complete. He met with Don Fisher, project manager for the County, and the County has selected an architect and general contractor, and negotiations are in progress. The City will be able to look at plans within the next few months. Commissioner Roberts asked whether the library would be one or two stories, and Community Development Director King the original concept was for a two-story building, because of parking and drainage constraints. When the Mayor and Commission agreed to allow the County to drain into our lake, that allowed for a larger one-story facility, which will meet all other requirements. Commissioner Roberts asked about the parking and Community Development Director King said under the code the minimum number of parking spaces required has been allocated, and there is a cross access agreement with the Community Center (shared access). Vice Mayor Sultanof suggested Mayor Schreiber remind Mr. Morrison at tonight's meeting with the Library Board that there was discussion about a two-story building, and also discuss the art gallery and children's wing. Mayor Schreiber said he would follow up with the discussions. Commissioner Roberts suggested a letter be written to the County stating that a two-story building was originally discussed, as well as the time frame within which the building will be completed. Community Development Director King said an artist has been selected for the library and if the Commission desires he can arrange for the artist to meet the Commission. Commissioner Roberts suggested the next workshop. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the library should be color coordinated to match the Community Center. 6. Membership to Woodmont Country Club: Commissioner Portner spoke about Tamarac joining a country club, in particular, Woodmont Country Club, so the City's best face could be presented when people come here on business. Mayor Schreiber said he did not believe this was the proper use of public funds, and if the need arises to take someone to a club, that can be arranged. City Manager Miller said he would explore other options and asked for an expression of interest from the Commission directing him to do this. All were in favor of the City Manager exploring other avenues. Mayor Schreiber also asked City Manager Miller to explore keys to the City. Commissioner Roberts said uniforms were allocated in last year's budget for the customer service division, and she has yet to see them wearing uniforms. City Manager Miller said it is being taken care of, and he discussed the cost of uniforms throughout the City. There was discussion about uniforms being a negotiated item under the FPE contract, and the message sent to other employees when one department gets uniforms and another does not. Mayor Schreiber spoke about an article he read in Sunday's paper regarding new standards of government. Personnel Director Swanson spoke about union negotiations for uniforms and the need to set criteria for other similarly June 12, 2001 City Commission Workshop 6 1 situated employees. Personnel Director Swanson said the uniforms for customer service employees was not recommended, but was put back in the budget at the end of discussions. Commissioner Roberts said Tamarac T-Ball will be celebrating its 25t" anniversary next year, and Tamarac has been asked to join the celebration with the issuance of a proclamation and to serve as co-sponsor of the opening day event in February 2002. Additionally, they would like to use the City's logo. City Attorney Kraft said if they want to use the City's logo the request should be granted through a resolution. Commissioner Roberts said three players from Tamarac T-Ball are now professional baseball players. There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission at 12:55 p.m. Marion Swenson, CIVIC City Clerk- = June 12, 2001 City Commission Workshop 7