HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-20 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2005
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City
Commission to order on Monday, June 20, 2005, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac
City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco,
Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner
Karen L. Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Interim City Attorney Samuel S.
Goren, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Schreiber led the pledge of allegiance.
1. JUNE 22. 2005 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 7. AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE TAMARAC CODE — ADDITION
OF DEFINITIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS TO ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTATION OF
MIXED USE ZONING DISTRICT: (T02083) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading
amending Chapter 24, "Zoning", Article I "In General", Section 24-1, "Definitions" of the
City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances through the addition of definitions and illustrations
to assist in the implementation of the Mixed Use Zoning District (Case No. 12-Z-05);
providing for codification.
b. Item No. 8. AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE TAMARAC CODE -- CREATING
A NEW SECTION 24-434, "PERMITTED USES MASTER LIST": (T02084) Motion to
adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 24, "Zoning", Article III, "District
Regulations", Division 19, "Business and Commercial Uses Master List", Section 24-
431(b)(c)(d), "Intent and Application", Repealing Section 24-434, "Business and
Commercial Uses Master List" of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances in its entirety
and creating a new Section 24-434, "Permitted Uses Master List", establishing new
uses and a new zoning district referred to as the Mixed Use Zoning District (Case No. 9-
Z-05); providing for codification.
C. Item No. 9. AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE TAMARAC CODE —
CREATING DIVISION 25, "MXD MIXED USE DISTRICT": (T02085) Motion to adopt
Ordinance on first_ reading amending Chapter 24 entitled "Zoning", Article III, "District
Regulations", of the City of Tamarac Code of Ordinances by creating Division 25, "MXD
Mixed Use District", providing for the regulation of redevelopment revitalization and new
construction within the Mixed Use District to include the following sections: 24-535,
"Purpose and Intent", 24-536, "Mixed -Use Corridor Designation", 24-537, "Permitted
Uses", 24-538, "Property Development Regulations", 24-539, "Development Intensity",
and 24-540, "Special Regulations", and to provide additional development requirements
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and provisions for Mixed Use zoned properties (Case No. 14-Z-05); providing for
codification. Community Development Director King suggested discussing Items 1(a),
(b), and (c) on the workshop agenda at one time, since they are companion ordinances.
Community Development Director King introduced Chrissy Fisher of Iler Planning
Group. Ms. Fisher explained the purpose of the mixed use district and spoke of
previous discussions with the community and Planning Board. Mayor Schreiber
questioned the difference between on -street parking and surface parking and Ms.
Fisher explained surface parking is parking on private property, which will not be
possible in front of the buildings since there will be no building setback on the property
line; only on -street parking will be allowed. Commissioner Portner asked about a
separate parking garage and Ms. Fisher replied active uses are planned for the ground
floor. Ms. Fisher went on to discuss the benefits of mixed use zoning and spoke of
future steps should the Mayor and City Commission approve the ordinances on June 22
and July 13. Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Roberts questioned the benefit of
increasing the density and Community Development Director King explained in order to
make the Main Street project work, it is necessary to increase density. Community
Development Director King spoke of the number of units required, and spoke about
affordable housing, that allows for extra units. Mayor Schreiber questioned the
definition of family and asked if Tamarac could limit the number of occupants per unit.
Interim City Attorney Goren responded the law is changing as far as the definition of a
nuclear family, and it has become a challenge for local governments. This will require
more discussion and is not easily answered. Commissioner Sultanof asked if the
federal government is included under HUD and Interim City Attorney Goren said federal
guidelines are worth considering. Commissioner Roberts said with regard to the
minimum 300 sq. ft. frontage several owners will have to get together and compromise;
how does the city make two owners compromise and make a deal? Additionally, as far
as the non -conforming uses, such as the fast food restaurants, what will the city do with
McDonald's and Wendy's? Community Development Director King said existing uses
on the corridor will be grandfathered in; new businesses will have to adhere to the new
code. It will take the city many years to get oriented with all businesses on the same
page. Commissioner Roberts asked about a crossover at Pine Island Road and
Community Development Director King said staff looked at several options, but we are
not yet at that point. The focus is more on the west side of Pine Island Road because of
the greater development opportunities, but we will also look at the east side of Pine
Island Road. Commissioner Sultanof asked if Cheddars Restaurant, on the south side
of 57th Street, will be grandfathered in, and Community Development Director King said
that is correct. Commissioner Sultanof also questioned the 7-11 and Citgo Station and
questioned the status of the residents' request for a wall on north side of 571h Street.
Community Development Director King said separate from these three items there is a
consultant who is looking at the streetscape of the entire 571h Street Corridor, and he will
bring a conceptual layout to the Mayor and City Commission. It may be a linear park
and masonry wall with a meandering sidewalk. Commissioner Sultanof spoke about
isolating the Chevron station when an overpass is built on Pine Island Road, and said
he had previously suggested raising money to get the Chevron Station to move so there
could be a promenade through the library, Tamarac Community Center and theater.
Commissioner Sultanof also questioned the Cinnamon Tree Plaza, the parking lot, if
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there will be stores in that area, and the fate of Jewish and Buddhist Temples.
Community Development Director King explained there would be first floor retail and
multiple story buildings with residences above. He believes that the temples would
most likely want to relocate to another area in the county or in Tamarac. Vice Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what Commercial Boulevard would look like with
everything oriented to 57th Street and Community Development Director King said the
developers would be encouraged to erect double front buildings with signage on the
south side of the buildings, along with a landscape buffer and parking. We could also
look into monument signs on Commercial Boulevard. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
asked if there would be turn offs into the parking areas from Commercial Boulevard and
Community Development Director King said there are designated deceleration lanes
and some are planned for the future. We would try to detract visibility of the parking
from 57th Street. Additionally, signage opportunities may be created along the parking
garage. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what the difference is between a
townhouse and a row house, and Ms. Fisher said row houses must front on the street
while that is not necessary for townhouses. Mayor Schreiber asked if 57th Street would
become a one-way street and Community Development Director King said it would be a
two-way street. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of parking on Hollywood Boulevard.
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what the next steps would be assuming the
ordinances are approved on two readings, and Community Development Director King
said once the zoning districts are in the code we can begin enforcing them. We will
need to look at whether the city wants to initiate rezoning on the entire corridor or place
the burden on the applicant. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if there was any
interest from the development community and Community Development Director King
said during the public meetings over the past year the bigger developers looked at what
we had to present. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked who would do our
marketing and Community Development Director King said Andy Berns, our Economic
Development specialist, would be responsible for the marketing campaign for the
development community. Commissioner Portner asked how many people are
anticipated to reside in the Centex project currently being built and how many more are
anticipated with the Main Street project. Community Development Director King said
1,000 — 1,500 people are projected in the Centex project with an additional 4,000 in the
Main Street project. Commissioner Portner said he just returned from California, where
he attended a conference regarding new urbanism. Commissioner Partner asked if at
60' there is sufficient height to entice developers to build and Community Development
Director King said yes; when developers look at putting property together they look at
how high and how many units they can put on property. The City of Tamarac is
providing an additional incentive for higher density and staff feels it can work. Staff will
come back to the Mayor and City Commission in the future to discuss Broward County's
new rules regarding flexibility units. Commissioner Portner asked who owns 57th Street
and whether it could be taken and made part of the development. Community
Development Director King said the city owns 57th Street. While it would be possible to
make the street part of the development it is improbable at this time since there are
multiple property owners. Commissioner Portner asked if 57th Street would be a non -
vehicle street and Community Development Director King said it could but it would be a
challenge with regard to access for individuals who own lots in the middle.
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Commissioner Portner said he is against putting up a wall, and would prefer to see
landscaping as a buffer. Commissioner Roberts asked how people would get to the
ALF and the synagogue, and how emergency vehicles would get through if the street
were to be closed. Community Development Director King responded staff would have
to work on vehicular access. Commissioner Portner explained that having gone to the
conference, he found a number of cities are going through this problem, and questioned
the anticipated tax base that the city would realize. Community Development Director
King said he does not have any figures at this point because we do not have a single
developer coming in; but he will get figures based on the maximum square footage.
d. Item No. 6(e). PURCHASE OF NEW TV VIDEO TRUCK & UPGRADE OF
EXISTING UNIT: (TR10725) Awarding Bid Number 05-12B to Aries Industries, Inc., for
the purchase of a new TV video truck & upgrade of an existing unit with Options A and
B, authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $215,825.00. Utilities Director
Gagnon, Operations Manager London, and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz
appeared. Utilities Director Gagnon gave a presentation and explained we need to
replace the 1991 truck with a new truck and upgrade the televising equipment in the
1996 truck. Mayor Schreiber asked if this is already funded and Utilities Director
Gagnon said it is.
e. Item No. 6(j). GRANT APPLICATION — LANDSCAPING AT SOUTHGATE
LINEAR PARK: (TR10732) Submitting an application to the Broward Beautiful
Community Grant Program in the amount of $10,000 for the provision of landscaping at
Southgate Linear Park between the Sawgrass Expressway and San Carlos Circle;
authorizing city officials to accept and execute the required agreement upon approval of
the application following legal review.
f. Item No. 6(k).APPLICATION FOR GRANT TO REPLANT TREES IN THE
WAKE OF THE 2004 HURRICANE SEASON: (TR10741) Submitting two applications
to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for Emergency
Hurricane Supplemental Urban and Community Forestry Grants not to exceed the
amount of $175,000 per application for the provision of trees at Southgate Linear Park
and along Southgate Boulevard from the Sawgrass Expressway east to Nob Hill Road,
and along Southgate Boulevard from Nob Hill Road east to SW 83�d Avenue;
authorizing adherence to the three-year maintenance plans and execution of the
maintenance memoranda of agreement between the City and the Department of
Agriculture in the event the award(s) is/are approved; providing for a match of 25% per
application in the event the grant proposal(s) is/are approved. Public Works Director
Strain and Special Projects Coordinator Gresek appeared. Public Works Director Strain
suggested discussing items 1(e) and 1(f) on the workshop agenda simultaneously as
they both relate to landscaping and grant funding. Commissioner Roberts asked if the
city could take Replant Broward trees, or possibly the homeowner associations could
get the trees and donate them to the city. Public Works Director Strain explained we
are looking for a certain type and maturity of trees and we are not sure the Replant
Broward trees will fit the bill. Commissioner Partner questioned a matter he had
previously discussed with Public Works Director Strain regarding landscaping along
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Prospect Road and grant funding. Public Works Director Strain said he will pursue
grant funding for this area when more detail for the project is available. Commissioner
Sultanof spoke of the match for the trees and Public Works Director Strain said the
match has already been budgeted under the street improvements program.
Commissioner Sultanof spoke of $3,000 available to homeowner associations and
Public Works Director Strain said the city has its own grant program for homeowner
associations, but they need to meet certain criteria. Commissioner Roberts clarified
cities have not been allowed to use trees supplied by the Replant Broward tree
program, but she believed the homeowner associations could get the trees and donate
them to the city.
g. Item No. 6(f), MICROFILMING AND DOCUMENT DIGITIZING SERVICES:
(TR10736) Purchasing microfilming and document digitizing services from Lason
Systems, Inc., and authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute an agreement
utilizing a United States General Services Administration (GSA) Agreement #GS-25F-
0075M for a total not to exceed $40,000 annually for the period of July 1, 2005 through
September 30, 2006, approving funding from the appropriate account. City Clerk
Swenson and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Purchasing/Contracts
Manager Glatz explained the contract and the fact that he was able to negotiate better
pricing with regard to particular services used by the City Clerk's office. Commissioner
Sultanof asked if this is budgeted and City Clerk Swenson said it is. Mayor Schreiber
said we would be able to save space by digitizing and microfilming documents, and
Commissioner Portner asked how much money would be saved. Purchasing/Contracts
Manager Glatz responded $4,000 - $5,000.
h. Item No. 6(I). AGREEMENT RENEWAL — LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES:
(TR10745) Executing the agreement between the City of Tamarac and Sheriff of
Broward County for police services to be effective nunc pro tunc October 1, 2004.
Finance Director Chapman and BSO Chief Dugger appeared. City Manager Miller
explained the agreement before the Mayor and City Commission is for a five-year
period. City Manager Miller said staff is pleased with the results of the contract; the
initial proposal was for five years @$51.8 million, which would have necessitated a .25
mil tax increase to the residents in Tamarac, but through negotiations, we have been
able to agree on $47.5 million. We can fund the BSO contract for the next 5 years at an
average annual increase of 3.22%, and keep service levels the same as previous years.
City Manager Miller thanked Assistant City Manager Phillips and Finance Director
Chapman for their part in negotiations.
Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 10:55 a.m. and the meeting reconvened at 11:05
with all present as before.
Finance Director Chapman reviewed the contract and said it contains a new level and
mix of personnel for BSO. Contractual staff has been reduced from 94 to 90 positions,
which allows BSO to reorganize and maintain visibility on the streets, as well as
flexibility to maintain the minimum required staffing level for Tamarac. The Youth
Services Coordinator position will be combined with a deputy position, but the services
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will remain the same. Mayor Schreiber questioned minimum staffing levels and BSO
Chief Dugger said the new contract states within 24 hours there must be a minimum of
23 deputy sheriffs at any given period; however, he does not foresee changing from the
current 24 deputies. Mayor Schreiber questioned the change in personnel at the
station, and BSO Chief Dugger said the total complement of personnel will only diminish
by four positions; sworn personnel will be replaced by non -sworn personnel. There was
a question as to the cost effectiveness of keeping the Community Service Aide (CSA)
on the midnight shift in the lobby, and it was decided to replace that person with a 24-
hour monitoring phone, for that shift only. Other sheriff's services will remain
unchanged. Mayor Schreiber asked about advertising so the public would be aware of
this change, and BSO Chief Dugger explained when anyone calls BSO they will speak
to an officer. Commissioner Roberts said she would have liked more time to check the
agreement; we are losing one lieutenant and six deputies with arrest and ticketing
power, as well as the youth officer that we fought hard to get five years ago.
Additionally, the contract calls for the addition of five CSA's, who have no arrest powers.
Also, we are losing clerical assistance and BSO wants more money. A major concern
of the residents is safety, speeding and traffic control, and by making the above
changes, Commissioner Roberts said she wonders if we are giving the community what
they want for the money. BSO Chief Dugger said the cost to put an officer on the street
is rising. BSO can use other positions, e.g., the CSA, to respond to service calls that do
not require sworn law enforcement officers; the CSA's can issue tickets for parking
violations or traffic infractions and can run radar enforcements. Commissioner Roberts
questioned whether there are actually eight deputies on duty all the time and
Commissioner Roberts confirmed there are always eight. Commissioner Roberts asked
what will happen when we are asked to loan deputies to other jurisdictions, and BSO
Chief Dugger said we must maintain our staffing in Tamarac. Commissioner Roberts
asked what the youth counselor will be doing and BSO Chief Dugger said the job
function will still include following and pursuing juveniles who are at risk. The verbiage
is being eliminated in the contract but the work will still be done by that person.
Commissioner Roberts questioned the cost for deputies and CSA's, and Finance
Director Chapman responded a CSA is $55,000 and a deputy is $130,000.
Commissioner Roberts questioned whether community police services would be
continued and BSO Chief Dugger said BSO is obligated by contract to provide
educational services to the community and the community police unit will remain. BSO
Chief Dugger explained the rationale behind using CSR's vs. deputies for all matters.
Mayor Schreiber asked if the contract, after approval, is subject to revision and Finance
Director Chapman said it can be revised if the Mayor and City Commission want to add
additional personnel. Commissioner Roberts questioned the use of one car for the
CSA's around the clock and BSO Chief Dugger confirmed. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco asked if the people who are being reassigned throughout the county can get
the assignment of their choice and BSO Chief Dugger said whenever possible. Vice
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked BSO Chief Dugger if he would be able to manage
rumors if the Mayor and City Commission approve the contract. BSO Chief Dugger said
there are always rumors, change is upsetting to personnel, but people are aware of the
contract and nothing is approved until such time as it is passed by the Mayor and City
Commission. Staff has been informed of Tamarac and BSO's options. Vice Mayor
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Flansbaum-Talabisco asked BSO Chief Dugger how long he has been chief and BSO
Chief Dugger said since April 11, 2001. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if BSO
Chief Dugger can assure the Mayor and City Commission that the services Tamarac
currently receives will continue and the residents will not feel the impact of the change.
BSO Chief Dugger said he is confident as chief he will maintain the service Tamarac
has seen in the past and there will be no impact to the residents. Commissioner
Sultanof confirmed that use of the CSA's will free up the deputies to do other types of
enforcement, and in essence, that would translate to more officers on the street.
Commissioner Portner questioned ancillary services and said he thought those items
were part and parcel of the services we received from BSO. BSO Chief Dugger said it
is a legal formality, the city does not technically pay for the ancillary services but it is
spelled out for the city. Commissioner Roberts questioned special details and BSO
Chief Dugger said certain city sponsored events are covered by special detail officers;
however, for events that the city does not initiate there will be a charge.
2. SELECTION OF A VOTING DELEGATE TO THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF
CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Assistant City Manager Phillips explained no
resolution is needed to make this appointment. The Mayor and City Commission gave
an expression of interest to select Commissioner Partner as a voting delegate to the
Florida League of Cities Annual Conference.
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Deputy City Manager Cernech, Finance Director Chapman, Interim Director of Parks
and Recreation Warner and Public Works Director Strain appeared. Deputy City
Manager Cernech thanked the Mayor and City Commission for their candid discussion
two weeks ago, and stated he has the original list and projects the Mayor and City
Commission ranked 1-7. Deputy City Manager Cernech stated at that time he believed
it was the consensus of the Mayor and City Commission to increase taxes by .25 mils in
order to work on the seven projects. During the last meeting, Mayor Schreiber
mentioned that input from Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco would be needed. In
advance of this meeting, Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco sent a memorandum to the
Mayor and City Commission listing her priorities, which are slightly different that the rest
of the commission's. The financial advisors have prepared scenarios at $7 million, $9
million, and $14 million. Staff has also provided a construction schedule. Additionally,
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner met with the Parks and Recreation
Board to advise them of the Mayor and City Commission's priorities and rankings, and
the board provided input. Mayor Schreiber said the only reason the Mayor and City
Commission is discussing this item today is to determine what to do about Vice Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco's selections, since they are different than the rest of the
commission's. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she provided an explanation for
her choices in her memorandum, but she will be happy to answer any questions. Mayor
Schreiber said the items the Mayor and City Commission excluded from their list are
items they felt could wait until a later date. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she
felt the Tamarac Community Center expansion should be higher on the list as it is the
highest profile facility in the city and used by many people. As far as the recreation
center demolition/reconstruction, there is no space for programming at that facility.
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Mayor Schreiber said the city commission is obligated to build the aquatic center; it is a
question of funding and everything will eventually be there. Commissioner Portner said
he understands what Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco is saying but he does not think
the expansion of the Tamarac Community Center is necessary at this time. Interim
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained the Parks and Recreation Board
met and discussed the projects and agreed the aerobics room is too small and there is
a need for more space for groups to meet in the evenings. Commissioner Sultanof said
the Tamarac Community Center as it stands is operational and asked if the expansion
will disrupt the Tamarac Community Center. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation
Warner said some areas will be impacted. Commissioner Sultanof confirmed the fitness
room will be moved to the aquatic center. Commissioner Sultanof agreed with Vice
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco that things should be done on a priority basis, but things
will come together and we should not rush. Commissioner Sultanof asked what funds
are available before we need to borrow money or get involved with the millage rate.
Finance Director Chapman said there is an undesignated fund balance of $3.7 million;
our fund balance policy says we can not go below 7.5%, which gives us $300,000
available to use to start our projects. There is no other money budgeted to do these
projects. Commissioner Partner questioned the time frame for the projects and asked if
the starting date for several projects could be shifted. Public Works Director Strain said
after today's meeting and based on the commission's decisions, a new schedule would
be created. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the aquatic center annex
and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained it is a separate part of
the project. The annex is part of the Cummings Parcel for the skateboard area and
additional parking. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of the Broward Teacher's Union
wishing to square off their piece of property next to Water's Edge Park for an overhang
on their building. Commissioner Roberts asked Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco if her
prioritization of the fire station included renovations outside as well as inside and Vice
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said it did. Finance Director Chapman said if the Mayor
and City Commission said go ahead and raise the millage and bond, $9 million worth of
projects would necessitate an addition of .25 mils to the millage rate, for a $736,000
annual payment over 20 years. Mayor Schreiber asked what bonding would cost and
Finance Director Chapman said $324,000, which included bond insurance that helps
lower the interest rate. At $14 million over 30 years, $7 million for 13-14 years, or $9
million for a 20 year bond, all would necessitate a .25 mil increase. Mayor Schreiber
asked if a referendum is required and Finance Director Chapman said no.
Commissioner Portner questioned a 10-year bond and Finance Director Chapman said
we would lose a percentage on interest, and principal would be about $1.1 million
higher. Mayor Schreiber said if we move forward and our financial picture is good we
can pre -pay. Finance Director Chapman said we could put a call provision in the bonds
and retire them early if we do CBA as opposed to GO; as property values increase that
quarter mil becomes more valuable. In time, perhaps five years, if things are still rosy,
we can cut the millage and still have money coming in to pay debt service. If things go
down and property values go down, we will have to increase the millage. Vice Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said all the projects are terrific and it is difficult to prioritize.
However, before asking the taxpayers for more money, she would ask staff to go back
to the drawing board for more grant money, and also to speak to Mr. Cacciatore of Lori
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Parrish's office. Finance Director Chapman advised that last week at the FGOA he
spoke to Ms. Parrish, and she is in the process of looking into fraudulent events to
determine how much money the property appraiser is losing. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco said she asked Mr. Cacciatore to meet with City Manager Miller and herself;
Mr. Cacciatore has uncovered $10 million for Margate so far; 37% of what is recovered
can go back to Margate. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she wants to explore
other options. Commissioner Roberts said she understands Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco's position, but the residents she talked to said they would rather increase the
millage by .25. Commissioner Roberts added other options can be looked at but she
would like to see things on the list get started, and reminded the commissioners we only
have until July 13t" for the TRIM notice. Finance Director Chapman said the
commission does not have to come to a conclusion today; we can present the budget
on July 12 and 13 without the projects, and set the millage when adopting the budget;
we are now just setting the millage to be advertised to the taxpayers. We can put the
.25 mils in then in September at the final adoption of the budget we can make a final
decision whether we want the projects in or out, and if we want we can pull the .25 mils
out. This gives the Mayor and City Commission more time to make a decision. Mayor
Schreiber asked for an expression of interest in moving forward with the project list and
all were in agreement. Commissioner Portner asked staff if, to the best of their
knowledge, they explored all areas for grants and funding for these projects. Assistant
City Manager Phillips explained all grants the staff is aware of have been explored, and
we will continue to pursue grant funds. Deputy City Manager Cernech clarified the
Mayor and City Commission expressed interest for the project list and want the finance
department to advertise the millage rate with the increase of .25 mils, with the
understanding that the increase can be backed out but can not be increased. Mayor
Schreiber said the decision was made to move forward then come up with financing
procedures and Commissioner Roberts confirmed the Mayor and City Commission
approved the list of projects they previously selected for $9,059,100.
4. PRESENTATION OF BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS: Public Works
Director Strain and City Clerk Swenson appeared. City Clerk Swenson gave a
presentation on business process improvements for the City Clerk's office in the areas
of records management, research and retrieval tools, citywide training, coordination
between departments with regard to public records requests, elections, prompt
response to the Mayor and City Commission, City Manager, and Department Directors,
public notices, use of e-mail to expedite responses, maintenance of calendars,
migration from paper intensive products to CD's, and customer service. Commissioner
Roberts thanked City Clerk Swenson for adding information to the board and committee
advertisement and Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked City Clerk Swenson for
providing the CD's.
Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation on streamlined engineering,
consolidation of various tasks, online databases, citywide CIP management program,
tracking system, streets and landscaping, solid waste and recycling, facility
maintenance, stormwater operations and fleet maintenance. Mayor Schreiber spoke of
grass accumulation in catch basins, and Public Works Director Strain said crews are
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sent out before storms, but some catch basins are not on public property.
Commissioner Partner asked how many harvesters the city has and the cost to rent
one. Public Works Director Strain responded we have one harvester and he does not
know how much it would cost to rent one. Mayor Schreiber said the canals behind the
Jasmine Apartments on Pine Island Road need to be cleaned. Public Works Director
Strain said all areas are being treated but it does take time for the chemicals to take
affect. The crews work according to a methodic schedule.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 3:05 p.m.
a
- Marion Swenson, CIVIC
City Clerk
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