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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-07 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, JULY 7, 2003 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, July 7, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. ROLL CALL: 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. Mayor Schreiber commended John Doherty and Tony Morton for their assistance in getting the agenda backup delivered to the City Commission on Thursday evening. Mayor Schreiber called for the pledge of allegiance. 1. PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO SAWGRASS EXPRESSWAY: Assistant to the City Manager Phillips explained that Kent Rice was unable to attend this morning's meeting and introduced Bill Austin, AICP, Principal Planner, who would make the presentation in Mr. Rice's absence. Mr. Austin gave an overview of Florida Turnpike Enterprises' plans for the Sawgrass Expressway, and spoke of two upcoming projects — widening of the expressway in addition to ongoing work and open road tolling. Mr. Austin then showed the Commission a video, which spoke of Florida Turnpike Enterprises' purchase of the Sawgrass Expressway from Broward County in 1990, and anticipation and encouragement of input from citizens and officials; completion of the project is scheduled for 2008. Vice Mayor Roberts said not everyone can afford to purchase Sunpass, and the Turnpike Authority is not willing to do promotionals to encourage Sunpass use. Additionally, with regard to tourists purchasing Sunpass, Vice Mayor Roberts said if she were a tourist in another city she would not want to purchase such a mechanism, and suggested the Turnpike look closely at the tourist trade and find alternatives. Mr. Austin said until the passage of turnpike legislation, the turnpike authority was unable to do any promotions; however they are now gearing up a sophisticated marketing plan to increase Sunpass use and make it more affordable. Mr. Austin agreed that not everyone wants to purchase Sunpass and alternatives are being looked at, e.g., bar codes and registration of license plates. Commissioner Portner asked if Sunpass will be promoted in northern states and Mr. Austin said they are looking into advance notification. 2. DISCUSSION RE: PURCHASING PROCEDURES AND CONTINUED DISCUSSION RE: RFP 03-10R FOR THE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BUS BENCHES: Finance Director Dona Newman reviewed the ordinances regarding Tamarac's purchasing policy and July 7, 2003 City Commission Workshop 1 explained the difference between an RFB and an RFP. Mayor Schreiber said there were only two proposals and staff failed to provide information on both proposals. Additionally, the Commission did not have the evaluation sheet until it was requested and it was difficult to understand. Mayor Schreiber said after reviewing the information provided he wanted to change his decision and reconsider the vote to table the item so it could come back before the Commission on Wednesday. Mayor Schreiber said what the committee proposed is the best proposal, and he received information regarding problems that Bench Ads has in Miami Dade and Hollywood, and this may not be the type of company with which Tamarac wants to do business. Commissioner Partner said he requested this item to be tabled to the August 27th agenda and is not happy that Mayor Schreiber would refuse him the courtesy of that request. Mayor Schreiber responded that there is no reason to hold up the item for a month and a half as it will put the City at a disadvantage. Commissioner Portner said he is not satisfied with what he has read, and he imagines that whoever holds the current contract will continue to pay until the matter is settled. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest to move the matter forward on Wednesday, July 9th and Vice Mayor Roberts, Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Mayor Schreiber were in agreement. Commissioner Portner asked for two new proposals as he is not satisfied with either and Commissioner Sultanof spoke of questions he had asked and said he had not received answers until today, and he does not have enough answers to reconsider the matter on Wednesday. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of the scoring done by the evaluation committee, the yearly review and window within which to end the contract if the City is not happy with the service. Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 10:10 a.m. Mayor Schreiber reconvened the workshop meeting at 11:25 a.m., with all present as before except for Commissioner Partner. Assistant to the City Manager Phillips gave a presentation on the process for the Bus Bench RFP, and reviewed background, considerations, desired outcomes, criteria, comparative revenue proposals and the ranking process. Vice Mayor Roberts questioned the disparity between 78 benches and 60 as presented in the presentation. Assistant to the City Manager Phillips responded that the City submitted 78 benches currently located at bus stops. The City also wanted to reserve the right to require up to 15 non -advertising benches. Martin Outdoor Advertising's proposal covered 60 benches (75 locations less the 15 the City reserved the right to have with no advertising) and based its $50.00 per bench on that number. Mayor Schreiber questioned why the City might want benches with no advertising and Assistant to the City Manager Phillips said perhaps a bench was to be placed in a neighborhood and that neighborhood did not want advertising on the bench. Mayor Schreiber replied that it would be better to talk to the neighborhood to see if they might want to advertise something in particular. Mayor Schreiber asked City Manager Miller to make sure the item is brought up for reconsideration at Wednesday's meeting. 1 July 7, 2003 City Commission Workshop 2 3. JULY 9, 2003 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(f). VOTING DELEGATE — 2003 FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES' ANNUAL CONVENTION: (TR10172) Appointing as the City of Tamarac's voting delegate to the 2003 Florida League of Cities' Annual Conference; directing the City Clerk to send a copy of this Resolution to the Florida League of Cities. Mayor Schreiber said he would not be attending the convention. Vice Mayor Roberts suggested appointing Commissioner Portner as the City's voting delegate since the Mayor would not be at the convention. Commissioners Sultanof and Flansbaum- Talabisco agreed. b. Item No. 6(e). AGREEMENT — TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT: (TR10146) Executing an agreement with METROPCS California/Florida, Inc. for the installation of a telecommunications antenna and associated equipment on the existing tower at Tamarac Sports Complex; authorizing the appropriate city officials to execute any permit applications as may be required on behalf of the City as owner of the property. IT Director Sucuoglu gave a presentation. C. Item No. 6(g). LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND — CAPITAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES: (TR10115) Authorizing the Broward County Sheriff's Office District VI (BSO) to use Law Enforcement Trust Fund (LETF) monies to purchase through its purchasing division various capital equipment and supplies in the amount of $33,302.00. BSO Chief Dugger gave a presentation and said items to be purchased out of the LETF monies are a McGruff Crime Dog Costume, two robots, a digital camera, and waterproof radar equipment. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if the previous radar equipment was waterproof, and BSO Chief Dugger said it was not. Mayor Schreiber asked if the LETF monies belong to Tamarac and if Tamarac's contract with BSO provides for the above services. BSO Chief Dugger responded that anything seized in Tamarac goes back to the trust fund for Tamarac, and state statutes dictate the use of these monies on an annual basis for those items that do not fall under operational expenses. Mayor Schreiber said he would like to see some of the trust money used to control speeding, perhaps to put cameras at certain key traffic lights. BSO Chief Dugger said he would explore this use; however other jurisdictions have had legal challenges due to the fact that the owner of the vehicle may not be the one driving the vehicle at the time the photo is taken. BSO Chief Dugger spoke of an investigative component in the offing — surveillance cameras for undercover operations — one for the vehicles and one for the interview room. Vice Mayor Roberts said she felt it is the Sheriff Department's responsibility to pay for this type of equipment, and also questioned the computer and laser jet printer and said the price seemed high. d. Item No. 6(h). GRANT AGREEMENT — IMPROVEMENTS TO VETERAN'S PARK PARKING AREA: (TR10178) Executing a grant agreement with Broward County to accept a Broward Boating Improvement Grant in the amount of $49,810 to enhance recreational boating opportunities at Veteran's Park; authorizing the appropriate City officials to amend the grants fund budget in the amount of $49,810 during third quarter July 7, 2003 City Commission Workshop 3 revisions in accordance with proper accounting procedures. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles gave a presentation and introduced Civil Engineer I, Danovich, who designed the parking lot improvements. Civil Engineer I, Danovich gave a presentation and responded to questions regarding number of parking spaces, turn areas and width of the ramp. Vice Mayor Roberts asked how long it would take to complete the renovations, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said it would be completed within a year. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if the residents would be able to use the park while work is in progress and Civil Engineer I, Danovich said the existing loop would remain open. e. Item No. 6(i). REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE'S REPORT: (TR10150) Accepting the Redistricting Committee's Report dated May 28, 2003; authorizing and directing the City Clerk to forward the Redistricting Committee's Report to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections. City Clerk Swenson gave a presentation and explained that it was learned from the Supervisor of Elections' office that the boundary line for precinct 13J was to be along the waterway, which alleviated any concerns the Redistricting Committee may have had. Mayor Schreiber expressed a concern that the redistricting process may not have been needed at this time and it would be confusing to the voters to have their precincts changed. City Clerk Swenson said some of the precincts, as currently set, were in conflict with our Charter, and necessitated the redistricting process at this time. Vice Mayor Roberts asked when this would take effect, and City Clerk Swenson said after the Resolution is approved at Wednesday's meeting, a letter would be sent to the Supervisor of Elections, along with a map and a copy of the Resolution. f. Item No. 6(k). CAPORELLA PARK IMPROVEMENTS: (TR10176) Awarding Bid No. 03-20B, entitled "Caporella Park Improvements" to Q Construction, Inc.; authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Q Construction, Inc. for Bid No. 03-20B for an amount not to exceed $332,500. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Roberts asked how long it would be before the bridge was completed, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the contract time is 120 days. g. Item No. 7. AMENDING SECTION 22-132 OF THE TAMARAC CODE -- RETURN OF UTILITY CUSTOMER DEPOSITS: (TO2014) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Section 22-132 of the Tamarac Code of Ordinances to allow for the return of utility customer deposits for customers in good financial standing; providing for codification. Finance Director Dona Newman gave a presentation and explained if a customer establishes a good payment history with no more than one late notice per year, after looking at two consecutive years, the customer will be eligible to receive a refund of their deposit. Vice Mayor Roberts said for years Mayor Schreiber tried to push this forward, but was told the interest was used to keep water rates from being raised; however, this year the ordinance is moving forward and water rates are being raised. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if giving back the water deposit is to appease people for the water rate increase. Vice Mayor Roberts also asked how condominiums would be credited. Finance Director Newman responded that the City is trying to avoid issuing many checks, so where possible credits will be issued. Commissioner Sultanof July 7, 2003 City Commission Workshop 4 asked what will happen if a customer gets a credit of their deposit and then their payment history dissolves. Finance Director Newman replied the water would be turned off and a new deposit would be required. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest and Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco and Mayor Schreiber were in favor of the ordinance, Vice Mayor Roberts and Commissioner Sultanof were not. Vice Mayor Roberts said she would pull Item 6(c) on the consent agenda for discussion. FIRE RESCUE ASSESSMENTS: (TR10167) Relating to the provision of fire rescue services, facilities and programs in the City of Tamarac, Florida; establishing the estimated assessment rate for fire rescue assessments for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2003; directing the preparation of an assessment roll; authorizing a public hearing and directing the provision of notice thereof. 4. DISCUSSION RE: RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: Community Development Director King gave a presentation and Mayor Schreiber said initially we were thinking of a volunteer committee, while the proposal from Community Development Director King is more on the professional level and talks about added budgeted amounts. Mayor Schreiber said he did not want to create something that will cost a lot of money; we are doing well now with the method we are currently using. Commissioner Sultanof said his idea was that of an alliance to gather funds and a committee that would entice business similar to a trade show, as was done in Coral Springs; some people can do this type of work without a budget, and he did not wish to have this group included in the city budget. Vice Mayor Roberts said Coral Springs is not free, and Economic Development Manager Reed - Holguin said they are supported by City funds. Vice Mayor Roberts added that other groups are supported by the Chamber of Commerce, but she does not know if our Chamber would be able to enhance or support this group financially. Community Development Director King said the Vice Mayor is referring to his memo indicating recommendation of the creation of an Economic Development Board in an advisory capacity to assist the existing Economic Development staff. As the main street project takes off, we may want to consider a downtown development authority. Mayor Schreiber asked Community Development Director King his opinion of the recommendation and Community Development Director King said he is in favor of it; the economic development strategy was approved two years ago, and Economic Development Manager Reed -Holguin has been taking over more of the housing aspects so it is harder for her to commit to economic development, and if we have an Economic Development Board we can continue to monitor the strategy. Mayor Schreiber asked how the plan would be implemented and Community Development Director King said five at -large members would be appointed, one by each member of the commission, and two alternate members one of which will be the current chair of the Chamber of Commerce, and the other person chosen at large and agreed upon by the Commission. Additionally there would be a Commission liaison, as well as a staff liaison appointed at the City Manager's discretion. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest and all were in favor. Vice Mayor Roberts said she would like to be the Commission liaison. Community Development Director King said he would draft the ordinance and bring it to the Commission after their summer break. July 7, 2003 City Commission Workshop 5 5. DISCUSSION RE: UPDATE ON ANNEXATION ISSUES: Community Development Director J. Christopher King said he had updated the numbers based on 2004 dollars with regard to Kozy Kampers, Mira Lago, and the Airport Industrial area, and it appears that the only area that would be beneficial to Tamarac would be Kozy Kampers. Mayor Schreiber questioned whether the County allocated money for infrastructure, and Community Development Director King said he contacted County staff and was told there is no funding allocated for these areas. He did ask for confirmation in writing. Mayor Schreiber said he would check with the County Commission. Community Development Director King said an analysis was done of all unincorporated areas and these three areas were not recommended for funding. Vice Mayor Roberts said a few years ago the Commission was told these areas were not that bad but now it appears that there would be a great cost to the City for infrastructure maintenance and upkeep. City Manager Miller added that Mira Lago is surrounded on three sides by Oakland Park, so Tamarac does not have a good shot at that area. City Manager Miller confirmed that it was the Commission's desire that Tamarac not pursue any annexation at this time. 6. DISCUSSION RE: DECEMBER 2003 COMMISSION MEETING DATES: Mayor Joe Schreiber said the Commission would be at a convention on December 106 and suggested moving the meeting to December 17th. There was discussion about alternate dates for the December 10th meeting, and it was agreed that due to lack of a quorum the December 10th meeting will not take place, but there will be a special meeting on December 17th There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:40 p.m. Marion Swenson, CMC City Clerk L July 7, 2003 City Commission Workshop 6