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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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