HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-10 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 10, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the
City Commission to order on Monday, July 10, 2006, 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 Edward C. Partner,
Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner
Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr,
Assistant City Manager Diane Phillips and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance.
1. JULY 12, 2006 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 8. RFP NO. 06-03R AWARD AND AGREEMENT — DESIGN/BUILD
OF THE TAMARAC PUBLIC SERVICES COMPLEX ADDITION: (TR11002) Motion to
approve Resolution awarding RFP No. 06-03R, entitled "Design/Build of the Tamarac
Public Services Complex Addition" to Di Pompeo Construction Corporation; authorizing
the appropriate City officials to execute an agreement for said purpose in an amount not
to exceed $5,395,575.00; authorizing budget amendments related to this project as
needed. Utilities Director Ray Gagnon, Purchasing/Contracts Manager Keith Glatz and
John Di Pompeo, Di Pompeo Construction Corporation appeared. Utilities Director
Gagnon gave a presentation and overview of the project. Commissioner Sultanof
confirmed the portion of the property fronting Nob Hill Road would not be used for this
project and questioned ingress/egress to the building. Utilities Director Gagnon said
entrance would be on State Street and through the existing complex. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned future expansion of city facilities on the 3.4 acres not
being used for this project and City Manager Miller said perhaps if the need arises, but
for now we will simply hold on to the property. Commissioner Sultanof questioned
placement of vehicles on the property and Utilities Director Gagnon reviewed
designated parking for employees, city vehicles, the storage shed and chemical
building. Vice Mayor Portner spoke of security and Utilities Director Gagnon said the
complex will be secure. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked about the cost and Utilities
Director Gagnon said the original budget did not include hardening and this added a
significant amount to the cost. Mr. Di Pompeo gave a brief bio of the company and
spoke of local projects being built by his company. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked
about the time frame and Utilities Director Gagnon said completion is anticipated March
2008. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the $200,000 contingency and Utilities Director
Gagnon said this is for any changes the city may come up with during construction.
Commissioner Dressler asked if there are any incentives to complete the job ahead of
schedule and Utilities Director Gagnon said because of today's market, Di Pompeo
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Construction is taking on a great deal of burden as the cost of materials has gone up
40%. There is a liquidated damage clause in the contract if the contractor does not
make the completion date. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz spoke of the design
build method and the fact that it is a team effort. Commissioner Sultanof asked if there
is money allocated in the budget for this project and Utilities Director Gagnon explained
the next item on the workshop agenda addresses funding. Vice Mayor Partner
questioned stand-by generator for new sites and Utilities Director Gagnon said the old
sites are already on generators. Vice Mayor Portner questioned FEMA 361 Standard
and questioned the type of windows that would be installed. Utilities Director Gagnon
explained the building must be able to withstand 161 mph winds and the windows will
be impact glass. Commissioner Dressier asked about the criteria used for the $200,000
and Utilities Director Gagnon explained possible contingencies that might occur and
said this gives the team the flexibility to keep the work moving forward without having to
come before the Mayor and City Commission for approvals, which could delay the job
several weeks. Commissioner Dressler expressed concern about items being
measurable and not subjective and questioned hardening the three -sided storage shed.
Utilities Director Gagnon said hardening is only for the core building; everything else
must meet state and city codes. The storage shed is three -sided to allow for
accessibility of the oversize equipment.
b. Item No. 7. FUNDING FOR TAMARAC UTILITIES BUILDING: (TR11004)
Motion to approve Resolution supplementing Resolution No. R-85-436, as previously
supplemented and amended; authorizing the issuance of its not to exceed $7,000,000
Water and Sewer Utility Revenue Note, Series 2006 as additional bonds under such
Resolution on a parity with the bonds outstanding thereunder to finance the cost of
constructing improvements to the issuer's Water and Sewer Utility; designating the
Series 2006 Note for the exception for certain tax-exempt obligations contained in
Section 265 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; authorizing the negotiated sale of
the Series 2006 Note to Bank of America, N.A.; establishing its intent to reimburse
certain capital expenditures incurred with proceeds of the Series 2006 Note; providing
for the rights of the holder of such Series 2006 Note; making other covenants and
agreements in connection therewith. Financial Services Director Chapman, Jeff Larson,
D.A. Davidson & Co. and Duane Draper, Bryant, Miller & Olive appeared. Assistant City
Attorney Klahr discussed the reasons for the revisions to the Resolution and spoke of
negotiations with Bank of America. Financial Services Director Chapman gave a
presentation and said staff will come back to the Mayor and City Commission in August
with final recommendations and details of the negotiations. Mr. Larson spoke of the
RFP process and said this is short term financing and a very cost efficient method of
financing the project. Commissioner Sultanof questioned the sale of the bonds to
residents and questioned the tax exemptions. Mr. Larson said this is a 100% placement
with the bank, no bonds will be sold and the city can issue debt if the total debt in the
calendar year is under $10 million; the city will then get the lowest rate possible and
there is a tax exemption afforded to the bank. Vice Mayor Portner questioned language
in the contract, in particular "scheme or enterprise" and "interest paid in lawful U.S.A.
money". Mr. Draper said these are standard phrases. Commissioner Dressler asked
Mr. Larson for his opinion on yield on bonds and whether Bank of America is able to pay
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down on the yield due to the size of the offering. Mr. Larson spoke of the bank's lending
department versus commercial lenders. Commissioner Dressler asked whose idea it
was for a seven year target and Financial Services Director Chapman said there are
debts that will be coming to an end and we will need to issue new debt in the future.
Five to seven years fits into the structure of financing for utilities. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco asked if it is more advantageous to take out loans rather than issue bonds
and Mr. Larson said municipalities financing debt in smaller amounts which can be paid
in a short time look at a bank or lease versus bond operations. The utility system needs
will be coming up and it is more cost effective to do this rather than issue bonds. Vice
Mayor Portner asked what the $3,600 in Exhibit C is for and Mr. Larson said it is the
cost of Bank of America's attorneys to review the documents. Vice Mayor Portner
asked what other financing options were available and Financial Services Director
Chapman said floating fixed rate debt and full blown bonds. This resolution allows for
us to continue negotiations with the bank and the letting of the contract. Vice Mayor
Portner asked if a dedicated stream is needed for funding and Mr. Larson responded
the water/wastewater account. Commissioner Dressler said when the staff returns in
August he would like to hear the pros and cons of floating vs. fixed. Mr. Draper
explained his company drafted the resolution authorizing expenditure of not to exceed
$7 million in debt and spoke of pre -payment penalties based upon opportunity of cost
the bank might experience. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained this item is
presented to the Mayor and City Commission prior to construction of the Public Service
Complex; and is a companion item to the award of contract for construction. Funding
must be put in place before the award of the contract can be approved.
C. Item No. 6(c). EMERGENCY JOINT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH
FDOT — REMOVAL OF DEBRIS: (TR10989) Executing an Emergency Joint
Participation Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for removal of
debris on federal roads as a result of Hurricane Wilma, in an amount not to exceed
$809,268. Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco questioned the time frame and Public Works Director Strain said as soon as
the joint agreement is ratified we can send paperwork in for payment. Vice Mayor
Portner asked if this is FEMA money and if this is in addition to monies already received
from FEMA. Public Works Director Strain said the money must come through the
departments that have jurisdiction over the various areas and it goes through FEMA.
Commissioner Dressler asked how much money the city has spent and how much has
been reimbursed from FEMA. Public Works Director Strain explained the first pass for
debris removal is covered 100%; subsequent passes are compensated 75% from
FEMA and 12.5% from the state. City Manager Miller explained it is an evolving
process. The money comes in as we fill out each individual application. Financial
Services Director Chapman noted as of two weeks ago $1.2 million was outstanding as
accounts receivables. Of about $10 million (+/-) total expenses for Hurricane Wilma we
collected $6.5 - $7 million. Some contractors have not invoiced us yet and we have not
expended those funds to get reimbursed. In the beginning refunds were taking 5-12
business days; they are taking longer now. We received reimbursement for everything
we expended so far. Commissioner Dressler asked what the net cost to the city is and
Financial Services Director Chapman said $1.1 - $1.2 million. Commissioner Dressler
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prided the city on the fact that because of our economic stabilization funds we did not
have to borrow money to do these things.
d. Item No. 6(i). PROPOSED TENTH AMENDMENT TO THE ILA FOR SOLID
WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES: (TR10997) Approving the proposed Tenth
Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with Broward County for Solid Waste Disposal
Services that provides for greater representation of municipal contract communities.
Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation. Commissioner Sultanof asked how
long one could sit on the board and added the resolution turned the scale more to the
municipal side. Public Works Director Strain said it is broken down to the three largest
cities, then the two median cities and it depends on where our population falls as to our
representation on the board.
e. Item No. 6(o). SOUTHGATE BLVD. STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT: (TR11007) Executing Change Order Number 2 to the agreement between
the City of Tamarac and Tenex Enterprises, Inc. for the construction of entry walls at
each of the southeast and southwest corner of NW 100th Terrace and NW 103rd Avenue
along Southgate Blvd.; authorizing an additional expenditure in an amount not to
exceed $54,821.82 for said purpose. Public Works Director Strain and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public Works Director Strain gave a
presentation and Vice Mayor Portner questioned the makeup of the wall. Public Works
Director Strain said it will be a stucco finish over cinder blocks and the end of the wall as
it turns and goes into the development will have a sign for the homeowner association.
Vice Mayor Portner said he would prefer to see a brick wall rather than plain stucco.
Public Works Director Strain said a brick wall would not have the same structural
integrity as a stucco wall and it will be decidedly more costly. Additionally, to change to
pavers at this time would substantially delay the project. Commissioner Sultanof said
the communities are happy with what is being done and brick walls require more
maintenance. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked who is responsible to maintain the
wall and Public Works Director Strain said it will be the city's responsibility. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked how long the wall is to be and the color. Public Works
Director Strain said four sections @113' each and we will contact the homeowner
association for input as to the color. The style is similar to adjacent homeowner
associations. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco noted that since the other walls are stucco, if
this wall were to be brick it would not be in keeping with the rest of the community.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco added this is a nice compromise to the situation and the
residents are happy with the compromise. Commissioner Dressler said since this is
Commissioner Sultanof s district, if Commissioner Sultanof believes this is a satisfactory
resolution, then Commissioner Dressler is in agreement.
f. Item No. 60). AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING —
ADMINISTRATION OF HOME FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FY 2003/2004: (TR11000)
Approving an Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between
Broward County and the City of Tamarac to allow for a fifteen (15) month extension for
the administration of the HOME Funding Program for FY 2003/2004 (Case No. 7-MI-
06). Community Development Director King and Planning and Zoning Manager Ross
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appeared. Planning and Zoning Manager Ross gave a presentation. Vice Mayor
Portner asked how many people are on the waiting list for small repairs and Community
Development Director King said just under 100 people; 15 applicants are being helped
through FEMA. Representatives from CRA will be at the Tamarac Community Center to
take applications from Vanguard Village and Southgate Gardens. Vice Mayor Portner
asked the maximum amount of money available for each applicant and Community
Development Director King said $20,000 under HOME funds and an additional amount
available under CDBG ($30,000) and SHIP ($40,000). Vice Mayor Portner asked about
the criteria for qualification and if it is poverty level or above? Community Development
Director King said it is based on income and there are different percentages for different
programs. Commissioner Sultanof asked if this is for outside home maintenance and
Community Development Director King replied it can be for inside or outside.
Commissioner Dressler questioned the manner in which Tamarac sets educational
priorities and Community Development Director King said at this time we are working off
a waiting list that has been in place over the past several years. The educational
process has been stopped until we get caught up. In the next six months if we are
sufficiently caught up we will go out to the public with our educational process again.
We currently direct people to the county or other sources for assistance in order to get
the repairs accomplished. Commissioner Dressler said he would like to see the city
identify areas of most need.
g. Item No. 6(k). AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING —
ADMINISTRATION OF HOME FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FY 2004/2005: (TR10999)
Approving an Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between
Broward County and the City of Tamarac to provide for a one-year extension for the
administration of the HOME Funding Program for FY 2004/2005 (Case No. 10-MI-06).
Community Development Director King and Planning and Zoning Manager Ross
appeared. Planning and Zoning Manager Ross gave a presentation. There was no
discussion.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called a recess at 11:00 and reconvened the workshop
meeting at 11:10 with all present as before.
Vice Mayor Portner questioned Item 6(I) on the consent agenda. VACATING WATER
AND SEWER EASEMENTS — TAMARAC MARKET PLACE: (TR11005) Granting a
Vacation of Easement of a portion of the existing water and sewer easements located in
the northeast corner of Tract "A" of the "Tamarac Market Place" Plat, according to the
Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 118, Page 20 of the Public Records of Broward
County, Florida (Case No. 3-P-06). Community Development Director King and Public
Works Director Strain explained there are no existing utilities in the easements, and the
easements are no longer needed.
Vice Mayor Portner questioned Item 6(n) on the consent agenda. AGREEMENTS FOR
ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL CONTINUING SERVICES: (TR11003)
Executing agreements with the following ten (10) consulting firms to provide engineering
and architectural continuing services for a period of three years with options to renew
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for an additional two year period, on an "as needed" basis to the following firms: 1)
Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc.; 2) Carter & Burgess, Inc.; 3) Corzo, Castella,
Carballo, Thompson, Salman, P.A.; 4) B.E.A. International Corporation, Inc.; 5) GLE
Associates, Inc.; 6) Saltz Michelson Architects, Inc.; 7) Chen and Associates Consulting
Engineers, Inc., 8) Eckler Engineering, Inc.; 9) HSQ Group, Inc. and (10) Mathews
Consulting, Inc. Public Works Director Strain, Utilities Director Gagnon and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public Works Director Strain said this
is an ongoing contract for professional services and there is no cost to the city. Utilities
Director Gagnon added the original five-year contract contained no renewal provision.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked staff to order a desk name plate for Assistant City
Attorney Klahr.
2. DISCUSSION RE: POLICY — USE OF CITY EMBLEM AND INSIGNIA BY
FORMER ELECTED OFFICIALS: Discussion regarding policy — use of city emblem
and insignia by former elected officials. Assistant City Attorney Klahr gave a
presentation and said the draft resolution is for the Mayor and City Commission's review
and comment. Commissioner Sultanof said the insignia is filed under federal law and is
copyrighted and cannot be used without the permission of the owners (the Mayor and
City Commission and the City). When someone gracefully leaves office that person
should remove the emblem from clothing and not wear it without permission of the
commission. This also goes for shields. Protocol and formality allow past elected
officials to keep the title. Assistant City Attorney Klahr confirmed the city's protection of
the copyright of the insignia and this is incorporated into the resolution. The title
imparted upon an individual on vacation of office is a matter of respect. Use of the
insignia is reflected in the resolution, as well as turnover of seals and the insignia. The
person can request, if they wish, to continue to use the insignia. Vice Mayor Portner
said this was brought up at the last workshop because former Mayor Joe Schreiber
appeared at that meeting wearing a shirt with the city's insignia and the word Mayor. At
that time Vice Mayor Portner asked if a letter was sent to former Mayor Schreiber
informing him that he could not wear the shirt in public. City Manager Miller replied staff
decided to bring the policy back to the Mayor and City Commission and enforcement
would occur based on the Mayor and City Commission's judgment based on the policy.
The letter will not be sent until there is agreement on the policy. Assistant City Attorney
Klahr said part of the letter would state what needs to be done to come into compliance
with the policy, and the policy would have to be cited; so the policy must be agreed
upon first. There is a copyright infringement issue with federal law. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco said it is important to reflect this issue did not come from this commission;
commissioners received phone calls from the public alerting us to the fact that the shield
and shirt were out and about in the community. That is why this was brought to the
front. The Mayor and City Commission have many issues to deal with that are very
important and this would not have come forward but for the actions of people no longer
in office. When an employee of the city leaves, they are asked to relinquish any items
of clothing or items with city insignia. This clarifies once and for all in a positive way, the
wishes of the Mayor and City Commission and makes clear to everybody appropriate
behavior. Commissioner Dressier asked about the next step assuming consensus on
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the language of the policy. Assistant City Attorney Klahr said the next step would be to
direct this resolution be placed on Wednesday's agenda or the next commission agenda
in August. This is before the Mayor and City Commission today for input. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked for an expression of interest to place the item on
Wednesday's consent agenda and all were in agreement. Assistant City Attorney Klahr
said when the item is approved a letter will be sent to former Mayor Joe Schreiber.
Commissioner Dressler suggested a letter be sent to all former city officials; the
consensus was to send the letter to former Mayor Joe Schreiber at this time.
3. DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSAL TO CREATE A LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY
FOR THE CITY OF TAMARAC: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said our boards and
committees are terrific, but the net needs to be thrown wider to the residents. In
response to the citizen survey 270 surveyed indicated they would be interested in
participating in this type of venue; 170 provided contact information. Assistant City
Manager Phillips has done a considerable amount of research on this for the Mayor and
City Commission. Assistant City Manager Phillips said in response to whether residents
would be interested in participating in a citizen academy, there was a significant number
who did respond in the affirmative. There are initiatives in several cities to educate
citizenry regarding local government. Those who have used these initiatives have
reduced citizen confusion regarding behind the scenes action of the local government.
It is a good way to create allies and ambassadors in the community. The main benefit
is enhancement of community knowledge of local government and creation of the next
group of community leaders. Miami Beach implemented a citizen academy and will
work with us to share their experiences. Most places have had a good experience; and
hold six — 12 weekly or monthly formats to give a general understanding of the working
of administration, commissions, and individual departments as well as boards and
committees. There are many opportunities for volunteers. If the Mayor and City
Commission are interested, Assistant City Manager Phillips suggested that while the
Mayor and City Commission are on hiatus further research will be conducted and she
would come back after the break with recommendations for the program.
Commissioner Sultanof said in proposing future leaders, what age bracket is being
considered? Many people applied to serve on boards and committees and they could
not be brought on board. Some had good background and some did not. The
volunteers do not get compensated and must meet once each month. Assistant City
Manager Phillips said this would be looked at over the summer and it would be up to the
individual whether they were able to set aside time each week or month. While
someone may not be in a position to serve on a board or committee at this time, it gives
them the framework of understanding should they want to serve in the future. There
does not have to be an immediate commitment after going through the educational
process. Commissioner Sultanof asked what forum would be used and Assistant City
Manager Phillips said perhaps one hour each month over the course of the year to
show them how government is structured; what happens in the departments; and to
familiarize them with the government and the departments. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco said that was her intent and there is no framework age wise. Assistant City
Manager Phillips said she had contemplated starting with adults and then building on
that if the opportunities arise; but Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco had requested looking at
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the adult population at this time. Commissioner Dressler said there is the issue of
access, and when the city schedules its meetings. If workshops were held in the
evenings more people would be able to attend; additionally televising meetings provides
access. Commissioner Dressler said he had asked that these two methods of access
be considered and while they have come up in the past, they have not been placed as
agenda items for policy design. The issue of access is critical to this type of program
and working people are not available during the day. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said
some excellent points have been raised and she instructed staff to review televising and
come back to the Mayor and City Commission with their findings. This idea is separate
and apart from that; she sees it as another way to throw out the net and give people the
opportunity for accessibility and first hand knowledge. We can discuss accessibility
further when we talk about how the programs will be given. Commissioner Dressler
said he is in favor of a leadership institute and he would like to see staffs design; this
will be effective and provide the ability to contact people. Commissioner Dressler asked
when this would be done and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said when staff comes back
to the Mayor and City Commission after the break it will be discussed. Vice Mayor
Portner said at a conference he attended in Ohio, the City of Yuma came up with a way
to build communities; and Vice Mayor Portner suggested we call people 'Master
Thinkers', as it denotes respect and knowledge. Vice Mayor Portner had a handout that
he had given to the City Manager after the conference and said he would like to have it
added to Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco's idea for leadership university. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco called for an expression of interest to move forward with research
and come back to the Mayor and City Commission after the break with more information
about this project. All were in agreement.
4. UPDATE REGARDING FEDERAL LOBBYING EFFORTS: Kevin Lawson and
Mark McIntyre, the Russ Reid Corporation appeared. Mr. McIntyre said the Russ Reid
Corporation is the City of Tamarac's staff. Since the last time they were here there are
two new commissioners and a new mayor. Mr. McIntyre gave a brief bio of the
company, himself and Mr. Lawson. Mr. McIntyre explained there is $610,000 for the
Pine Island Overpass project and $100,000 to construct the Recreation Center in the
offing. Mr. McIntyre said it is important for the Mayor or her designee to return to
Washington and it is also important to continue sending the support letters to our
representatives. Mr. Lawson indicated the House earmarked $610,000 funding for the
Pine Island Road Overpass and it will go to the Senate next week. For the Recreation
Center expansion the House earmarked $100,000 and it is still pending in the Senate.
Emergency Preparedness technical upgrades were not included in the House. Mr.
McIntyre spoke of varying priorities which would dictate those items that go through and
those that do not. Commissioner Sultanof said this government has never fully
prepared itself for any emergencies. Congress follows the leadership of the White
House and they are not prepared. Commissioner Dressler questioned actually
receiving the money versus earmarking. Mr. McIntyre explained the process and said
Congress has the sole power over the federal purse. There is $2.78 trillion to spend;
when the bills are signed into law by the president they go to different agencies for
disbursement of the funds. Commissioner Dressler asked if this is a net sum gain and
Mr. McIntyre said every member of Congress has an allocation of money to spend. Our
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job is to make sure we get to these people and make our case as to why these monies
should flow to Tamarac. This is a highly competitive process. Commissioner Dressier
questioned the `personal relationship game' and spoke of senators in Northern Florida
not being familiar with Tamarac. Vice Mayor Portner said when he and City Manager
Miller went to Washington they visited many senators' offices and all received he and
the City Manager favorably. Excellent presentations were made by the City Manager
and the Russ Reid Corporation; there is a lot of competition for money. Mr. McIntyre
said Tamarac is the constituent and a member of congress will not do something
because the Russ. Reid Company asks; but they will do for their constituents. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked Vice Mayor Portner for bringing the Russ Reid
Corporation to Tamarac and said she is very pleased with today's presentation. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said moving forward she would like to see a prospectus prior to a
meeting to give her and the members of the commission time to review it. Mr. McIntyre
said it is not too early to begin thinking about next year; if we do not get money for
emergency preparedness this year we can bring it back to Congress next year. If
additional money is needed for the Pine Island Overpass, Recreation Center,
Stormwater or other matters, it should be included. Commissioner Sultanof asked what
would happen if there is a different tilt on Congress after November and Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when the next update would be. Mr. McIntyre said he
would update the Mayor and City Commission whenever they wanted, and if the
democrats take control of the house or senate it would be good for Tamarac as there
will be more money available. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that the Russ Reid
Corporation communicate through the City Manager to the Mayor and City Commission.
Commissioner Sultanof asked for a consensus of the Mayor and City Commission to
dedicate City Hall in honor of the Honorable Norman Abramowitz and construct a
bronze plaque with his picture. Commissioner Sultanof said Norman Abramowitz
brought Tamarac into the 21st Century during his work for Tamarac and the County over
the past 30 years. Vice Mayor Portner said several years ago he proposed naming
Satellite City Hall for former Commissioner Lary Mishkin and he was turned down at
that time. He would like at this time to dedicate Fire Station 15 to honor former
Commissioner Larry Mishkin. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she was on the
commission at the time Vice Mayor Portner proposed naming Satellite City Hall in honor
of Larry Mishkin and her concern was that we do not own the building in which Satellite
City Hall is situated. She would prefer to dedicate a building that we own. City
Manager Miller said staff needs to do some further research regarding City Hall and get
all our ducks in a row. A plaque is definitely in order for our former Commissioner and
Mayor Abramowitz as he did a great deal for the City. It will take time to manufacture a
bronze plaque as it is a piece of art. Staff will work on this over the break and arrange
for the event some time in the fall; we will coordinate with the Mayor and City
Commission's schedules. Commissioner Sultanof said he has a family photo of former
Mayor Abramowitz which he will bring to the City Manager's office. City Manager Miller
said with regard to Vice Mayor Portner's proposal, he will bring that back to the Mayor
and City Commission after the break, as he wants to make sure the fire station has not
been dedicated to anybody else. Assistant City Manager Phillips said we need to look
at what happened there and what we can do relative to the buildings. Mayor
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Flansbaum-Talabisco said the Vice Mayor's point is that he would like to have
something dedicated in the name of Vice Mayor Mishkin and asked staff to research the
Fire Station or another building. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked for an expression
of interest on the dedication for both former Mayor Abramowitz and Vice Mayor Mishkin.
All were in agreement.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:30 p.m.
Marion Swenson, CMC
City Clerk
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