HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-08-20 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
WORKSHOP MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City
Commission to order on Monday, August 20, 2001, at 9:35 a.m. in Room 105 of
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 881" Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward
C. Portner, Commissioner Gertrude Mishkin, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, and
City Clerk Marion Swenson.
The Commission moved out of the regular order of business to consider Items 2a and
2b on the workshop agenda.
2. AUGUST 22, 2001 AGENDA ITEMS:_
a. Item #8(i). TAMARAC DAYS - PERMIT TO SELL AND SERVE BEER:
(TR9472) Permitting the Tamarac Chamber of Commerce and/or designee to sell and
serve beer at their Tamarac Days events to be held at Tamarac Park, 7501 North
University Drive, on Saturday, October 27, 2001, from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. and
Sunday, October 28, 2001, from 12:01 p.m. through 4:00 p.m.; providing for proper
insurance and Hold Harmless Agreement; providing for security at the beer service
trucks. Parks and Recreation Director Kathleen Margoles gave a presentation and
introduced Celia Wagner, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner Portner asked if bottled beer would be served and whether Broward
Sheriff's Office (BSO) services would be charged to the city. Ms. Wagner said only tap
beer would be served and there would be no cost to the city for BSO security. Vice
Mayor Sultanof questioned the ID process and expressed concern about adults
purchasing beer and giving it to minors. Ms. Wagner said ID would have to be shown
and a bracelet issued before beer could be purchased; BSO and volunteers would be
on hand to police illegal consumption. Commissioner Roberts expressed concern at
beer being served as early as 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and said she felt allowing this
would cause other groups such as TAF to present similar requests. Ms. Wagner
explained that TAF is a sports organization for young children, while this event is for the
entire community. Commissioner Portner asked if there was a beer sponsor, and Ms.
Wagner said the Chamber is working on getting one
b. Item #10. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT: (TR9481) Motion to
approve Resolution accepting the 2001 Grant Award from the Department of Justice,
Bureau of Justice Assistance, under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program
in the amount of $33,492 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance; authorizing a match of
$3,321 in cash from the grants matching account for a total project cost of $37,213;
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amending the grants fund budget. Special Projects Manager Diane Phillips and BSO
Chief Kenneth Dugger gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber said the funds should be
used for more effective, visible patrol of neighborhoods, for enforcement of traffic laws
and deterring speeding violations. Commissioner Roberts said all of the items funded
by the grant are needed. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about BSO's response to the
complaint regarding 108th Terrace and the importance of pinpointing certain areas and
writing tickets to speeders. Chief Dugger said accident areas (due to speeding) have
been pinpointed and the grant money would allow more enforcement. Commissioner
Mishkin spoke about youngsters riding bicycles through the hallways of her
Condominium development, and Chief Dugger said the grant funding would be used for
problems associated with the migration of youth to the city. Commissioner Portner said
speeding is probably the biggest problem and expressed concern over BSO deputies
speeding. Chief Dugger responded and said he stresses to the deputies the importance
of setting an example for the community. Commissioner Portner asked that Chief
Dugger reinforce this to the deputies.
The Commission moved back to the regular order of business on the agenda.
1. INTRODUCTION OF AND PRESENTATION BY DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
FOR NEW LIBRARY: Introduction of and presentation by design professionals for new
library. Community Development Director J. Christopher King introduced Broward
County Staff involved with the new library; Don Fischer, Project Manager, Kathleen
Imhoff, Bond Implementation, Cecil Beach, Ed Maurice, and Steve Hammond, Library
Staff. Community Development Director J. Christopher King gave a presentation. Mr.
Maurice, Director of Construction for Broward County discussed the County program for
the library bond project, and explained the County's procedure for moving forward with
the selection of design professionals, architects, project managers and construction
manager at risk. Mr. Maurice reviewed the master bond program schedule.
Commissioner Partner and City Attorney Kraft left the room at 10:05 a.m. and returned
at 10:10 a.m.
Mayor Schreiber said he would like to see the library completed within one year, and
Mr. Maurice said that is not possible. Mayor Schreiber said he does not understand
why it is taking so long to build the library, and he questioned why Tamarac was told it
would be a two-story building and now the plans are for only one-story. Vice Mayor
Sultanof said he served on the library committee for two years and worked hard to pass
the bond issue. At that time he was told the library would be finished by 2002, and now
Tamarac is being told it will not be before 2004. Tamarac donated land and solicited
money for the library, and he is not happy about the construction timetable.
Additionally, the Commission has commitments from AT&T. There was discussion
about the date of completion and Commissioner Roberts said there is a sign on the site
that originally said the date of completion would be 2001 and now reads 2002.
Commissioner Roberts said if a school could be built in less than 1-1/2 years, then a
library could also. There was discussion about the time frame to build the library and
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the commitments Tamarac has made in order to get the project off the ground. Mr.
Maurice said Tamarac could assist in moving the process forward if the permitting
process were to be expedited. The time frame of 2004 is a fail-safe date, and Mr.
Maurice said he hoped to deliver the library by fall 2003. Mr. Fischer discussed the
permitting process and said Tamarac's library would be the first to be built.
Commissioner Portner said the red tape needs to be cut and the project needs to move
ahead. Commissioner Roberts suggested the residents write letters to the County
Commission expressing their displeasure at the length of time this project is taking.
Commissioner Roberts asked about a two-story building, and Ms. Imhoff said the
County does not build two -stories for buildings of 30,000 square feet or less, and
explained the County's standards for accommodating computers, reading areas, etc.
Commissioner Mishkin asked if the library could be built so that if in the future the City
wanted to add a second story it would be feasible, and Ms. Imhoff said the money was
not budgeted to do this.
Commissioner Partner said due to a personal commitment, he would have to leave the
August 22"d Commission meeting early, and asked that accommodations be made for
his participation and vote on the quasi-judicial items, in particular the Safeguard and
Westwood Apartment issues. Discussion was held and it was decided the quasi-judicial
items relating to the Woodlands (Safeguard Storage) and Westwood Apartments would
be heard immediately following roll call.
2. AUGUST 22, 2001 AGENDA ITEMS (CONTINUED):
Commissioner Roberts questioned Item 8(c) on the agenda. Item 8(c), RENEWAL
AMENDMENT - AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION: (TR9469) Executing a renewal
amendment between the City of Tamarac and the American Heart Association renewing
the prior agreement for a period of two (2) years, beginning on September 1, 2001
through August 31, 2003. Fire Chief Jim Budzinski said this agreement certifies
Tamarac as a provider agency and instructors in CPR.
Regarding Item 8(h) on the agenda, Commissioner Roberts asked about volunteers for
setup and breakdown of the event. Item 8(h), TAMARAC DAYS - WAIVE PERMIT
FEES AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEES: (TR9471) Approving requests from the
Tamarac Chamber of Commerce for in kind support and to waive all permit fees and
occupational license fees for the Tamarac Days events to be held at Tamarac Park on
Saturday, October 27, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 28,
2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Director of Parks and Recreation Margoles said the
Chamber is making efforts to have Chamber members and volunteers work the event.
With regard to Item 7(a) on the agenda, Commissioner Portner asked how much the
investment portfolio has decreased in the last year due to the decline in the market.
Item 7(a), CITY MANAGER - JUNE 2001 INVESTMENT REPORT. Investment
Accountant Leanne Williams gave a presentation, and explained that since investments
have gone down, interest earnings have decreased.
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Mayor Schreiber questioned the savings in Item 8(j) of the agenda. Item 8(j), POSTAL
CENTER INTERNATIONAL: (TR9479) Renewing the Agreement with Postal Center
International, Inc. for city-wide mailing services utilizing Southeast Florida Governmental
Purchasing Cooperative Group Contract #582-8053 effective through October 4, 2004.
City Clerk Marion Swenson said by using PCI the city pays $.25 per letter, which
includes bar coding and pre-sorting, versus the $.34 it would pay through the post
office, thereby reflecting a large savings to the city.
Regarding Items 8(I), 8(m), 8(n), and 8(o) on the agenda, Mayor Schreiber asked for
more definitive locations of where the work was performed. Item 8(I), RELEASE
WARRANTY BOND - SANIBEL/CAPTIVA LAND SECTION 6 PHASE 2 PROJECT:
(TR9343) Releasing Public Improvement Warranty Bond #5912073 from Safeco
Insurance Company of America as surety, in the amount of $5,047.93 posted by Pulte
Home Corporation, for paving, drainage, sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements in the
Sanibel Captiva Phase 2, located on the west side of 1081h Terrace between McNab
Road and Southgate Boulevard.
Item 8(m), RELEASE WARRANTY BOND - SANIBEL/CAPTIVA LAND SECTION 6
PHASE 1 PROJECT: (TR9345) Releasing a Public Improvement Warranty Bond
#5912076 from Safeco Insurance Company of America as surety, in the amount of
$19,957.75 posted by Pulte Home Corporation, for paving, drainage, sidewalk, curb and
gutter improvements in the Sanibel and Captiva Phase 1, located on the west side of
108th Terrace between McNab Road and Southgate Boulevard.
Item 8(n), RELEASE WARRANTY BOND - NW 108TH TERRACE: (TR9349) Releasing
Public Improvement Warranty Bond #5905814 from Safeco Insurance Company of
America as surety, in the amount of $2,316.75 posted by Pulte Home Corporation, for
sidewalk improvements in the Sanibel and Captiva project located on the west side of
108th Terrace between McNab Road and Southgate Boulevard.
Item 8(o), RELEASE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT WARRANTY BOND - PARKWOOD AT
COLONY WEST PROJECT: (TR9483) Releasing a Public Improvement Warranty Bond
in the form of a standby letter of credit #L986426 from Union Planters Bank in the
amount of $620.00 posted by Parkwood At Colony West, Inc., for sidewalk and curbing
improvements for the Parkwood At Colony West Project located on Lagos De Campo
boulevard east of NW 84 Terrace.
City Manager Miller said the information would be provided.
3. DISCUSSION OF PAYMENT OF BEAUTIFICATION FEES — LENNAR:
Community Development Director J. Christopher King gave a presentation, and
discussed the prior overpayment of Parks and Recreation impact fees to the City by
Lennar and the amount of On -site Beautification Fees due for the Exeter and
Southampton developments. Community Development Director King said Lennar has
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submitted a check to the city, which satisfies their on -site beautification obligations, and
the city has agreed to do the landscaping. Mayor Schreiber questioned the location of
the improvements and Community Development Director King said the improvements
could be onsite or offsite.
4. DISCUSSION OF USE OF WOODMONT FACILITIES: Special Projects
Manager Diane Phillips gave a presentation. Commissioner Portner said he felt the
cost was excessive. Richard Robbins, President of Woodmont Country Club explained
the social membership requirements and explained what the city would be paying for
and the difference between the two. Mayor Schreiber said it is an improper use of
public funds, and asked for an expression of interest in paying the fee to use Woodmont
Country Club. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked about the use of the Country Club for
strategic planning sessions, and Mr. Robbins said the city would always be welcome at
the Country Club. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is not in favor of the proposal at this
time. Mr. Robbins explained that this would not be a membership, but would allow the
city to use the dining facilities and pay for the food, and said the Commission would not
be able to come in to the Country Club with a developer or guest unless they accepted
the proposal. Commissioner Roberts said she was not happy with the rate quoted, but
on the other hand, she did not want to continue taking clients to Coral Springs for lunch
or dinner. Commissioner Portner asked Mr. Robbins to reconsider the figures, and said
$2,500 per year would be more acceptable to the city. Commissioner Portner said there
are advantages to the city to use the facilities, and he would like to think the public
would understand the city's position. Commissioner Mishkin, Mayor Schreiber and Vice
Mayor Sultanof were not in favor; Commissioner Portner and Commissioner Roberts
were in favor of using Woodmont facilities for an annual fee.
5. LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL: Discussion of Lights On Afterschool, a national
program to showcase afterschool programs. Parks and Recreation Director Kathleen
Margoles gave a presentation and requested $250.00 for the new event.
City Attorney Kraft and Commissioner Portner left the room at 11:25 a.m. and returned
at 11:27 a.m.
Mayor Schreiber asked why Parks and Recreation Director Margoles asked for $500.00
when the program only cost $250.00, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said
$250.00 was for supplies and $250.00 was for staff costs.
6. DISCUSSION OF RATES FOR INSURANCE RENEWALS THROUGH THE
FLORIDA MUNICIPAL INSURANCE TRUST (FMIT) (A/K/A FLORIDA LEAGUE OF
CITIES): Discussion of rates for insurance renewals through the Florida Municipal
Insurance Trust (FMIT) (a/k/a Florida League of Cities). Assistant to the City
Manager/Interim Risk Manager Kristin McKew gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber
discussed loss/runs. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked whether the city had contacted Kislak,
and Assistant to the City Manager/Interim Risk Manager McKew said not at this time,
and explained that other cities had gone to bid for insurance coverage and found similar
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premiums with other carriers as FMIT quoted. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is in favor of
looking elsewhere for insurance coverage, as Tamarac's exposure is minimal. Mayor
Schreiber asked if the city spoke to Mike Sittig, and said the city did not receive timely
notice. City Attorney Kraft said there is a conference call scheduled for tomorrow with
FMIT and he said he felt the city was treated very shabbily. City Manager Miller
introduced Dodi Cummings, Employee Relations Manager, who will take over Ms.
McKew's responsibilities as Interim Risk Manager effective August 24th, when Ms.
McKew's resignation takes affect, and said Ms. Cummings has experience in risk
management on the state level.
7. DISCUSSION OF PROHIBITING THE USE OF HAND HELD CELLULAR
TELEPHONES WHILE DRIVING: Commissioner Portner requested that a resolution
be drafted supporting Broward County's uniform ordinance regarding prohibition of the
use of hand held cellular telephones while driving. Mayor Schreiber asked for an
expression of interest and all agreed. City Attorney Kraft said he would prepare the
resolution for the September 12th Commission meeting.
8. DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL SENIOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Mayor
Schreiber spoke in favor of the additional $25,000 homestead exemption for seniors.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said he brought the subject up several meetings ago and the city
did not have any figures available at that time. There was discussion of the additional
$800,000 in tax money available to the city, and Finance Director Lange said this
money has already been figured into the budget to provide a balanced budget, so, in
essence, this money is not available. Mayor Schreiber suggested cutting back 1 % of
the budget. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest to move forward with
the second exemption. Commissioner Portner was not in favor. Commissioner Roberts
said this is a second exemption and it did not have to be the total $25,000, it could be
$5,000. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he was concerned that the city raised the millage last
year, and until he could take a better look at the figures he was not in favor of the
additional exemption. Commissioner Mishkin said she is uncertain and would like to
wait and see what happens before she agrees to the additional exemption.
BSO Chief Kenneth Dugger introduced Assistant Chief Lt. William Friel. Lt. Friel said he
is honored to be selected as the executive officer for the Tamarac BSO.
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber
adjourned the Workshop meeting at 12:00 p.m.
Marion Swenson, CMC
City Clerk
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