Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-23 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, August 23, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t" Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Schreiber led the pledge of allegiance. 1. PRESENTATION - PROGRESS UPDATE AND OVERVIEW OF 2004 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: City Manager Miller said last year's legislative session was difficult but Mr. Book was responsive to the needs and requests of the City of Tamarac and made progress on our behalf. Mr. Book thanked the Mayor and City Commission for the opportunity to represent the City of Tamarac, and expressed his disappointment in the governor's veto of substantial amounts of money. Mr. Book is optimistic that within the next 45 days he will be able to come back to the Mayor and City Commission with funds. Mr. Book explained that the governor sets the process for water projects, and it appears that water issues that will be considered during the next legislative session will be those that come under the following criteria: are on the water management district's list, must not be a new project but must be linked to an existing project, and must be submitted with a City match. Mr. Book said he flew over the devastated areas in Charlotte County and Punta Gorda and as a result of the devastation, he foresees the following as major issues for discussion during the upcoming legislative session: discussions regarding building codes, manufactured housing, payment responsibility for rebuilding efforts, and growth management issues. Mr. Book said if the slot machines pass there will be taxing legislation to raise revenues, otherwise, bulk growth needs will be funded with non -recurring monies, which will result in tax increases of unimaginable proportions. Mr. Book spoke of the necessity to repeal the bullet train. Commissioner Partner asked where the money for disaster recovery would come from and Mr. Book spoke of costs covered by FEMA, state and federal government. 2. DISCUSSION RE: PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CITY OF TAMARAC AND MILLENNIUM MIDDLE SCHOOL: Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she is delighted that Dr. Cendan and Assistant Principal Edwards are here today to discuss a partnership between the City of Tamarac and Millennium Middle School. Dr. Cendan introduced Assistant Principal LaTrell Edwards, and explained the plans for a partnership between the City of Tamarac and Millennium Middle School. Dr. Cendan said Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner had already been at the school and trained some students in focus leadership. Vice Mayor Sultanof expressed concern that the County may override what the City does and place restraints on the City. City Manager Miller explained there have been conversations between the City of Tamarac and Millennium Middle School and both August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 1 executive teams realize the limitations and agree that the partnership will be modest as it relates to time and resources. We will provide the school with our best ideas and advice; it is important for the two groups to have the opportunity to exchange ideas, and it is a show of support for our schools. Mayor Schreiber suggested all presentations be completed before the Mayor and City Commission ask questions, and there was discussion regarding rules of procedure. Assistant Principal Edwards spoke of staff development and mentoring. Commissioner Partner asked if mentors must be certified and Assistant Principal Edwards said mentors must go through a short program and fingerprinting. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco commended Dr. Cendan for her innovative thinking and said she looks forward to an end of year evaluation of the program. Commissioner Portner asked if any other city is participating in the partnership and Dr. Cendan said no. Commissioner Portner asked if any of our recommendations must go through other cities whose students attend the school and City Manager Miller said this is a first time program and we are forging new ground. Dr. Cendan spoke of the kickoff scheduled for Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at which time a signing of the partnership agreement is planned. There was discussion regarding the agreement; City Manager Miller said he would provide a copy to City Attorney Kraft for his review. 3. AUGUST 25, 2004 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(h), SUBGRANT AGREEMENT - 2004 CITIZEN CORP/COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM: (TR10509) Executing a Federally Funded Grant Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management; accepting a subgrant award in the amount of $19,928 for the 2004 Citizen Corps/Community Emergency Response Team Grant Program. Chief Budzinski gave a recap on the City of Tamarac's and Broward County's activities regarding Hurricane Charley. City Manager Miller said he has been to Punta Gorda over the past two weekends and it is moving to see all the people from South Florida assisting in the recovery efforts. Mayor Schreiber said it should be publicized throughout the state that South Florida has come forth to assist our neighbors. Chief Budzinski gave a report on incidents that occurred in Tamarac over the weekend. Chief Budzinski gave a presentation on Temporary Resolution 10509. Commissioner Portner questioned advanced CERT training, and Chief Budzinski said it is advanced search and rescue, advanced life saving, and advanced fire safety. Commissioner Portner asked how many people in Tamarac are trained and requested a list of those areas in which there are no CERT trained people. Chief Budzinski said about 400 are trained and explained that some people went through the program merely for personal use and are not active in the community. Only about 10%-20% who went through the training are active. The ideal situation would be to have an active member in each community. Commissioner Portner said once a list is given to the Mayor and City Commission they can get involved and encourage people to become trained. Vice Mayor Sultanof said it is incumbent to refresh those who have been previously trained and bring them back into the fold. Chief Budzinski agreed; participants have said they need more and/or continuing training. Commissioner Roberts asked who the project manager is, and Chief Budzinski replied Van Schoen. b. Item No. 6(i). DEFAULT OF AGREEMENT -- SHELTER ADS MANAGEMENT INC.: (TR10510) Terminating the existing agreement between the City of Tamarac and Shelter Ads Management Inc., for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of bus shelters; due to non-performance by Shelter Ads Management, Inc. Purchasing/Contracts Manager August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 2 Keith Glatz and Building Official Gary Jones appeared. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz gave a presentation and time line of the contract being considered for termination. Mayor Schreiber asked about exposure to the City and City Attorney Kraft said we are following the contract, which was written to protect both parties; the City is moving in the right direction. Commissioner Roberts asked if we would be able to find another company to provide the service and Building Official Jones said over the last few months staff has been examining ways to get shelters in the designated areas, including consideration regarding possible grant funding in order for us to provide the shelters ourselves, and then enter into a maintenance agreement with an existing bench contractor who is performing well. Building Official Jones said last Friday he received a call from Clear Channel, informing him of their interest. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the time frame as she has received many phone calls regarding the lack of bus shelters. Building Official Jones said excluding the RFP process, considering the availability of the shelters, time to produce and install, it would be 60-90 days from the time the contractor inks the commitment. In the meantime, the City is taking steps to have additional benches placed at the locations, with the understanding they will be removed when the shelters are installed. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said the City is looking into several options and will move as quickly as it can with regard to the RFP. Mayor Schreiber questioned the County's responsibility to provide shelters, since the County provides the transportation. Building Official Jones cited Florida Statutes, which gives municipalities the authority to control the bus benches and shelters; the transit authority provides the location for the stops. Commissioner Partner asked whether there is a monetary penalty provision in the contract and City Attorney Kraft said there is no liquidated damages clause. Commissioner Partner questioned the loss of advertising if we build our own shelters, and Building Official Jones explained there may be restrictions against advertising tied to grant funding. Commissioner Portner said he would rather a contractor provide the shelters rather than the City doing so with grant funding; and questioned if there has been any return from advertising on City buses. City Manager Miller said not yet. C. Item No. 6(k). GRANT AWARD - TAMARAC PRESERVATION PARK: (TR10515) Accepting a grant award in the amount of $1,597,120 from the Florida Communities Trust for Tamarac Preservation Park (Kings Point Replat, Parcel R); authorizing the appropriate city officials to execute a Grant Award Agreement and Grant Award Calculation Statement between the City of Tamarac and the Florida Communities Trust; authorizing the City Clerk to record said agreements in the public records of Broward County. Assistant City Manager Phillips gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked what percentage of the property is designated for passive use, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said about 7.5 acres. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if the fishing pier would be open to the public and questioned parking for those who come to the park to fish. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said it is open to the public and there is parking in the vicinity of the pier. Commissioner Portner asked how much money Tamarac laid out and how much was gotten from grants. Assistant City Manager Phillips said after all grants are in it will have cost the City approximately $200,000, which is already accounted for in the budget. d. Item No. 6(m). USER FEES — PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: (TR10512) Establishing user fees for Parks and Recreation Department programs, services and facilities at City parks and recreation facilities effective in Fiscal Year 2005. Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation on programs, activities, special August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 3 events, social services and transportation. Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner discussed proposed fee increases, and explained the formula used to compute camp fees. Commissioner Roberts questioned rates for non-profit organizations who do not charge entry, e.g., those organizations that use the facility for a meeting. Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said those fees would stay the same. Commissioner Roberts asked if the $1.00 per ride would still be available to residents, and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said there would still be that option. Commissioner Roberts asked if there had been any thought given to charging employees $5.00 a year to use the fitness room, and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said it had not been considered. Commissioner Portner expressed concern with the increase in fees. Many residents and non-residents want to use the fitness room and the facilities because of the quality of our programs. Commissioner Portner suggested cutting some things out of the budget to cover the increases. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said increasing fees is always difficult, and over the past years a conscious effort has been made to keep costs in line so we do not have to pass increases on to the residents. Tamarac provides high quality programs and in terms of dollar amounts, if you look at what other cities charge, Tamarac is very reasonable. Commissioner Portner asked how much revenue would be generated if all the increases are passed and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said about $40,000. Commissioner Portner asked if $40,000 could not be found in the budget, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said some activities and special events could be cut back to provide the funding, but it would affect the quality of our programs; additionally, if we do not raise the fees now at some future point there will be a large jump to cover costs. Residents react favorably to small, incremental increases. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco said the cost to the City to operate the Tamarac Community Center in FY03 was $729,000; monies brought in were $256,000. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said as liaison to the Parks and Recreation Board, she noted in her report to the Mayor and City Commission that at a special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board there was a 5-2 vote to increase fees. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about fiscal responsibility and keeping taxes low without a tax increase over the past five years. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he understands his colleague's concern, and while no one likes to increase fees, it is a fact of life. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about replacement of equipment in the fitness room and asked if the increase had been analyzed equitably and fairly. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the Tamarac Community Center is running very well. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said all residents must be considered when contemplating an increase in fees. Commissioner Roberts indicated $40,000 is the cost of the July 4th celebration, and while she does not like to raise fees, the proposed increases are small. Commissioner Roberts said we should consider charging employees $5.00 per year to use the fitness center. Mayor Schreiber said the increase is minimal and no city in the county charges less than Tamarac and the value of the programs to residents and non-residents is beyond what other cities offer. There has been no tax increase over the past five years. The fee increase is valid and warranted, and Parks and Recreation is doing a good job. Additionally, there is a policy that if someone is unable to afford a program, the City can assist. We are a City with a heart. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest to move forward with the fee increase, and said the Commission could look into charging employees $5.00 per year at a later date. Commissioner Portner was not in favor of increasing the fees. Mayor Schreiber, Commissioners Flansbaum-Talabisco and Roberts, and Vice Mayor Sultanof were in favor. August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 4 Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened the workshop meeting at 12:05 p.m. with all present as before. Commissioner Partner questioned item 6(c) on the consent agenda, and asked how it affects naming buildings. Item 6(c) REQUEST FOR RENAMING OF STREET: (TR10500) Approving the "Request for Renaming of Street" requested by the Woodmont Property Owners Association for the inclusion of the name, "Charles Seville Street", to the existing numbered, "NW 70t" Street" (Case No. 15-MI-04). Community Development Director King explained this item is specifically for renaming a street. At one time a policy for naming facilities was considered but no policy was created. Commissioner Portner said he wanted a policy for naming buildings. City Manager Miller added this was discussed and the Mayor and City Commission decided not to set a policy, but to consider naming facilities on a case by case basis. If the Mayor and City Commission desires, creation of a policy can be revisited. Commissioner Portner suggested canvassing the Commission. Mayor Schreiber questioned the advisability of naming buildings that do not belong to the city. City Manager Miller said we could not do that. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco recalled there was lengthy discussion regarding a facility naming policy and it was rejected. Vice Mayor Sultanof added the original discussion was to do something about Satellite City Hall, but we do not own the building. City Manager Miller explained the basis for the street naming policy was due to a legislative process that must be followed and many jurisdictions are involved. Naming a building is more easily accomplished. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest for a building naming policy and Vice Mayor Sultanof and Commissioner Portner were in favor of a building naming policy, while Commissioners Roberts and Flansbaum- Talabisco and Mayor Schreiber were against a building naming policy. Commissioner Portner questioned item 6(j) on the consent agenda and asked where the collection would take place. Item 6(j). AGREEMENT.— HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION: (TR10511) Executing a Joint Participation Agreement with Broward County for household hazardous waste collection events. Public Works Director Strain said it would take place at the Public Services Complex on September 19t", and a direct mailing will go out to residents within the next 10 days. Commissioner Roberts questioned the hours and Public Works Director Strain said last year it was from 8:00 a.m. -- 3:00 p.m., but he is not sure of the hours this year. Commissioner Portner questioned item 6(I) on the consent agenda, and asked when the bids would go out. Item 6(I). REJECTING ALL BIDS UNDER BID NO 04-19B - INSTALLATION OF CURBING, GUTTER AND SIDEWALK: (TR10525) Rejecting all bids under Bid No. 04- 19B for the installation of type "D", type "F", and header curb, valley gutter, and sidewalk. Public Works Director Strain said the bids will be opened on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Schreiber moved out of the regular order of business on the workshop agenda to take up Item 6. 6. DISCUSSION RE: PROPOSED FACgADE IMPROVEMENTS TO FIRE STATIONS 41 AND 78: Public Works Director Strain introduced Steve Knight of Hanson Professional Services. Mr. Knight explained he was commissioned to review the two existing fire stations, in particular curb appeal and exterior enhancement to be consistent with adjacent and new August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 5 facilities. Preliminary cost estimates for Fire Station 41, are $118,000 and for Fire Station 78, $126,000. Commissioner Roberts said she did not think it was fiscally responsible to spend '/2 million dollars for renovation of the facades and not bring the buildings up to the new building codes. Public Works Director Strain said anything done to the buildings will be up to code but we are not redesigning the interiors at this time. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco asked what could be done for less money, and Mr. Knight said the minimum would be to paint the buildings; today's presentation is the other end of the spectrum. Mayor Schreiber said it may be possible to get funding for the renovations and Commissioner Roberts said she did not think funding was available for aesthetic renovations. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like more information to see what can be done somewhere in the middle of the low and high ends. Mayor Schreiber asked City Manager Miller why this discussion was brought forward and City Manager Miller spoke of the Main Street Project, and added we already have a new Public Services Complex. The only deficiencies we have insofar as City buildings are concerned are the two fire stations. If we ask developers to upgrade their buildings and spend money to fit in with our image as a first class city, then we need to do the same. Commissioner Portner asked where the money would come from, and Deputy City Manager Cernech explained this is on today's agenda as a follow up to the previously held CIP discussion, and it is included in the CIP budget. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said she is in favor of this type of improvement but it is difficult to make a decision based on one presentation. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest to move forward and Commissioner Roberts and Vice Mayor Sultanof said no. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco, Mayor Schreiber and Commissioner Portner said yes. Mayor Schreiber moved back into the regular order of business on the workshop agenda to take up Item No. 4. 4. PRESENTATION OF REVISED TAMARAC COMMONS SCULPTURE: Parks and Recreation Director Kathleen Margoles gave a presentation and said the chosen sculpture would be placed in the center of the fountain to be constructed on the property. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if the Parks and Recreation Board has seen the sculptures and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said they had not, but the Parks and Recreation Board does not feel it is within their area of expertise. Commissioner Roberts asked about the status of the Public Art Committee, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the City is in the process of reviewing the applications; there are about nine applicants to date and we may want to solicit some more applications. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest for the art and all agreed they preferred the sculpture depicting the bird. 5. PRESENTATION OF SUBMITTALS FOR VETERAN'S PARK ETERNAL FLAME SCULPTURE: Parks and Recreation Director Kathleen Margoles said Commissioner Portner suggested an eternal flame at Veterans' Park, but an open flame poses liability and operational issues, so the City has obtained submissions of sculptures from two artists; George Gadsden who is working on the art for Tamarac Commons, and Beth Ravitz, who is working on the art for Southgate Park. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about skate boarders at Veterans' Park, and to avoid the probability that the sculpture would be damaged Vice Mayor Sultanof suggested enclosing the sculpture in a fenced area or some type of encasement. August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 6 Commissioner Portner said he would like the sculpture put in the ground so it would appear that the flame was coming out of the ground, and he would also like to see a light shining on the sculpture to give the appearance of a flame. Commissioner Portner asked if the project could be completed by November. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the Veterans' Affairs Committee would meet in September and he would present them with the idea at that time. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the cost for the sculpture and how the artists were chosen. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the art would cost $24,000 - $27,000; due to the fact that it was decided to complete this project quickly, the two artists who are currently working on City projects were asked for submissions. Commissioner Portner suggested calling an emergency meeting of the Veterans' Affairs Committee in order to move forward with the project in time for Veterans' Day services. Mayor Schreiber asked for an expression of interest to move forward with the sculpture and all agreed they would wait until the Veterans' Affairs Committee was presented with the idea before making a decision. Additionally, it was agreed that the Veterans' Affairs Committee should rank the sculptures. 7. DISCUSSION RE: POTENTIAL ANNEXATION: Commissioner Portner asked to have this item removed from the agenda. Mayor Schreiber spoke about the impending closure of the popular library on McNab Road, and asked for an expression of interest to keep the library open. Mayor Schreiber said he spoke with Broward County Commissioner Graber who questioned whether Tamarac is willing to fund some of the cost of operation of the library. Mayor Schreiber said if the library closes, Tamarac will lose a valuable library and it will hurt the merchants in the center. Mayor Schreiber said in the alternative, he would like to see another government agency move into that building, but we owe it to the residents to keep that library open. Coral Springs is negotiating with the County to keep their small library open. The closing date for Tamarac's popular library is September 30. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he sent a letter to Broward County Mayor Lieberman, asking her to intercede on our behalf. He also approached the Social Security office on Pine Island Road to see if they would be interested in relocating to the McNab Road building, but they reversed their decision. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he also had discussions with the late property appraiser, William Markham, regarding the appraisers' office using the facility. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said at the recent Florida League of Cities event she spoke with Mayor Ernest -Jones of Coral Springs, who said he was currently fighting to keep the Coral Springs' library. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked City Manager Miller to follow up, and the big question for Tamarac is how much it will cost to keep the library going. Deputy City Manager Cernech said Coral Springs is negotiating with the County Commission to keep their library open, but Coral Springs was told they would have to foot the bill. It is a monetary and philosophical dispute. It appears if we want to keep our library open we will have to foot 100% of the bill. Mayor Schreiber read a letter from Broward County Commissioner Graber, dated August 19, 2004, into the record (letter attached and made a part of the minutes). Commissioner Roberts asked how many people use the library now and Mayor Schreiber said he did not have numbers but people working in the library said the use has expanded since it moved to this location. Commissioner Roberts said if they are not doing well maybe another County service can move into the building, but if the numbers are there we should try to keep it open. Mayor Schreiber said it appears to be the consensus of the Mayor and City Commission to keep the August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 7 library open. City Manager Miller said he would contact the County if that is the Commission's direction. All agreed. City Manager Miller added he may need to enlist the support of the Mayor and City Commission for this effort. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of a letter from the League of Cities, from Sam Goren regarding escheated land. City Attorney Kraft said he reviewed the letter and there is no issue for Tamarac as there are no parcels large enough to affect affordable housing issues in Tamarac. Commissioner Roberts said she received phone calls regarding removal of newspaper vendor racks. In particular residents are upset about the Sun -Sentinel rack being moved. City Manager Miller said he would look into the matter and added that the City Manager's office has received positive response on the new racks. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission. Mayor Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 1: 20 p.m. r Marion Swenson, CMC City Clerk August 23, 2004 City Commission Workshop 8 08/19/2004 12:07 FAX 19547241226 08/113/2084 1P:56 95435771295 KAYQR/CQMM CITY TAMARAC SCHREIBER 12001 BRCWARD COUNTY ADM PACE 02/62 II3IAra m-ozAM„�Room 413 �c Laaderftle, FL 3 1 Thursdoy, August 19, 2004 Joseph Schreiber Mayor City of ramarac 7525 NW r 8th Avenue Tamar e, FL 33321-2401 Deer %yor Schreiber: C COMMISSIONER BEN GRA13Ea aclsrd of county commlpivnars District 3 954.337-7003 • FAX 954-357-7311) bgraber6bruward_ora As a fal Ow -up to our recent discussion regarding the closing of the Tamarac Branch Library ocated at 8601 W. McNab Ind, staff have advise that there is no funding allocati d for tlacal year 2005. If the City wishes to maintain the library open , perhaps we can antertain a proposal to share vest from the City to keep the library open. As you re amre the County owns the building. At this time I am exploring the options and via ility for utilizing th6 space for other county related services. Additionally, we can eux ora if there are city related business and servioes that Can be affared. Sincex , `Commi inner Bean Grauer Board County Commissioners, District 3 r� l