HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-25 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the
City Commission to order on Monday, August 25, 2008, 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 Marc L. Sultanof,
Commissioner Patricia Atkins -Grad, and Commissioner Harry Dressler
ABSENT: Commissioner Edward C. Portner
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr,
Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY MAYOR FLANSBAUM-TALABISCO: Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco announced the passing of City Attorney Goren's father, Nathan
Goren, over the weekend, and asked everyone to remain standing after the pledge for a
moment of silence. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance.
1. AUGUST 27, AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 6(n) on the consent agenda. DESIGNATING WACHOVIA BANK N.A.
AS THE CITY DEPOSITORY AND PROVIDER OF BANKING SERVICES: (TR11455)
Designating Wachovia Bank, N.A., as the City depository and provider of banking
services; and executing an agreement for a period of five (5) years, with an option to
renew the agreement for one (1) additional two (2) year period. Financial Services
Director Chapman and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Financial
Services Director Chapman gave a presentation. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco noted
that Financial Services Director. Chapman rated Commerce Bank #1. Vice Mayor
Sultanof said he does not believe in moving away from a business that knows
Tamarac's programs. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she researched Commerce Bank
and they are moving a branch into Tamarac; she has not determined whether Wachovia
is the right choice for us and she has an appointment today with one of the attorneys
representing Commerce Bank. Commissioner Dressler asked Financial Services
Director Chapman why he ranked Commerce Bank as No. 1, and Financial Services
Director Chapman replied they gave a good pricing structure which put them one point
over Wachovia. While he is responsible for all operating banking services he does not
deal with the bank on a day to day basis, as Customer Service and Parks and
Recreation do, and when the committee spoke as a group they decided that Wachovia
was the clear winner at 461 points vs. 438 points for Commerce Bank. Commerce
Bank did not provide all the information in the same form as the other three bidders, nor
did they give all the information asked for; so they were given the benefit of the doubt in
prices on their RFP. Commissioner Dressler said other elements are important besides
costs, such as customer service, dealing with staff and the efficiency reporting factors.
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Financial Services Director Chapman added Commerce Bank has no references in
Florida and we have had a good working relationship with Wachovia. Commissioner
Dressler asked if the committee looked at analyst ratings and Financial Services
Director Chapman said it is not part of the criteria, as the City's operating account is
kept at a minimal balance and it is not an investment account. Mike Hannah, Director of
Government Banking for Wachovia spoke of analysts covering Wachovia and said
Tamarac will not benefit nor be hurt by an increase or decrease in Wachovia's stock
price. Wachovia Bank has an AA rating and S&P AA- rating, which is better than other
competition except for Bank of America, and Wachovia Bank is a qualified public funds
depository. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said because of previous work experience,
she understands what it is like to participate in this process. Many times the underdog
will try harder and there is also a lot to be said for familiarity. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco questioned the costs and earned interest and asked why the committee did
not call other States in which Commerce Bank currently does business. Financial
Services Director Chapman responded we looked at what they provided to us; we
specifically asked for Florida entities. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked at what point
it would be fair to write other questions down and address them, and Assistant City
Attorney Klahr responded when the bid was put out we gave the criteria and can not
change mid stream. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked Financial Services Director
Chapman why he ranked Commerce Bank #1 to which he replied he is an equal
participant in the committee. The decision was a consolidated group decision. Banking
services are very important in the public sector as it affects safety and security. Staff
has to have a confidence level in the vendors they use so that if there is a problem it
can be fixed immediately and the public funds are never in question. There was only a
one point difference between Commerce and Wachovia. Additionally, this committee
felt interviews were not necessary. There was discussion regarding an error in the bid
documents wherein Commerce Bank stated "Boca Raton" instead of Tamarac.
Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked if Boca Raton was contacted and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said Boca Raton went with Bank of America.
Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked if Wachovia Bank would sharpen its pencil and lower
the fee. Financial Services Director Chapman said we have negotiated costs in the bid
documents. Vice Mayor Sultanof said when we have a company that has performed as
well as Wachovia has we should stay with them.
Vice Mayor Sultanof left the room at 10:25 a.m. and returned at 10:30 a.m.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco thanked everyone for their diligence, and said the contract
is for five years, and at any point in the five years, Financial Services Director Chapman
and City Manager Miller can come to the Mayor and City Commission for any reason to
discuss the contract. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if there have been instances
when a contract such as this has been split between two depositories and Financial
Services Director Chapman explained this is an operating account and there is
efficiency in using one bank.
Commissioner Atkins -Grad left the room at 10:30 a.m. and returned at 10:35 a.m.
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b. Item No. 6(d) on the consent agenda. AGREEMENT FOR MICROFILMING AND
DOCUMENT IMAGING SERVICES — DRS GROUP: (TR11447) Approving the
purchase of microfilming and document digitizing services from the DRS Group and
authorizing the appropriate city officials to execute an agreement utilizing a Greater
Orlando Aviation Authority Agreement for a total not to exceed $80,000 annually for an
initial period of 24 months effective with the approval of this agreement with three (3)
additional one (1) year renewal options; approving funding from the appropriate
account. City Clerk Swenson, Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz, and Records
Coordinator Pabon appeared. City Clerk Swenson gave a presentation and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said the company has good references. Records
Coordinator Pabon added we are looking forward to beginning the process on building
department permits and plans. Commissioner Dressler asked that for future reference,
under fiscal impact in the staff memos, any difference in costs either up or down
between the new and existing agreements be shown. Commissioner Dressler and
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco complimented Records Coordinator Pabon on the way she
handles City records and her outstanding performance.
C. Item No. 6(g) on the consent agenda. INSTALLATION OF IMPACT
RESISTANT GARAGE DOORS - BID NO.08-16B: (TR11442) Awarding Bid No. 08-
16B and executing an agreement with Door Systems of South Florida for the wind
hardening and replacement of the garage doors at Fire Station 41, Fire Station 78,
Utilities Building and the Public Works Building in an amount not to exceed $62,471.00
from the appropriate accounts; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper
accounting purposes. Public Works Director Strain and Purchasing/Contracts Manager
Glatz appeared. Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation. Vice Mayor
Sultanof confirmed this is in the CIP and asked when the project will begin. Public
Works Director Strain said since there is a grant involved the City will only pay 25% of
the cost and the project will commence as soon as the legislation is approved. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned an impact on insurance costs and Public Works
Director Strain said any time hardening is done there is an impact on risk.
d. Item No. 6(i) on the consent agenda. APPROVAL OF SHIP ANNUAL
REPORTS: (TR11454) Approving the annual report for the State Housing Initiative
Partnership for FY 2005/2006 and the interim reports for FY 2006/2007 and FY
2007/2008. Community Development Director Bramley and Housing Administrator
Bauldree appeared. Community Development Director Bramley gave and presentation
and Housing Administrator Bauldree spoke about the reports being a funding source
requirement. Commissioner Dressler questioned qualifying criteria and our ability to
spend all the funding allotted. Commissioner Atkins -Grad and Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco asked for a listing of the actual families and houses that benefitted from this
program. Housing Administrator Bauldree said that could be mapped out for the Mayor
and City Commission. Community Development Director Bramley explained an
overview would be presented to the Mayor and City Commission at the September 23
Special Workshop meeting.
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e. Item No. 6(I) on the consent agenda. EMS GRANT- COMPUTER (HARDWARE_)
EQUIPMENT: (TR11443) Purchasing laptop computers ($29,959.00) and warranty
($2,500.00) from Insight Public Sector in the amount of Thirty Two Thousand Four
Hundred Fifty Nine ($32,459.00) Dollars. Fire Chief Budzinski, EMS Division Chief
Sheridan, and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Keith Glatz appeared.
f. Item No. 6(m) on the consent agenda. EMS GRANT- COMPUTER SOFTWARE:
(TR11444) Purchasing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) computer software
($37,750.00), training ($4,800.00) and annual warranty ($4,795.00) from DocuMed
Systems International, Inc. in the amount of Forty Seven Thousand Three Hundred
Forty Five ($47,345.00) Dollars. Fire Chief Budzinski, EMS Division Chief Sheridan,
and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Fire Chief Budzinski gave a
presentation on items 6(I) and 6(m) as they are companion items.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco left the room at 10:40 a.m. and returned at 10:43 a.m.
Vice Mayor Sultanof thanked Fire Chief Budzinski and fire staff for their participation
during Hillary Clinton's appearance in Tamarac.
g. Item No. 6(c) on the consent agenda. FILTER MEDIA REPLACEMENT -
PACKAGE FILTERS 5 AND 6: (TR11445) Awarding Bid No. 08-20B to TLC Diversified
and execute an agreement between the City of Tamarac and TLC Diversified for an
amount of $217,700.00 for the filter media replacement - Package Filters 5 and 6
project located at the Tamarac Utilities Water Treatment Plant site; approving funding
for this project from the appropriate utilities operational accounts; and authorizing the
appropriate city officials to administer the contract. Utilities Director Gagnon, Assistant
Director of Utilities Moore and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Director
of Utilities Gagnon gave a presentation and Vice Mayor Sultanof confirmed funding is
from the operating account. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed several years ago
a cutaway model of the filter was brought before the Mayor and City Commission.
Commissioner Dressler asked if Tamarac tests its water for arsenic and Water Plant
Superintendent Harvey responded in the affirmative and added levels of arsenic are
below detectable levels.
h. Item No. 60) on the consent agenda. SUPPORTING THE FLORIDA FOREVER
PROGRAM: (TR11446) Supporting the Florida Forever Program; urging the
reauthorization of and continued funding for the Florida Forever Program or a successor
program; directing City Clerk to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Broward League
of Cities, the Florida League of Mayors and such other agencies as may be necessary.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and Assistant City Attorney Klahr appeared. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said this has been a State supported for a long time and the
resolution calls for continued support. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained the
program is scheduled to sunset in 2010, and Tamarac's resolution requests the State to
continue funding this program or a successor program past the sunset date. Vice
Mayor Sultanof said the Broward League of Cities is on board with this resolution.
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i. Item No. 6(k) on the consent agenda. URGING 2009 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE
TO EQUALIZE FUNDING BASED ON POPULATION: (TR11451) Urging the 2009
Florida Legislature to equalize funding based on population to provide each region of
Florida, including South Florida, its fair share of state funding. Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco and Assistant City Attorney Klahr appeared. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
said South Florida provides more money to the State legislature than we get in return,
and we are asking them to review this situation. Assistant City Attorney Klahr added
South Florida subsidizes other areas in the State and we would like the money to come
back to this area. While there is growing disparity, the legislative delegation is aware of
the issue. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said Wednesday morning Senator Ring is
scheduled to appear at the Commission meeting and the Mayor and City Commission
can question him at that time.
j. Item No. 6(b) on the consent agenda. SUPPORTING MOTHERS AGAINST
PREDATORS: (TR11452) Expressing support of the activities of Mothers Against
Predators (MAP), a group of parents, political leaders, and law enforcement
representatives who strive to protect children against online predators and urging all
Broward County Municipalities to support MAP. Commissioner Atkins -Grad and
Assistant City Manager Phillips appeared. Assistant City Manager Phillips gave a
presentation. Vice Mayor Sultanof said there are no sexual predators living in Tamarac.
Assistant City Manager Phillips replied Tamarac passed an ordinance regulating sexual
predators in Tamarac, but this resolution is to regulate correspondence through the
internet. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said this is a big concern; she is involved in the
schools and sees firsthand this frightening situation. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said
she does not want to take a chance on Tamarac children, or children in other areas
having problems. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said last week Commissioner Atkins -
Grad received a mailing from Congresswoman Wasserman -Schultz, who along with
Senator Biden is presenting legislation on the federal level via the Protect Our Children
Act. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like City Manager Miller to draft a
letter for the Mayor and City Commission's signatures, to be sent to Congresswoman
Wasserman -Schultz and Senator Biden with a copy of Tamarac's resolution and
detailing Commissioner Atkins-Grad's work on this new committee. Additionally, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like to see all Broward Cities receive a copy of the
resolution; she believes Tamarac is the first city to pass such a resolution. On
September 2 there Congresswoman Wasserman -Schultz will attend a meeting at Attux
Middle School in Hollywood, and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like
Assistant City Manager Phillips to notify Congresswoman Wasserman -Schultz that
Commissioner Atkins -Grad will be in attendance. Commissioner Dressler added a copy
of the resolution should also be forwarded to Bill O'Reilly.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 10:55 a.m.
,l
Marion Swenson,'CMC
City Clerk
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