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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-07 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC WORKSHOP MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 CALL 4TO ORDER: Vice Mayor Sultanof called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Tuesday, September 7, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t" Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts. ABSENT/EXCUSED FOR CAUSE: Mayor Joe Schreiber. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Vice Mayor Sultanof led the pledge of allegiance. 1. PRESENTATION BY TAMARAC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - PROPOSAL FOR EXPENDITURE OF CITY GRANT FUNDS: Don Fallenbaum, Chairman of the Tamarac Chamber of Commerce and Vicki Reid, Executive Director of the Chamber appeared. Mr. Fallenbaum said the Chamber is a resource and focal point for the business community and the City, and while Tamarac has gone through growth and change, so has the Chamber. Mr. Fallenbaum spoke of a partnership between the City and the Chamber and explained the $35,000 will be used for staffing and to upgrade the Chamber's technical infrastructure. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke of the trusteeships and asked if there is any computer equipment available for the Chamber through the City. City Manager Miller said he would look into it and if there is equipment available, with the Mayor and City Commission's approval it would be transferred to the Chamber. City Manager Miller said we plug into the Chamber's website, as they do to ours, and we want to make sure the connections work well. In view of that it is possible that we will lend the Chamber an I.T. person for a short time to make sure the linkage is up and going. Vice Mayor Sultanof suggested, if possible, purchasing software and hardware by piggy -backing onto one of our contracts. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned outstanding loans to the Chamber and City Manager Miller said there is an outstanding balance of $20,000. Commissioner Portner spoke of forgiving the loan and not giving the Chamber the $35,000, Mr. Fallenbaum indicated forgiving the loan would amount to a yearly $5,000 savings to the Chamber, but to fully accomplish its goals the Chamber needs more up front outlay. Commissioner Portner asked how many members the Chamber currently has and Ms. Reid answered 144 paying members. Commissioner Partner spoke of the advertising on City buses and asked if there was a commitment from the members. Ms. Reid said it is in the Chamber's proposal, and Mr. Fallenbaum added it was discussed at the kickoff breakfast last month, at which time Ms. Maldonado, of the Recreation Department, gave a presentation. To date there have been no commitments. Commissioner Roberts asked how the Chamber proposes to bring in small businesses, and Mr. Fallenbaum said small businesses look to the September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 1 Chamber for networking, and additional networking events are being added; Ms. Reid added that at the business card exchanges and monthly meetings speakers to which small businesses can relate are included, and there are also plans for an on-line newsletter. There was discussion about forgiving the loan and reducing the City's contribution to $30,000. City Manager Miller said the Mayor and City Commission previously decided to provide $35,000 to the Chamber. Vice Mayor Sultanof said while he agrees with forgiving the loan, reducing the amount from $35,000 to $30,000 will strap the Chamber and they still should go after trusteeships. Commissioner Roberts agreed at this point the Chamber needs the funds up front and we should move forward as planned this year. Next year the loan can be discussed. Commissioner Flansbaum- Talabisco spoke of professionalism, and said when the loan was made it was the Chamber's objective to take care of the loan, as they have been. We should move forward as planned at this time. There was an expression of interest to give the Chamber the $35,000 at this time and revisit the loan for next year. Commissioner Portner said due to the hurricane the Commission has not had the opportunity to review the agenda and he would appreciate 30-45 minutes to do so. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is extremely proud of all departments for their efforts on Tamarac's behalf; they are the best in Broward County. Vice Mayor Sultanof recessed the workshop meeting at 10:00 a.m., and reconvened the meeting at 10:30 a.m. with all present as before. City Manager Miller reported on the events of Hurricane Frances over the past weekend. There was no full activation of the EOC as the storm went from a category 4 to a category 2 and we were fortunate not to suffer a direct hit. Forty percent of Tamarac citizens were without power, including the Fire Station, City Hall, BSO and the hospital. All public facilities were on generator power, and there were twice the number of emergency response calls as usual during the storm period. The Utilities Department used portable generators to keep the lift stations working; there were several water line breaks that were expeditiously fixed and Tamarac is not under a boil water order. Tamarac was prepared to deal with the issues; all major streets are open, and debris cleanup is a continual effort. Our contract for debris cleanup with Grubbs will be activated. City Manager Miller said he had a firm conversation with All Service this morning, and they informed him they will pick up all residential garbage. There is a meeting scheduled with the County on Thursday, at which time reimbursement for debris cleanup will be discussed. City Manager Miller thanked Chief Budzinski, who served as our emergency coordinator and actually stayed in his office during the three days of the storm. City Manager Miller commended Public Works, Utilities, and Parks and Recreation, whose employees answered phones at the EOC, and added that the EOC plan worked well and he is pleased with everything that was accomplished. Commissioner Roberts asked if All Service would come through her area again, since there was trash pickup already, and City Manager Miller said they would. Commissioner Roberts spoke of downed trees and said many residents may not be able to afford contractors to come and cut down the trees, and asked if there is any help available to them. City Manager Miller said this would be explored on Thursday when September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 2 we meet with the County to discuss debris cleanup. Commissioner Roberts asked whether these types of expenses should be put through homeowner or hurricane (windstorm) policies and Public Works Director Strain said most likely windstorm. Public Works Director Strain added that debris for pickup is to be put in the right of way of public roads only. Condominiums will have to hire their own contractors, as the system is set up more for single family homeowners on public roads. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said in her area huge trees were downed and asked if it is the tree trimmers' responsibility to remove the trees. Public Works Director Strain said if they are on public roads, they can bring the trees/limbs to the side of the road and they will be taken away. Commissioner Roberts added that residents should ask the cost of trimming as well as the cost of removal before work begins. Commissioner Portner commended the entire staff and City Manager Miller; every time he received a call from a constituent about a problem, it was taken care of right away. Commissioner Portner asked if federal monies would be filtered to the cities right away, and Public Works Director Strain said this would also be discussed at Thursday's meeting. Public Works Director Strain said there is concern about another impending storm, and we do not want debris left in the streets from Hurricane Frances, which is why Grubbs was brought in to facilitate the cleanup. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if Grubbs contracts with private concerns, and Public Works Director Strain said they work with municipalities and he does not know if they will work with private businesses. Commissioner Roberts said some fences are down and asked if permits are required for repair. Building Official Jones explained if the posts are down, then a permit is required. Commissioner Portner asked if permit fees would be waived and Building Official Jones said it is up to the Mayor and City Commission to make this type of determination. City Manager Miller added Tamarac was fortunate that there was little structural damage and almost no flooding throughout the community. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he received phone calls from residents informing him that people are going around with a petition to make changes to the Charter, asked if the City Manager and City Attorney were aware of this, and questioned the purpose of the petition. City Manager Miller said he would speak with the City Attorney and inform the Commission; City Attorney Kraft said there has been nothing formal filed with the City Clerk's office. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he would like the Commission informed if something is taking place. City Attorney Kraft explained if there is an initiative petition taking place, it must come before the Mayor and City Commission before it moves forward, as the Commission has a role to play in the process. Commissioner Roberts asked if the residents would have had to do something special with the City Clerk's office for the petition and City Clerk Swenson said there are forms that must be filled out and filed for a political committee, similar forms that are completed upon opening of a campaign account, and to date nothing has been filed with her office. City Attorney Kraft said this is a highly regulated process, and since nothing has been filed, there is nothing to share with the Commission. Commissioner Portner asked what the petition consists of and Vice Mayor Sultanof said it is to change the charter; Commissioner Roberts added she heard that it is about term limits. September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 3 2. SEPTEMBER 8 2004 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(b). SERVICE FEES: (TR10519) Approving the Service Fees for medical transport, fire inspections, hazardous materials, special hazards, public education, fire alarms, and special details. Chief Budzinski gave a presentation and Commissioner Roberts questioned non -emergency patient assists at $50.00 after six months. Chief Budzinski explained this is for people needing assistance moving themselves or someone else in the household. The first few times it is done as part of regular service; when it becomes chronic then charges are invoked. Commissioner Roberts questioned residential alarm inspection fees and Chief Budzinski said this relates to multi -family residences. Commissioner Portner asked if the fees are included in the budget and Chief Budzinski said projected revenue increases are in the budget, and the money goes back into the Fire Rescue budget to offset expenses. Additionally, there is a new category of ALS2 @$500.00. This is for extreme ALS care, of which there are very few throughout the year; they require additional drugs and a high level of care and equipment. There was discussion about what Medicare allows, and Chief Budzinski said Medicare only reimburses on set prices established by Medicare. Commissioner Roberts questioned what happens to people who are not on Medicare or who have no private insurance and Chief Budzinski responded that private insurance often mirrors what Medicare allows, and many people have secondary insurance to cover the balance. If someone has no insurance it is required that they be billed and we make a reasonable effort to collect. ADP bills periodically for six cycles over a period of two years and then writes the debt off. b. Item No. 6(e). PURCHASE OF LIGHTING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT FOR TAMARAC PARK BASEBALL FIELDS: (TR10531) Approving the purchase of a lighting system for the Tamarac Park baseball fields at a total cost not to exceed $119,509.00, from Hunter Knepshield utilizing the City of Jacksonville, Florida Price Agreement Contract for Park and Playground Equipment Bid No. SC-0549-03; approving funding from the appropriate capital improvement account. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles gave a presentation and explained that a separate item would be coming before the Mayor and City Commission for installation of the lights. Commissioner Roberts asked how long it would take to install the lights after approval of the item, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said it typically takes 90-120 days. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned guarantees on the lighting and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said this item is only for delivery of the lighting, and there are normal guarantees and a full warranty for one year. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz added the installation would be done by the contractor who maintains the poles. Commissioner Portner questioned the $140,000 for installation and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said that was due to labor costs, special equipment, removal of old cable and installation of underground cable; the contractors are specialists in this area. Commissioner Portner questioned renewal of the contract in Exhibit "B", and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz explained we are piggy -backing on the September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 4 Jacksonville contract which had already been renewed. Commissioner Portner asked about the discount and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said it is accounted for in the contract. Commissioner Portner asked about clearance for low flying planes and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the poles are embedded 15' into the ground so they do not reach the full 85' and 95' heights. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked at what height is a light needed on top of the poles and City Manager Miller said 150'. C. Item No. 6(f). PURCHASE OF SPECIALIZED_ COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT UNIT AND ACCESSORIES: (TR10527) Authorizing the Broward County Sheriff's Office District VII (BSO) to use Law Enforcement Trust Fund (LETF) monies to purchase a specialized commercial vehicle enforcement unit and required accessories, at a total cost of $67,080, for assignment to BSO District VI I. Lt. Friel gave a presentation and said the LETF money would be used to purchase a specialized commercial vehicle enforcement unit and accessories pursuant to the recently passed ordinance. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked where the LETF money comes from and Lt. Friel said confiscations, liens from vehicles, drug cases; anything that takes place in the City of Tamarac. d. Item No. 6(i). 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. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner appeared. Commissioner Portner asked if the original resolution had been revised and Deputy City Manager Cernech explained there have been no changes in the original resolution; staff was asked to look at the fee program and come back to the Mayor and City Commission with a revised proposal that will raise $100,000 revenue rather than the proposal that raises $40,000. Due to the hurricane, the revised proposal was not distributed to the Mayor and City Commission until today. Deputy City Manager Cernech cautioned the Commission that setting a goal and raising fees proportionately to reach that goal is not a good way to set fees; fees should be based on usage and value, and in comparison to what other cities are charging for the same service. If the Mayor and City Commission are interested in studying fees, several options are available beyond setting a goal and then trying to reach it. Commissioner Portner said he is not in favor of increasing a $4 million budget by $41,000. The Parks and Recreation department is subsidized by $475,000, and in his opinion increasing the fees by $41,000 is petty ante. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned if there is a way to find the $100,000; we institute duplicate programs, e.g. Jazzercise and Dancercise. He also would like to look into revising the figures. Deputy City Manager Cernech said the City of Tamarac can reduce the overall budget or increase it; it is just a matter of service level that the City wants to provide. The FY05 Proposed Budget grew incrementally from the '04 budget. Everyone is in agreement the budget is good and balanced and we would move forward to adopt it. At this time it is difficult to arbitrarily remove $100,000 from the budget. We can review services and programs but it will take time. How we charge for programs is not necessarily indicative of the value of the program to the community and users; it has to be evaluated before any recommendation for September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 5 elimination of a program is made. The Tamarac Community Center does not pay for itself; it was decided the center is there for the Community and whatever the shortfall it would be made up from the general fund. If the Commission wants the Tamarac Community Center and classes to pay for themselves, user fees would have to be significantly raised. This can be studied, but it will be a shock to see what it will cost to run the programs without a subsidy. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he is not against giving things to Tamarac; we always hear let us do things now and if we run into trouble revisit a matter at mid year; this has to be looked into, but there is not time to do it now, and Parks and Recreation is the highest budgeted department. Commissioner Roberts said she believes Parks and Recreation is not the highest budgeted department; BSO's and the Fire Departments' budgets are higher. Commissioner Roberts added she is not thrilled about raising fees, but there is no difference between this and the increase in fire rescue fees. Things go up; we need to hire people; the department and some of the programs need to be redone. Vice Mayor Sultanof responded these are programs that are formalized; the Fire Department does not formalize programs. If we had our own police we would be paying more. The departments are not the same mix. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the $41,000 is not the issue; as the Commission said, the Parks and Recreation budget is $4.2 million but only $500,000 in fees is collected. We cannot look at fees and look at the total budget, as that is not how fees are collected; for example fees are not collected for park maintenance and no fees are collected from TAF for use of our parks. Some basic services are provided to the community; there are never fees for parks and open spaces. Some programs have costs and are for the greater good (merit services). Services where only an individual or individual group derives benefit, (e.g., use of the fitness room and rentals,) we attempt to recoup as much as we can. It is unfair for the total population to pay for a citizen to go to the fitness room. We have to look at individual programs to see how fees should be structured. The last fee study was done 10 years ago. We looked at the fees of individual programs and found they do not meet the level of cost recovery for the service. Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner reiterated Parks and Recreation Director Margoles' statement. Commissioner Portner asked how the $40,000 will affect the budget, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles replied in being responsive to recouping costs attached with the programs as appropriate. Commissioner Portner repeated that he is not in agreement with raising fees for $40,000, and questioned whether we pay for drivers and if there are private drivers. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said drivers are paid for by City of Tamarac and we do not have private drivers under contract to the City. Commissioner Portner questioned the cost for non-residents to use the fitness centers in Coral Springs and Sunrise and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained Sunrise does not take non-residents. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles explained if there were no fee increase the budget would remain the same and an additional $40,000 would have to be taken from fund balance. Fees would not be consistent with cost recovery levels. Commissioner Portner said he would like to not increase fees now but revisit this during mid -year. Commissioner Roberts explained the increase is already in this year's proposed budget. If we decided not to raise fees we would have to find the money in the general fund. Residents would rather see smaller increments than a large increase. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said it appears the Commission is going September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 6 from one extreme to another. Staff provided the Commission with a reasonable approach to bring us more in line with other cities, and it is in our best interest to move forward with this proposal; if necessary we can revisit the matter down road. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the Parks and Recreation Board voted 5-2 in favor of an increase and the Commission should revisit this matter when the Deputy City Manager has had the opportunity to examine figures. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said it is her understanding the Commission wishes to phase in fitness room fees, but other fees are difficult to phase in. Deputy City Manager Cernech said the proposed fees are consistent with our policy of cost recovery, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted that it is the right thing to do. We will revisit this at a future date; if the Commission wants to study fees then staff needs to do a fee study and come up with appropriate fee levels. It will generate higher fees than we are proposing now. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the cost of the fee study and Deputy City Manager Cernech said it can be done in-house. Commissioner Partner asked how many non-residents it is anticipated will be attracted at this point, and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said about 50-100. Commissioner Portner suggested reducing the fees for non-residents which will bring in more people; higher volume drives down costs. Commissioner Roberts said our fees proposed for non-residents are decent compared to other cities; many residents want their friends to be able to join them at the Center. Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco said staff put together a fine presentation and it is in our best interest and the best interest of the community to go with the information brought to us by staff. There was an expression of interest to move forward with the item on the consent agenda as follows: Vice Mayor Sultanof, Commissioners Roberts and Flansbaum-Talabisco, yes. Commissioner Portner, no. e. Item No. 6(I), DONATION FROM PAUL YELIN TO FUND PURCHASE OF SCULPTURE: (TR10516) Accepting a donation from Paul Yelin to fund the purchase of a sculpture from artist Leonardo Nierman as part of the City's Public Art Program. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said in order to know what the donation will be the Commission needs to choose a sculpture from the selection provided. The donation is only for the sculpture; the City will have to outlay funds for installation. Commissioner Portner and Vice Mayor Sultanof chose selection #3, item No. PY 105; Commissioner Flansbaum-Talabisco and Commissioner Roberts chose selection #1, item No. PY 109. Commissioner Roberts asked if the Parks and Recreation Board has seen the selections and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the Parks and Recreation Board members do not feel they have the expertise to make decisions on art. Commissioner Roberts asked which selection Mr. Yellin preferred and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said selection #3, Item No. PY105 and selection #4, Item No. PY103. City Manager Miller suggested the Commission could wait for the Mayor's return to make a decision on the art or could pull the item off the consent agenda. Vice Mayor Sultanof recessed the workshop meeting at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 12:30 p.m. with all in attendance as before. f. Item No. 6(j). AMENDING EXPENDITURE BUDGET AND ESTIMATED REVENUES FOR FY2004: (TR10522) Amending the expenditure budget for the fiscal September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 7 year 2004; amending the budget of estimated revenues for the fiscal year 2004. Management and Budget Officer Sammartino said it is more manageable to amend the budget in this fashion rather than a long mid -year budget amendment. Some items may be grants which were already approved, and some are housekeeping items. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned the $70,000 in interest on page 3 of the amendment, to which Management and Budget Officer Sammartino replied this is interest accumulated over the last 2-3 years. Commissioner Roberts questioned new appropriations, in particular the Public Art Program, and whether the Public Art Committee has been put together. City Manager Miller said the Public Art Committee would be brought before the Commission at the next workshop, and Deputy City Manager Cernech added we are short one member, as there are specific categories. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if the City has applied to the National Endowment for the Arts for funding, and Deputy City Manager Cernech said we have not yet done so. There was a presentation made on Consent Agenda Item 6(m), Temporary Resolution 10548, CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 - ROBBINS SPORTS FLOORS SOUTH FLORIDA, L.L.C. — MULTI PURPOSE CENTER: (TR10548) Authorizing the appropriate city officials to execute Change Order No. 1 with Robbins Sport Floors South Florida, L.L.C., in an amount not to exceed $24,905.00 to furnish and install a Robbins Bio Cushion Sub Floor under the replacement gym floor at the gymnasium at the Multi Purpose Center; authorizing the expenditure of $24,905.00 for Change Order No. 1 from the appropriate Parks and Recreation account. Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained when the contractor took out the existing floor at the Multi Purpose Center there was too much moisture in the floor for the replacement floor to be installed, so the need for the change order is for sub -base installation. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked what is going to be done to bring the water level down before the new floor is installed, and Public Works Director Strain added the previous contractor used a suspect compound, and the floor will be re -leveled with the sub -floor that will also act as a moisture barrier. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if it is acoustic material and Public Works Director Strain said it is a better floor made of fiber board, which is more giving. Commissioner Roberts said perhaps the landscaping going up the side of the building contributed to the moisture, and Public Works Director Strain responded it is possible and the landscaping is down and they are in the process of stuccoing the areas. Commissioner Portner questioned item 6(c) on the consent agenda, Temporary Resolution 10537, in particular, what type of alcohol will be sold. REQUEST TO CONDUCT A CARNIVAL_ AND SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES -- ST. MALACHY CATHOLIC -CHURCH: (TR10537) Approving the sale of alcoholic beverages for St. Malachy Catholic Church during the operation of their annual Saint Malachy Carnival beginning Thursday, September 23, 2004 and ending Sunday, September 26, 2004 (Case No. 17-MI-04); providing for conditions of approval. Building Official Jones said it will be beer and wine. Vice Mayor Sultanof questioned item 6(k) on the consent agenda, Temporary Resolution 10542, in particular whether the trees are for Caporella Park and if there is a matching grant. URBAN FORESTRY GRANT — TREES AT AQUATIC CENTER: September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 8 (TR10542) Submitting an application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for an Urban and Community Forestry Grant not to exceed the amount of $15,000 for the provision of shade trees at the Aquatic Center; authorizing execution of a Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement and Grant Memorandum of Agreement between the City and the Department of Agriculture in the event the award is approved; providing for a match not to exceed $15,000 in the event the Grant Proposal is approved. Assistant City Manager Phillips said the trees are for the aquatic center. There is not a matching grant, it would be included in funding already allocated for landscaping at the aquatic center. 3. DISCUSSION RE: VETERAN'S PARK ETERNAL FLAME SCULPTURE: Vice Mayor Sultanof said the Veterans Affairs Committee met and could not come to consensus on the sculpture so he told them the Mayor and City Commission would make the decision. The sculpture would not be on a pedestal, and instead of iron grating and a spotlight he suggested it be encased in an unbreakable, non -glass, clear container. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles added that the Veterans Affairs Committee members agreed they wanted a sculpture and ranked Ms. Ravitz' concepts; the Mayor and City Commission is to make the choice as to which concept they would like and staff will work with the artist to make sure the sculpture is safe and structurally sound. Commissioner Roberts confirmed that the sculpture is 12' high, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles responded the flagpole and memorial are tall so the artist felt 12' would be an appropriate height. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he did not agree with a 12' high sculpture and he was concerned about skateboarders doing damage to the sculpture. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said this artist has pieces in other parks and there have been no problems. Commissioners Roberts and Flansbaum- Talabisco, and Vice Mayor Sultanof preferred the silver sculpture. Commissioner Portner asked when the sculpture would be installed and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the artist was told we wanted it finished by November 11th. 4. DISCUSSION RE POTENTIAL ANNEXATION: Community Development Director J. Christopher King gave an update on the annexation process over the last few years and discussed the airport property, Kozy Kampers, the 441/State Road 7 property and Mira Lago. As of September 15, 2004, the only areas left of the original eight the commission looked at are the airport/industrial property, Mira Lago, and a portion of Twin Lakes (Twin Lakes South). Tamarac looked at Twin Lakes South a long time ago and decided not to proceed with annexation of the area; the area has not been considered over the past six years. With regard to Mira Lago and the airport/industrial property, there will be a large impact to the City's budget to provide services consistent with those throughout the City. At the last workshop where annexation was discussed, Commissioner Portner and Mayor Schreiber indicated they would speak to the County Commission regarding funding. Commissioner Portner and Deputy City Manager Cernech attended a meeting with the County several months ago and got no definitive answer regarding available funding. City staff talked to County staff and we were told there are no funds in the CIP for these areas. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the County did put aside $4 million - $5 million to upgrade infrastructure so the Cities could take over. Community Development Director King discussed 78 acres around the airport/industrial September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 9 property that are already developed for heavy industry which would provide very little flexibility to the City. Additionally a non-profit organization owns some land there which would provide no tax benefit to the City. A townhouse project is under construction, and all in all, it would be a major job to bring the properties up to City standards. The County hired consultants to look at areas that are the most contentious and most of the money is earmarked to those areas; heavy improvements to the infrastructure are needed. Commissioner Roberts said the only thing she could see the City annexing is the area next to Caporella Park with the duplexes, and she did not think it would be financially feasible to put in upgrades to the property. Community Development Director King said the area consists of five acres north of Caporella Park made up of quad- plexes and duplexes, bounded on the south, north and west by Tamarac. We already provide services to that area and would most likely look to annexing that area. There is a meeting scheduled for next week with three of the County Commissioners. Commissioner Portner suggested trying to get more votes from the County Commission as there is money available for infrastructure. Commissioner Roberts added while she did not want to move forward with the annexation she did want to give the Commission and staff a chance to meet with the County Commission to see what they have to say. Vice Mayor Sultanof added he also would like to see funding provided by the County; State Road 7 is now federally funded. Vice Mayor Sultanof suggested we look at the annexation matter after the meeting with the County. There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Vice Mayor Sultanof adjourned the workshop meeting at 1:10 p.m. Marion Swenson, CMC City Clerk 1 September 7, 2004 City Commission Workshop 10