HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-11 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
TAMARAC, FLORIDA
MOND", SEPTEMBER 11, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the
City Commission to order on Monday, September 11, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Vice Mayor Edward C. Portner,
Commissioner Pane Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner
Harry Dressler.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr,
Assistant City Manager Diane Phillips, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Pledge of allegiance, led by Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco.
1. PROGRESS REPORT SUMMARY OF 2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND
OVERVIEW OF UPCOMING 2007 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Ronald L. Book, Lobbyist
appeared and said this has been a successful year and he looks forward to continued
success for next year; the Mayor and City Commission will see results of the last
session at Wednesday's meeting in the form of water and FRDAP grants. Mr. Book
spoke of Florida's economy after a hurricane and also spoke about the widespread
effects of Villalobos/Bolanos race in Miami Dade County. Mr. Book reiterated that water
and FRDAP will continue to be priorities and potential areas of future priorities remain to
be seen when the new governor takes office. Growth management has not been
debated, but may be brought up during the campaigns.
Commissioner Sultanof left the meeting at 9:42 a.m. and returned at 9:45 a.m.
Mr. Book spoke about affordable housing being brought to the forefront and the fact that
the property and casualty insurance issues will also be discussed. There is no relief in
sight until somebody comes up with a plan for a subsidized program allowing high risk
areas to be insured by a massive state catastrophic pool. There will not be an October
special session. Vice Mayor Portner asked if funds from the state are available to
people who have no money or do not qualify for city assistance to repair their property.
Mr. Book said there are CDBG monies available from the federal government which the
state allocates pro rata, based on damage from the last hurricane season. There is
another pot of money for hardening, and while municipalities were able to ask for some
of this money, most did not. More money is expected to come down the pike but CDBG
monies have strings attached. City Manager Miller explained Broward County received
about $12 million to distribute as CDBG money; Tamarac made an application for
funding and $843,000 was encumbered by the County Commission for Tamarac;
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however, there are a lot of strings attached to this money and many residents did not
qualify for it. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the ability of Neighbors Assisting
Neighbors, Inc. to qualify for funds and Mr. Book said as a not for profit organization
they could apply directly to the County for an award. Mr. Book said if an award is given
e.g., to repair a roof, then everything else on the property must be brought up to code.
He continues to hammer Dade and Broward Counties for unencumbered funds and it is
just a matter of time before the elderly and poor become homeless because as time
passes, damaged properties will become uninhabitable. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
said Mr. Book's presentation was eloquent, passionate and very informative, and on
behalf of the Commission she thanked him for his attendance this morning.
2. PRESENTATION OF THE FLORIDA SPECIAL ARTS PROGRAM: Jerry Cohn
and Ellen Kleinert -Cohn appeared. Mr. Cohn gave a presentation and spoke of his
educational background and his work with developmentally disabled children and
adults. Mrs. Kleinert -Cohn spoke of her background and the manner in which the
Florida Special Arts Program makes a difference in the lives of this sector of our
population. Mrs. Kleinert -Cohn spoke of distinguishing between disappointment and
crises/tragedy, and said the organization's goal is to bridge the gap between the general
and special population. Mrs. Kleinert -Cohn said in two days the Florida Special Needs
Color Guard will find out if they have been accepted to participate in the Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parade, and they have already agreed to participate in the City of
Tamarac's Veterans Day Parade.
3. NEIGHBORS ASSISTING NEIGHBORS INC. — REQUEST FOR FUNDING:
Commissioner Patte Atkins -Grad introduced Angela Niemeyer, President, Neighbors
Assisting Neighbors, Inc., Emma Pontenila, Treasurer, Neighbors Assisting Neighbors,
Inc., and Martha Diaz, Vice -President, Neighbors Assisting Neighbors, Inc. Ms.
Niemeyer gave a presentation on the genesis and development of the organization and
Ms. Pontenila gave a presentation on the statement of need. Ms. Niemeyer said this is
a grass roots organization made up of volunteers and it is a Tamarac based
organization; the money will be spent in Tamarac. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said
she applauds the presentation; the organization's mission and accomplishments are
extraordinary. Commissioner Sultanof said he would have the office get his e-mail
address to Ms. Niemeyer. There is no question with regard to the good the organization
does; the City of Tamarac should come forward for this organization, and Commissioner
Sultanof asked if the City has $7,500 available. City Manager Miller said Deputy City
Manager Cernech had been working with Ms. Niemeyer and the Commission, and it
looks like Neighbors Assisting Neighbors, Inc. (NANI) has presented a good and
reasonable budget. City Manager Miller said he has no objection to funding them at the
$7,500 suggested by Commissioner Atkins -Grad. Vice Mayor Portner asked if it is legal
to use City funds in this manner and Assistant City Attorney Klahr said to the extent we
find there is a municipal purpose the money can be donated to a charitable organization
in the community. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed it is a Tamarac based
organization and they will continue working in Tamarac. Vice Mayor Portner expressed
concern that other organizations may decide to come forward and request funding, to
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1
which City Manager Miller replied this is the only organization that has come forward
that he knows of doing this type of work in the City. While the City can have a positive
impact, we can not solve everyone's problems. Money does not go that far, and there
are strings attached to CDBG funds, so everyone does not qualify for that type of
funding. There are people who have fallen through the cracks. City Manager Miller
said he shares Vice Mayor Portner's concern if many non-profit organizations start to
come before the Mayor and City Commission, but this particular group has proven
themselves and they have been in existence for a while; they are operating on a
shoestring and doing great things. City Manager Miller said he believes the City should
help them, while looking over their shoulder to make sure they are held accountable for
the funds. Commissioner Dressler said he supports a one year pilot and relies on both
City staff and NANI staff for an appropriate accountability process. City Manager Miller
said this is an opportune time for this request as it is just prior to the beginning of the
new fiscal year and a one-year time frame for monitoring expenditures is appropriate.
Commissioner Sultanof said while he agrees with Vice Mayor Portner's concerns, we
can not have blighted areas in Tamarac. Ms. Pontenila assured the Mayor and City
Commission that proper accounting procedures are followed. Commissioner Dressler
said the City is receiving a substantial service in return for a $7,500 contribution and this
is a good cost/benefit ratio. Commissioner Dressler asked if the County's contribution
of $4,999 is for one year and Ms. Niemeyer said it is a competitive process and they
must meet the time lines for the application process. Vice Mayor Partner asked how
many home repairs could be made for $30,000 as noted in the NANI budget and Ms.
Niemeyer said this is a rough estimate and a starting point; additionally NANI has to rely
on the County and City to work with people. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said NANI
also assists people in obtaining funding. Commissioner Dressler said as a 501(c)(3)
organization, NANI could be a conduit for monies the City is not able to apply for and
this could be looked upon as a public/private partnership. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
said this organization grew out of the tragedy of Hurricane Wilma and while she
recognizes Vice Mayor Portner's concern, other organizations that may come before the
Mayor and City Commission can be evaluated on a situation by situation basis. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco said she has seen NANI's accomplishments and the potential to
help more people, and she agrees with Commissioner Dressler's approach to support
the $7,500 contribution and revisit the organization next year. Vice Mayor Portner
asked if some CDBG money could be set aside for the organization and City Manager
Miller said he would look into it. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked for an expression
of interest to contribute $7,500 to NANI and revisit the organization next year. All were
in agreement. Commissioner Dressler said the commissioners all represent different
districts of the City and asked NANI to find an efficient way to keep the relevant
Commissioners and the Mayor apprised of any interaction in the districts. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked how the organization finds people who are in need and Ms.
Niemeyer said they drive through neighborhoods and talk to people.
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4. SEPTEMBER 13. 2006 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 6(h). FDOT LAP AGREEMENT — NW 82"d STREET SIDEWALK
IMPROVEMENTS: (TR11013) Executing a Local Agency Program Agreement with the
State of Florida Department of Transportation for participation in the Fiscal Year 05/06
FDOT Work Program for the construction of sidewalk improvements on NW 82nd Street
between University Drive and NW 815t Avenue. Public Works Director Strain gave a
presentation. Commissioner Sultanof asked which neighborhood the sidewalk would
affect and if there was opposition to the sidewalk. Public Works Director Strain said it is
in the Woodmont neighborhood and no opposition has been expressed. Commissioner
Dressler said this is in District 4 and the community is delighted with the upcoming
project. Vice Mayor Portner confirmed that if there is an override on the anticipated
cost, the City would pick up the difference. Commissioner Dressler questioned the start
and finish dates and Public Works Director Strain said we are looking at about 8 months
to begin. Commissioner Atkins -Grad questioned the location of the sidewalk and Public
Works Director Strain said the north side of the street.
b. Item No. 6(n). WESTWOOD DRIVE CULVERT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:
(TR11044) Awarding Bid Number 06-13B to Tenex Enterprises, Inc. and executing a
contract with Tenex Enterprises, Inc., for an amount of $169,960.00 for the culvert
improvement project at Westwood Drive, authorizing the City Manager to make
necessary additions, deletions or revisions to the work plan pursuant to Sec. 6-156 of
the Code of the City of Tamarac, Florida; authorizing budgetary transfers as necessary
for proper accounting purposes. Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation and
explained this is for the repair of an embankment on Westwood Drive that was damaged
as a result of Hurricane Wilma. Vice Mayor Partner confirmed the total cost of the
project and the fact that NRCS agreed to pay 75% of $135,000.
C. Item No. 6(I). GRANT AGREEMENT - 2006 HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT
PROGRAM: (TR11046) Submitting an application to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds for wind
hardening of the City Utilities, Public Works, and Water Treatment Plant buildings in the
amount not to exceed $150,000 providing for a 25 percent cash match of $50,000 in
local funds for a total project cost of $200,000 in the event of approval of the application;
authorizing adherence to a routine maintenance agreement between the City of
Tamarac and FEMA in the event the award is approved; providing for acceptance of the
award and executing of documents upon approval. Fire Chief Budzinski and Special
Projects Coordinator Gresek appeared. Special Projects Coordinator Gresek gave a
presentation on Items 4(c) and (d) on the workshop agenda [6(I) and 6(f) on the consent
agenda]. Vice Mayor Portner asked if the work would be done whether we are
approved for the grant or not and Fire Chief Budzinski said we can not do the work and
get reimbursed so we will wait to see if we are approved for the grant. Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned when we will get the doors, should we be approved
for the grant, and what will happen if we do not get approved. Fire Chief Budzinski said
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it would be two years after approval to get the doors and if we are not approved he
recommends we then move forward with the work.
d. Item No. 6(f). GRANT AGREEMENT - 2006 HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT
PROGRAM: (TR11047) Submitting an application to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds for wind
hardening of Fire Stations 41 and 78 in the amount not to exceed $135,000 providing
for a 25 percent cash match of $45,000 in local funds for a total project cost of $180,000
in the event of approval of the application; authorizing adherence to a routine
maintenance agreement between the City of Tamarac and FEMA in the event the award
is approved; providing for acceptance of the award and executing of documents upon
approval. Fire Chief Budzinski and Special Projects Coordinator Gresek appeared.
See above.
e. Item No. 6(g). ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY
PLAN: (TR10985) Accepting and adopting the Municipal Emergency Plan for the City of
Tamarac; authorizing revisions. Fire Chief Budzinski gave a presentation and explained
we are required to revise our emergency operating plan in order to be consistent with
the National Plan; compliance keeps us eligible for grants and FEMA reimbursement
following an event. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the reason for the City, County and
State to have different plans, and Fire Chief Budzinski said because all have different
levels of responsibility.
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco recessed the workshop meeting at 11:20 a.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 11:30 a.m., with all present as before.
f. Item No. 60). USER FEES — PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
(TR11040) Establishing user fees for the Parks and Recreation Department programs,
services and facilities at City Parks and Recreation Facilities effective Fiscal Year 2007.
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the new fees were the result of marketing
comparisons with surrounding municipalities and the city's policy. Director of Parks and
Recreation Warner spoke of those fees being proposed for an increase and said the
City of Tamarac is still in the middle to low end of the comparative study. Commissioner
Atkins -Grad questioned the age at which one is considered a senior, and Director of
Parks and Recreation Warner said 55. Vice Mayor Portner spoke of the cost for the
fitness program at its inception, which was then $35.00, and said with the City getting
younger he was afraid seniors would not be able to afford the fee for the use of the pool
and fitness center. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said there is an option for
frequent users and an option for fitness center only; there is also a daily fee for use of
the aquatic center. Vice Mayor Portner expressed concern about hearing a hue and cry
from seniors with regard to the increase and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner
said there have been no negative remarks regarding the proposed increase; with the
new facility being built, people most likely expect an increase in fees. This is still a great
bargain compared to fees in other cities. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the number of
members of the fitness room and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said over
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1,400. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of family memberships and Director of Parks
and Recreation Warner said Ellis, the pool managers suggested the frequent user fee
rather than the family membership fee, but he could look into it if the Mayor and City
Commission desired. City Manager Miller said in comparison to private gym
memberships, this is a good bargain for the taxpayers' money. Director of Parks and
Recreation Warner explained the fitness room is not available to young children, only to
those of teenage years and above. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco suggested creating a
`super senior' category and City Manager Miller said staff would need time to look into
that and bring information back to the Mayor and City Commission. Commissioner
Atkins -Grad asked if the showers at the Aquatic Center are for those who use the pool
or those who use the gym and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the
showers are for both. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she is concerned about the cost
of the hot water, as many seniors may shower at the Aquatic Center rather than using
their water at home. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco reiterated the possible need for a
`super senior category and City Manager Miller said after staff review the document
could be amended at a later date.
g. Item No. 6(k). PURCHASE OF ADA ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND
EQUIPMENT FOR TAMARAC _ PARK: (TR11041) Purchasing ADA accessible
playground equipment for the replacement of the existing Tamarac Park playground,
including safety surface, at a total cost not to exceed $69,356.51, from Gametime,
offered in accordance with US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance;
approving funding from the appropriate capital improvement accounts. Director of
Parks and Recreation Warner, Parks Superintendent Moll, and Purchasing/Contracts
Manager Glatz appeared. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a
presentation.
h. Item No. 6(d).AMENDMENT TO SITE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH T-MOBILE
SOUTH LLC — GENERATOR AT CELL TOWER SITE AT WATER TREATMENT
PLANT PROPERTY: (TR11034) Executing First Amendment to the Communications
Site Lease Agreement with T-Mobile South LLC, as successor in interest to Omnipoint
Holdings, Inc. to lease additional ground space at a cost of $350 per month, for the
installation of a 20 KW propane generator at the cell tower site located at the Water
Treatment Plant property. Assistant City Manager Phillips and Systems and Network
Manager Twigger appeared. Assistant City Manager Phillips gave a presentation on
Items 4(h) and (i) on the workshop agenda [6(d) and 6(e) on the consent agenda.]
Commissioner Sultanof asked if propane is a requirement for other carriers and
Assistant City Manager Phillips said they are all pursuing similar methods now, and the
various companies can be approached with this as we move forward. Commissioner
Sultanof said propane is safer than gas and is very plentiful and this should become a
prerequisite in all such agreements.
i. Item No. 6(e). AMENDMENT TO SITE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH T-MOBILE
SOUTH LLC — GENERATOR AT CELL TOWER SITE AT 7525 NW 88T" AVENUE:
(TR11035) Executing First Amendment to the Communications Site Lease Agreement
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with T-Mobile South LLC, as successor in interest to Omnipoint Holdings, Inc. to lease
additional ground space at a cost of $350 per month for the installation of a 20 KW
propane generator at the cell tower site located at 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac.
Assistant City Manager Phillips and Systems and Network Manager Twigger appeared.
See above.
Vice Mayor Portner asked whether, with regard to Item 6(i) on the consent agenda,
BSO has something on the books. FLORIDA COALITION FOR SAFE HIGHWAYS:
(TR11028) Supporting the Florida Coalition #er Safe Highways against increases in
truck size and weight to reduce the number of highway deaths and issues which
threaten highway safety. Fire Chief Budzinski and City Manager Miller said it is a
different program; this is not enforcement but rather supports the limitation of over the
road trucks. Vice Mayor Portner asked about the City preparing a letter with regard to
this matter, and City Manager Miller and Fire Chief Budzinski said the resolution is the
most effective method, but could be followed up with a letter.
Vice Mayor Portner asked, with regard to Item 6(m) on the consent agenda, whether
Triangle Services is a minority group. Public Works Director Strain said no, they are a
national company. TERMINATING JANITORIAL AGREEMENT WITH CLEANING
SYSTEMS INC, AND EXECUTING AGREEMENT WITH TRIANGLE SERVICES
INC.: (TR11036) _Approving the termination of the agreement with Cleaning Systems,
Inc; authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute an agreement with Triangle
Services, Inc for citywide janitorial services per Bid No. 06-0813; authorizing an annual
expenditure in an amount not to exceed $246,648; authorizing budget amendments for
proper accounting purposes. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the corrective action plan
and how Cleaning Systems was awarded the contract. Public Works Director Strain
explained the City worked with Cleaning Systems to correct the problem areas, but
while they improved in one area their work went down in other areas, and so it
continued. There were supervisory problems and they were not prepared to do the job.
They were the low bidder. Commissioner Sultanof asked if the City had ever used
Triangle Services before and Public Works Director Strain said we had not.
5. DISCUSSION RE: CANCELLATION OF REGULAR CITY COMMISSION
MEETING_ OF DECEMBER 27. 2006 DUE TO HOLIDAY: All were in agreement to
cancel the December 27, 2006 City Commission meeting.
6. DISCUSSION RE: CITY HALL DEDICATION CEREMONY IN HONOR OF
FORMER MAYOR NORMAN ABRAMOWITZ: Vice Mayor Portner said in conversation
with Mrs. Abramowitz he was informed the family would be in town the week of October
20, 2006, and asked that the dedication ceremony take place during that week.
Commissioner Sultanof said he also spoke with Mrs. Abramowitz and he was informed
that October 23, 2006 would be the most convenient day for the ceremony.
Commissioner Sultanof said names of the invitees, along with addresses have to be
provided. City Manager Miller informed the Mayor and City Commission that October
23rd is a workshop day and a ceremony could be held prior to the workshop meeting.
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Vice Mayor Portner suggested having the ceremony around 1:00 p.m. on the 23`d with
light refreshments. All were in agreement. Commissioner Sultanof announced the
Kings Point Democratic Club will have a tribute to Former Mayor Abramowitz on
September 20 and all are invited.
7. DISCUSSION RE: POSSIBLE DEDICATION CEREMONY OF FIRE STATION
#15 (HIATUS ROAD) IN HONOR OF FORMER CITY COMMISSIONER LARRY
MISHKIN: Vice Mayor Portner withdrew discussion of this item from the agenda.
8. DISCUSSION RE: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES OF DECEASED
SERVICEMEN SERVING IN THE IRAQ WAR: Vice Mayor Portner said since President
Bush signed into law the Emergency Supplemental Wartime Appropriation Act, it was
not necessary to bring this item before the Mayor and City Commission, and he
requested withdrawal of the item from the agenda.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:10 p.m.
Marion Swens �n,CMC
City Clerk
September 11, 2006
City Commission Workshop
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