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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-06 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING NOVEMBER 6, 2000 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, November 6, 2000, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Karen L. Roberts, Commissioner Edward C. Partner, Commissioner Larry Mishkin, and Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Manager Tim Hemstreet, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft and City Clerk Marion Swenson. November 8, 2000 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item 7(b). RENEWAL OF THE CITY'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM: (TR9191) Approving the renewal of Health Insurance Coverage with HIP effective January 1, 2001, with a rate increase of 8% HMO and 15% POS/PPO; providing for the continuation of the existing cost allocation of the health insurance premium between the City and employees; approving the appropriate budgetary transfers of funds. Personnel Director Maria Swanson gave a presentation and introduced Jose Cartagena, Director of Account Services for HIP and Carmen Miller, Account Representative for HIP. Mr. Cartagena explained the buy-out by Florida Health Plan Holdings. Commissioner Portner asked for a definition of PPO%POS, and asked about the financial security of Florida Health Plan Holdings. Personnel Director Swanson and Mr. Cartagena responded. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if the benefits would change and Carmen Miller said they would not. Commissioner Mishkin asked if the cost allocation would remain the same, and Personnel Director Swanson said it would. City Manager Miller welcomed Commissioner Mishkin back, and asked to move out of the regular order of the agenda so Broward County Commissioner Norman Abramowitz could discuss the Interlocal Agreement for the new library. Commissioner Abramowitz spoke about maintenance of the facility, and said he had discussions with Mr. Morrison, head of Broward County Libraries, and it was decided that Broward County would be responsible for maintaining everything except the retention pond. Commissioner Abramowitz said Centex -Rooney was chosen to build the library and asked the City Commission to move forward quickly since time is of the essence, and he would like to see Tamarac's library built first. Mayor Schreiber said Tamarac received a letter from Broward County a month ago regarding the Interlocal Agreement, and he does not know why it has not been approved yet, and asked City Manager Miller the status of the agreement. City Manager Miller said a draft of the Interlocal agreement was presented to Tamarac from Broward County a month ago, and Tamarac has retained a consultant attorney to assist in preparing the agreement. Mayor Schreiber asked why a consultant was needed and City Attorney Kraft said this is a real estate matter and it will move November 6, 2000 City Commission Workshop 1 more expeditiously with a consultant. Mayor Schreiber questioned ownership of the land, and City Manager Miller said the Commission previously decided to give the County 4 acres of land. There was discussion about clarifying the language concerning ownership of the land. Commissioner Mishkin acknowledged Commissioner Abramowitz's work on the project. Commissioner Sultanof thanked Commissioner Abramowitz for working on this, and said the City Commission passed a Resolution to give the land to the County in lieu of cash, and the land will be turned over to the County and Tamarac will not be responsible for maintenance. City Attorney Kraft said if the County agrees to Tamarac's proposal this can be prepared for the November 22, 2000 agenda. Vice Mayor Roberts asked if the County said anything about the library on McNab Road, and Commissioner Abramowitz said no decision has been made yet. b. Item 7(c). RENEWAL OF THE CITY'S DENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAM: (TR9177) Approving the renewal of the City's Dental Insurance Program with the Prudential Healthcare -South Florida Insurance Company effective January 1, 2001 with a rate increase of 3%; providing for the continuation of the existing cost allocation of the dental insurance premium between the City and Employees; approving the appropriate budgetary transfers of funds. Personnel Director Maria Swanson gave a presentation. C. Item 7(d). RENEWAL OF METROPOLITAN INSURANCE PREMIUM: (TR9187) Approving the renewal of Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company at the present rate the City pays for Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Coverage effective December 1, 2000; providing for a change in Policy Plan Design and Plan Year; providing for the continuation of the existing cost allocation of the Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Premium between the City and Employees; approving the appropriate budgetary transfers of funds. Personnel Director Maria Swanson gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber asked whether the reduction for those who reach the age of 75 could be eliminated, and Personnel Director Swanson said it could not. Commissioner Sultanof asked if the policy is convertible, and Personnel Director Swanson said it is. Commissioner Portner asked if the policy for the Mayor and Commissioners would be increased, and Commissioner Mishkin asked for clarification of the 50% reduction. Personnel Director Swanson said it would be increased from $10,000 to $50,000, with reduction to $25,000 at age 75, and explained the method of calculating the reduction at age 75. d. Item 7(e). RENEWAL OF LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE: (TR9178) Approving the renewal of Long -Term Disability Insurance coverage with UNUM at the present rate the City pays for insurance coverage for employees in the Appointed, Executive, Managerial/Professional and Administrative categories who participate in the City's 401(a) Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2001; providing for the continuation of the existing cost allocation of the Long -Term Disability Insurance Premium between the City and employees; approving the appropriate budgetary transfers of funds. Personnel Director Maria Swanson gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber asked if elected officials are covered, and Personnel Director Swanson said not at the present time. Personnel Director Swanson said the November 6, 2000 City Commission Workshop 2 medical reimbursement would be raised from $1,000 - $2,000, effective January 1, 2001. Personnel Director Swanson recognized Benefits Coordinator Kimberly Frisbie for her work on this project. e Item 7(f). AGREEMENT FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR TAMARAC COMMUNITY CENTER: (TR9180) Authorizing the appropriate City officials to extend the Agreement with Cleaning Systems, Inc., for janitorial services for the Tamarac Community Center in an additional amount not to exceed $28,050.00; approving funding from the appropriate Parks and Recreation account. Parks and Recreation Director Kathleen Margoles gave a presentation. Vice Mayor Roberts asked who would be responsible for cleaning on the weekends, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said she budgeted for additional maintenance help on the weekend. City Manager Miller commended Parks and Recreation Director Margoles on a job well done, and said privatization of this service saved the City money. Commissioner Portner asked for a definition of ornamentals in Item 7(k) on the Consent Agenda. Item 7(k), HELENA CHEMICAL HERBICIDES CONTRACT RENEWAL: (TR9174) Renewing Bid #98-25B for the purchase of Aquatic, Ornamental and Turf Herbicides from Helena Chemical Company in an amount not to exceed $60,000. Assistant Public Works Director Mark Greenspan said ornamentals are shrubs and flowering plants. Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 10:25 a.m. The workshop meeting reconvened at 10:35 a.m. with everyone present except City Attorney Kraft. City Attorney Kraft returned at 10:40 a.m. 2. RESIDENTIAL FLOODING: (TR9186) Establishing procedures to address resident complaints regarding driveway flooding problems due to resurfacing of the streets; authorizing the Director of Public Works to take appropriate actions consistent with the procedures. Public Works Director Raj Verma gave a presentation, and said the resurfacing program is a year ahead of schedule. There was discussion about the complaints regarding flooding, and those issues that may or may not have merit. There was discussion about driveway slope and road pitch, and Commissioner Sultanof asked whether the dome in the road could be lessened. Public Works Director Verma said the dome is fixed by design. There was discussion about catch basins. Mayor Schreiber suggested that before work is begun in an area, if Public Works believes there may be a problem, then each owner should be required to sign a release. Public Works Director Verma said the complaints are taking their toll and the issue needs to be resolved. Commissioner Portner said it appears outside influences may be interfering with the work, and he suggested that City Manager Miller might need to intervene. Vice Mayor Roberts thanked Public Works for doing a great job, and said there are a variety of problems in her district. Commissioner Mishkin suggested educating the public to assume some responsibility, and said there is no major harm if water sits for a few hours. Public Works Director Verma said the point is well taken and staff is willing to do what is necessary for the success of the program, and there is no problem responding to the complaints, as long as the Commission realizes staff is doing the best job they November 6, 2000 City Commission Workshop 3 can do, and residents need to realize that Tamarac is not unique; this is something they will have to live with. Vice Mayor Roberts said some driveways did not flood before the streets were paved. Mayor Schreiber said road paving is for the greater good and fixing the roads is paramount. Commissioner Sultanof said it is Tamarac's responsibility to fix the roads, and the Code speaks to allowing 48 hours for the water to dissipate. Public Works Director Verma said the water is usually gone before the 48 hours. Mayor Schreiber said residents who have a complaint should be sent a letter to let them know if we can correct the problem. City Manager Miller suggested sending the complaints to Public Works and giving Public Works three days to look at the problem. If it is Tamarac's fault, we will fix it. 3. CONTRIBUTION TO THE FLORIDA WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL FUND: Contribution to the Florida World War II Memorial Fund in the amount of $1,000. Commissioner Portner said Broward County has formed a committee to work on a World War II Memorial for Florida, which will be displayed in Tallahassee. Additionally, there will be a traveling exhibition throughout Florida. Commissioner Portner asked that a $1,000 donation be made from the City of Tamarac for artifacts from World War II. Mayor Schreiber suggested getting something in writing from the Committee, requesting $1,000, and spelling out what the money will be used for. City Manager Miller said upon receipt of the letter he would have a resolution prepared for a Commission agenda. 4. USE OF SATELLITE CITY HALL FOR CITY COMMISSION MEETING: Use of Satellite City Hall for City Commission Meeting. City Manager Miller said at the last workshop the Commission asked staff to investigate how many people could be accommodated at Satellite City Hall. Approximately 50 people can sit in the conference room comfortably, and staff will wait in the lobby, and to be called in if necessary. Vice Mayor Roberts said about a year ago it was decided to hold several Commission meetings outside of City Hall, and the Commission should look into holding meetings in each district. Commissioner Portner suggested beginning meetings outside of City Hall in December. City Manager Miller asked whether the Commission wanted to hold a day or evening meeting at Satellite City Hall, and the consensus was to hold an evening meeting. The Commissioners asked that the meeting be published for the public. 5. DISCUSSION OF HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: Discussion of Homestead Exemption. Mayor Schreiber said the law provides that anyone over the age of 65 whose household income is under $20,000 is eligible for the additional homestead exemption, and Tamarac should take the initiative for the exemption. Commissioner Sultanof said he raised the question before and asked his colleagues to think about it and discuss it, and said he is in favor of giving the extra exemption, but is concerned about the loophole. Vice Mayor Roberts said only nine cities have agreed to the additional homestead exemption, and if Tamarac decides to do this, it does not have to be $25,000. Tamarac can start with $5,000 and see what the legislature does about closing the loophole. Commissioner Partner said he does not think this is the time to consider an additional $25,000 homestead exemption unless the loophole can be closed. Commissioner Mishkin said he did not feel this could be settled in such a short discussion, and suggested setting a special session of the Commission to discuss only November 6, 2000 City Commission Workshop 4 1 this issue. Mayor Schreiber suggested inviting William Markham to speak to the Commission, and City Manager Miller said he would set up a meeting. At this time Commissioner Abramowitz returned with additional documentation from Sam Morrison addressing Mr. Morrison's October 24th letter. 6. DISCUSSION OF CITRUS CANKER: Discussion of Citrus Canker. City Attorney Kraft said the City of Tamarac has been made a party to the City of Pompano Beach's lawsuit regarding Citrus Canker, and the matter will be heard on November 9th at 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Portner said the League of Cities has offered its services to plant replacement trees for those who are unable to do the planting themselves, and there is a lobbyist in Washington trying to get more funding for replacement trees. 7. DISCUSSION OF COMMITTEE VACANCIES: Discussion of Committee vacancies. Commissioner Sultanof said Gladys Kupfer would like to be a regular member of the Public Information Committee, not an alternate. Mayor Schreiber asked for a special meeting after the next workshop on November 20, 2000 to address vacancies on several boards and committees. 8. PRESENTATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Presentation of Economic Development Plan. City Manager Miller gave a presentation on the Economic Development Plan and outlined the upcoming meetings and events. Economic Development Manager Tammy Reed -Holguin and Community Development Director King gave presentations. Commissioner Sultanof asked if this will be presented at a trade show, and whether Tamarac looked into federal funding. Community Development Director King responded in the affirmative. Vice Mayor Roberts asked about Beverly ALF and Community Development Director King responded. There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:55 a.m. MARION SW NSON- CMC CITY CLERK November 6, 2000 City Commission Workshop 5 1