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