Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-23 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2006 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, October 23, 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 Patte Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof and Commissioner Harry Dressler. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco led the pledge of allegiance and said we all have a lot to be thankful for; tomorrow is October 24, and one year ago we were preparing for what was supposed to be a minor storm. Fire Chief Budzinski announced Tamarac is now designated as a Class 2 City by the ISO. The ISO rates each community based upon communication systems, water supply systems and fire services. Tamarac is in the top 1 % of cities around the nation that are rated by ISO. There is a benefit to medium sized businesses in that they may receive a discount on their fire insurance rates, and Economic Development Officer Berns will be in contact with Tamarac businesses to make sure they are aware of this benefit. Commissioner Sultanof said this has made people who do business in the City of Tamarac much more grateful. Commissioner Dressler asked if this would impact our Sterling goals and Fire Chief Budzinski replied indirectly, as this is a significant milestone. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco added once the word gets out the community will be proud and appreciative. Vice Mayor Portner said he has been conciliatory to Patti Lynn in the past, but the articles she has put out to the community attacking his daughter and son-in-law disturbs him. Vice Mayor Portner said if Ms. Lynn is concerned about development she should make constructive suggestions to dealing with the problem. Vice Mayor Portner said this Mayor and City Commission give everything possible to the residents and citizens and they do not deserve to be attacked. There was discussion regarding disrupting public meetings, and Commissioner Sultanof added if the public has anything to say, they can address the Mayor and City Commission during the public participation portion of the regular commission meeting. Vice Mayor Portner said progress is important and changes occur. City Attorney Goren explained while workshop meetings are public meetings it is not typical for the public to speak during these sessions. The Mayor and City Commission should try to stick to the agenda. Commissioner Dressler said he does not give credibility to people who attack the Mayor and City Commission; elected officials have the right to speak for as long as they want to; Commissioner Dressler said October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 1 of 9 he will not and can not tolerate anyone disrupting or disrespecting the protocol of this government. City Attorney Goren said state statute and case law governs behavior at public meetings and it goes both ways. It is appropriate under state law to advise offending members of the public or elected officials of their behavior, but we must give them three chances before they can be removed from the meeting. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco said the Mayor and City Commission will continue to operate in a civilized manner. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked members of the audience to either turn off their cell phones or put them on vibrate, and if it is necessary for those in the audience to converse, to take the conversation outside of this room 1. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF CIP TIME LINE: Public Works Director Strain and Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty appeared. Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Doherty gave a presentation on the Sports Complex Expansion and said completion of this project is anticipated by February 2009. The original budget was $3 million; revised figures are $5.8 million; funding is through the CIP Bond and grants. Southgate Linear Park Phase I anticipated completion date November 2007. Original budget $1.5 million; revised figures $2.3 million; funding is through the CIP Revenue Bond and grants. Tamarac Dog Park anticipated completion July 2007. Original budget $155,000; revised figures $310,000; funding is through CIP Revenue Bond. Recreation Center Demolition/Renovation anticipated completion May 2006. Original budget $2 million; revised figures $4 million; funding is through CIP Revenue Bond. Waters Edge Park anticipated completion April 2008. Original budget $508,000; revised figures $1,016,000; funding is through CIP Revenue Bond. Aquatic Center Annex anticipated completion is February 2008. Original budget $405,000; revised figures $810,000; funding is through CIP Revenue Bond. Fire Stations 41 and 78 Facade Improvements and Interior Renovations anticipated completion date February 2008. Original budget $550,000; revised figures $1,100,000; funding is through CIP Revenue Bond. Citywide Bike Paths budgeted at $1,000,000 through CIP Revenue Bond. A feasibility study will be done and the City will build as much of the paths as possible for the $1 million. Commissioner Sultanof said he was recently interviewed by the newspaper, and the paper played up the point that there may not be enough money to complete all the projects without amending the budget. Commissioner Sultanof said he told the reporter things that happened were beyond the City's control. Commissioner Sultanof spoke of County Commissioner Jacobs' Greenways project and the fact that there is money available there, as well as Land Preservation money that needs to be tapped. In addition to the money from SWIM Central, the city should get money from the School Board for the Aquatic Center as a great portion of the program invites children to learn to swim. With regard to the Fire Stations, Commissioner Sultanof said he approves renovation of the interiors but not the exterior for the station off the turnpike at Commercial Blvd., since the city is contemplating moving this station. Public Works Director Strain confirmed we are not planning fagade changes to Fire Station 78 because of the potential move. Commissioner Sultanof suggested selling that property after the station is moved. Commissioner Sultanof added after November 7 there will be a new County Commissioner dedicated to County District 3, and all the County Commissioners have October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 9 1 1 funds which can be tapped by Tamarac. Commissioner Sultanof confirmed we can stretch out the projects without amending the budget; Tamarac is not in trouble and there is money available for projects. Public Works Director Strain explained when the cost of the projects was laid out, the worst case scenario was used; as we move forward we continually look for funding and as money is freed up from one project when funding is obtained, that money can then be moved to another project. Commissioner Dressler said the issues we face are those of the entire economy. Commissioner Dressler asked if there is any problem attracting bids due to the increased costs tacking onto the profitability of the contractors. Public Works Director Strain said obviously, the more responses we get the better, but we are getting enough bids. The construction industry is slowing down in South Florida and hopefully more contractors will be interested in participating in our projects. Commissioner Dressler said we must look at long term solutions when we find ourselves fiscally constrained and we must look at ways to establish priorities. Vice Mayor Portner said he is on the Land Preservation Board, which last week approved two projects — the Passive Park at 615t Street and the Skateboard Park. There is still $9 million available and Vice Mayor Portner asked Assistant City Manager Phillips to continue looking for grant funding. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she recently spoke with Broward County Vice -Mayor Eggelletion who represents Tamarac's District 1 and he is excited about upcoming projects in Tamarac and will work with us to continue to get funding. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco asked Assistant City Manager Phillips to see if the federal lobbyists can find funding for these projects. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said today's presentation confirms we are endeavoring to do some fantastic things for Tamarac. City Manager Miller added staff has done a lot of value engineering and looked for ways to cut costs on the projects without diminishing the quality of the projects. City Manager Miller complimented the public works and engineering staff for the work they have done to bring these projects to fruition. City Manager Miller said we try to match needs with funding opportunities and we will continue on this path in the future. This is the most significant expansion of the parks department in the history of Tamarac and it is what the citizens said they wanted. For the Community Center expansion we are working with our federal lobbyists and should have a small amount of funding, but not enough to cover the entire project. Commissioner Dressler said we need to raise our expectations for our lobbyists. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said we, ourselves, are some of the finest lobbyists, and it is incumbent upon us at every opportunity to talk up what we are doing at the County level. These projects are a direct result of the citizen survey and these projects are coming to fruition. 3. OCTOBER 25 2006 AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item No. 6(f). DESIGN/BUILD AGREEMENT — TAMARAC SPORTS COMPLEX EXPANSION PROJECT: (TR11060) Awarding RFP #06-02R and executing an agreement with DiPompeo Construction Corporation for the design/build of the Tamarac Sports Complex Expansion for an amount not to exceed $6,029,700; approving funding in the amount of $6,029,700 from the appropriate accounts. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner, Parks Superintendent Moll and Purchasing/Contracts Manager October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 3 of 9 Glatz appeared. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation and spoke of vision, value engineering and amenities. The $6,029,700 includes $200,000 in contingency fees for City made changes, and completion is estimated about 480 calendar days from the notice to proceed. Vice Mayor Portner questioned who pays contingency fees if they go over the allotted $200,000 and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the City does, since it is a design -build project and the contract does not provide for contractor generated change orders. Commissioner Sultanof expressed his concern regarding change orders and City Attorney Goren explained guaranteed maximum price contracts. Vice Mayor Portner questioned the voluntary alternates and Director of Parks and Recreation Warner explained the City chose not to go with the alternates. Vice Mayor Portner commended Assistant City Manager Phillips and Special Projects Coordinator Gresek for obtaining grant funding and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if there is more money available. Assistant City Manager Phillips said the city is always seeking additional funding. b. Item No. 6(c). SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES — SAINT MALACHY CATHOLIC CHURCH: (TR11068) Waiving fees in the amount of $1,485.25 and extending the hours of operation to 11:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 9, 2006, and to 12:00 midnight on Friday, November 10, 2006, and Saturday, November 11, 2006, and approving the sale of alcoholic beverages for the Saint Malachy Catholic Church Carnival, located at the northeast corner of NW 615t Street and University Drive, during the operation of the Saint Malachy Catholic Church Annual Carnival beginning Thursday, November 9, 2006 and ending Sunday, November 12, 2006 (Case No. 15- MI-060); providing for conditions of approval. Deputy City Manager/Interim Community Development Director Cernech gave a presentation and said this is a yearly carnival and the church has put forth its requests this year prior to inspections and the carnival taking place. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed only beer and wine would be sold. City Attorney Goren explained the application to sell alcohol is that of the church and it is a public open carnival that serves the municipal and public purpose. Vice Mayor Portner asked if there have been any police incidents in the past and Deputy City Manager/Interim Director of Community Development Cernech said not that he is aware of; Commissioner Sultanof added there are always two or three deputies present and there have been no problems in the past. C. Item No. 6(d). AGREEMENT - MICHELE MELLGREN & ASSOCIATES INC.: (TR11069) Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Michele Mellgren & Associates, Inc. to complete the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) based amendments and update to the City of Tamarac Comprehensive Plan (Case No. 16-MI- 06). Deputy City Manager/Interim Community Development Director Cernech, Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz and Michele Mellgren appeared. Deputy City Manager/Interim Community Development Director Cernech explained in Spring 2005 the Mayor and City Commission approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Michele Mellgren & Associates to complete the EAR and recommend amendments to the comprehensive plan. The EAR was submitted to the Department of Community Affairs and in June 2006 was found sufficient; we have an 18 month window to October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 4 of 9 implement the changes specified in the report. Deputy City Manager/Interim Community Development Director Cernech recommended we continue with Michele Mellgren & Associates to complete the EAR. Commissioner Sultanof left the room at 10:50 a.m. and returned at 10:53 a.m. Commissioner Dressler questioned the elements of figuring the work based on an hourly basis and Ms. Mellgren said time is kept in'/ and 1/10 hour increments and the company keeps track of all time spent on the project. An itemized accounting is sent to the city every month. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked Ms. Mellgren how she keeps in touch with staff and Ms. Mellgren said it is closely coordinated in ongoing dialogues. Deputy City Manager/Interim Community Development Director Cernech said there has been contact with Planning and Zoning Manager Ross and himself; in the future it will be with the new director of community development and Planning and Zoning Manager Ross. d. Item No. 6(g). CIAC FEES: (TR11062) Increasing the Water and Sewer Contribution in Aid of Construction (CIAC) charges as established. Director of Utilities Gagnon and Financial Services Director Chapman appeared. Financial Services Director Chapman spoke of the financing plan for utilities, the proposal to raise CIAC fees and referred to discussions at the August 21 workshop. Director of Utilities Gagnon referenced discussions regarding projected water requirements to meet the needs of future constituents and the fact that projected build out will be at 8.3 million gallons a day which will exceed Tamarac's ability to get water. Financial Services Director Chapman spoke of financing and said in September 2006 the city defeased $6 million in debt for utilities and our projections indicate we will not have enough money in 2011 to pay our debt service because of the need for a new RO plant. Commissioner Sultanof confirmed the CIAC fees are based on developers and confirmed developers will be aware of the increase. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she assumes the developers realize this is the cost of doing business. Financial Services Director Chapman said the last time the CIAC fees were changed was in 1998. Vice Mayor Partner questioned build out in 2017 and asked whether it would not occur before that date and Director of Utilities Gagnon said we will always have redevelopment which is a portion of growth in the city. Vice Mayor Portner questioned future water sources and Director of Utilities Gagnon said appears it will be the ocean, desalinization is too costly to do now, but in 50 years there may be other methods of procuring water rather than desalinization. Commissioner Sultanof questioned annexation and Director of Utilities Gagnon said those properties being considered for annexation are currently served by other entities and they will continue to be served by those entities, in lieu of the systems being brought up to our standards. Commissioner Sultanof asked what effect melting glaciers will have on the overall picture. Director of Utilities Gagnon said he is not qualified to respond to that question. Financial Services Director Chapman said our utilities department stresses conservation and special programs, and they are doing their best to run the utility efficiently and effectively. Tamarac takes every opportunity to maximize the benefits for its citizens. Commissioner Sultanof spoke about prohibiting October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 5 of 9 restaurants serving water at tables without being specifically asked to by the diners. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said this has been an issue with which she is extremely concerned. Director of Utilities Gagnon said at a commission meeting several months ago he was asked to put together a proposal for the commission and he is ready to come to the commission with recommendations, and an estimated budget to accomplish water conservation goals. Commissioner Dressler questioned whether prohibiting placement of glasses of water on tables in restaurants would impact the amount of water we are allotted, and Director of Utilities Gagnon replied this is only one criterion in severe drought conditions, and we did this before. His upcoming proposal will be non -mandatory; we do not want to propose something that is impossible to enforce. The proposal is for education and supplying tents and notifications for restaurants, which is a small cost compared to enforcement, and we should get 99% cooperation. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when we would have this presentation and Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she would like Tamarac to be the first city to present such a proposal to the people; she spoke with many restaurants in Tamarac, and Cheddars would be thrilled to participate. Commissioner Atkins -Grad recommended everyone see the Al Gore movie, "An Inconvenient Truth" that deals with global warming. e. Item No. 6(j). ENCOURAGING A HEART HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND ELIMINATION OF TRANS FATS: (TR11086) Encouraging a heart healthy lifestyle and the elimination of Trans fats from restaurant ingredient lists and everyone's diet; directing the City Clerk to provide a copy of this resolution to the Tamarac Chamber of Commerce. Assistant City Manager Phillips said this is an outgrowth of prior discussions and the City of Tamarac is committed to the wellbeing of its residents and is a heart healthy city. This resolution reaffirms the City's commitment to a heart healthy lifestyle and encourages residents and restaurants to find substitutes for trans fats. Commissioner Sultanof said he is in favor of this and Commissioner Dressler said there will be no additional costs for businesses that substitute other items for trans fats. He is in support of the resolution. Vice Mayor Portner said trans fats are harmful and create obesity. Disney World intends to eliminate trans fats by 2008 and he encourages all restaurants to follow suit. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of an article in the Times wherein Disney said it would not allow its cartoon characters to be tied to any junk food products and by 2008 it intends to eliminate trans fats from its restaurants. 3. PRESENTATION RE: BROWARD COUNTY LAND PRESERVATION/OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION PROGRAM PHASE 7: Assistant City Manager Phillips said this is in response to Mayor Fla nsbaum-Talabisco's request for additional information. Broward County has opened the 7th cycle of the land preservation/open space acquisition program. In 2000 Broward County passed a bond referendum and Tamarac availed itself of funding for parks and land acquisition. Some projects fell through as land costs rose, and there is now between $10 - $12 million additional funding available for land acquisition. Municipalities can submit applications for golf courses but the property can not continue to be used as a golf course; any environmental damage would have to be mitigated and the land then used for park purposes. Past guidelines October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 6of9 will stand and a maximum of $2 million per project is available. Commissioner Dressler said he would like to see more preserves with shade and natural settings. Commissioner Dressler also spoke about taking developed property that may be available, un-developing it and returning it to a natural state. Assistant City Manager Phillips said the intention of this funding is for passive parks. All were in agreement to move forward with Phase 7 of the program. 4. DISCUSSION RE: EDUCATION TASK FORCE: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she and Assistant City Manager Phillips met with members of the school board staff. Assistant City Manager Phillips said in a retreat held in May there was discussion regarding advisory boards, preliminary discussions regarding task force boards, as well as all boards and committees, and it was decided they all need a clear focus. There was discussion about putting together a meeting that would involve city and school board staff with schools that service residents of Tamarac for preliminary dialogue to see what the needs are. At the Broward Alliance meeting last week the importance of schools and school initiatives to the business community was brought out. Tamarac wants to develop an education task force to meet the needs of the community. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said we need to clarify the number of schools covering Tamarac residents, and Assistant City Manager Phillips agreed it is best to deal not only with schools within our borders but also with those schools that service our students. Commissioner Sultanof said we are fortunate in Kings Point to have a former superintendent of schools from New York as well as a lot of retired teachers. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like to include principals in the initial meeting, and move forward and decide which schools should be included in the initial meeting; then bring back this information to the Mayor and City Commission by December so we can start to formulate what we would like to see happen. There was an expression of interest to move forward and include principals and all were in agreement. 5. DISCUSSION RE: TELEVISING COMMISSION MEETINGS: Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco said she campaigned twice with this issue as part of her platform. I.T. Director Sucuoglu gave a presentation and discussed equipment and cost (implementation as well as continuing costs). Commissioner Sultanof said at this time he is not in favor of televising meetings; he feels a more intense study is needed. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she also campaigned with this as part of her platform. The last citizen survey did not indicate televising meetings was a major concern for the residents and only 2/3 of city households are served by Comcast. Commissioner Atkins -Grad asked if the meetings could be televised via satellite and if not, more definitive information regarding our potential audience is needed. Commissioner Atkins - Grad said she watched other cities on TV and did not like what she saw. I.T. Director Sucuoglu said it would only be available on cable TV through Comcast. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she enjoys the respect the commissioners show for each other and we are truly 'Team Tamarac'. She looks forward to the meetings which are both stimulating and productive and she would hate to think the TV cameras would make the meetings anything less. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said she is not prepared to vote pro or con on this item at this time, and asked that staff incorporate into the next citizen survey October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 7 of 9 questions to determine how constituents feel about televising meetings. Commissioner Dressler said he likes the idea and campaigned twice with this on his platform; the more people can see how government works, the better. This is also consistent with our strategic plan to move elections to November; televising would be synergistic so when people go to vote they will be familiar with the items on the ballot. Commissioner Dressler said he understands the issue of grandstanding, and there are ways to manage it; it is part of the democratic process, and people have a right to their three minutes. Commissioner Dressler said there may be ways to supplement those who do not have CATV and how we comport ourselves needs to be addressed. I.T. Director Sucuoglu said Room 105 is not conducive to a camera system and professional televising. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed workshops are not included in the cost, even if they are held in chambers. I.T. Director Sucuoglu said it would double the cost and the meeting costs are based on three hour meetings. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco said this needs to be considered as there is much work done in workshop meetings. Vice Mayor Portner said he is not in favor of televising. City Manager Miller said at this point in time the budget has just been adopted and he is hearing from members of the Commission that more research is necessary and inquiries as to whether or not the public is interested in this, so we will need to put a question in the next survey. City Manager Miller recommended holding off on this matter until we get an indication from the public and perhaps include this in the next budget. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when the survey is going out and Assistant City Manager Phillips said May. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said an issue of this importance, now including workshop meetings, changes the numbers considerably. She is still in favor of it; if it is included in the citizen survey and the public is in favor of televising meetings there are issues to be dealt with, and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like the numbers clarified adding workshop meetings, as one without the other makes no sense. Commissioner Dressler agreed but said his perspective does not change, and asked staff to look into audio alternatives to televising and the cost benefit analysis pertaining to radio broadcasts. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said more information is also needed with regard to web casting. I.T. Director Sucuoglu said for web casting the only thing that would be eliminated would be the cost for the cable feed. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said we could survey how many people have computers and use them. Assistant City Manager Phillips said the last survey determined 60% have internet access. Commissioner Dressler said we need to look at cost benefits of audio and interactive network (web blog) tied to workshop topics. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco said a concern is that if there are many people without Comcast that limits our exposure. I.T. Director Sucuoglu confirmed the direction was to look at taking interactive questions during workshop meetings. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed staff will look into televising on satellite TV, the cost to add workshop meetings, radio and audio feed, and a web blog setup to take questions through the internet during meetings. City Manager Miller said the next survey would include questions to explore web casting. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that the information from the citizen survey be brought back to the Mayor and City Commission before the start of budget hearings. An expression of interest indicated Commissioner Dressler, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner Atkins -Grad were in favor of October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 8 of 9 exploring the above options. Vice Mayor Portner and Commissioner Sultanof were not. I.T. Director Sucuoglu said he would have the information in about 4 weeks. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she appreciated everybody's input. 6. DISCUSSION RE: TAKING COMMISSION MEETINGS INTO THE COMMUNITY: Vice Mayor Portner recommended taking the meetings to the public beginning in January. Commissioner Sultanof said he is in favor this, but we should get through the November election first and asked that the Mayor and City Commission not repeat locations previously used. Commissioner Sultanof said he is not in favor of taking workshop meetings to the public. Commissioner Dressler said he supports Vice Mayor Portner's initiative and questioned how much time is needed to advertise the community locations. Commissioner Dressler said he would like to hold a meeting in the Heathgate/Sunflower area. City Attorney Goren said we would have sufficient time to advertise for a January meeting. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would prefer beginning meetings outside City Hall in February. All agreed. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco asked for cost factor and City Manager Miller said it is mostly for technology, but moving the equipment pales by comparison to televising. City Manager Miller asked the Mayor and City Commission to provide their locations to his office as soon as possible so staff can make sure the facilities are large enough for equipment, staff, and crowd. City Manager Miller added we need about one month lead time for quasi-judicial items, which must be advertised for a specific location. An expression of interest indicated all were in agreement to take the meetings to the public and for such meetings to begin in February 2007. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:20 p.m. arion SwensoV,��IMV16etc City Clerk October 23, 2006 City Commission Workshop Page 9 of 9