HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-13 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City
Commission to order on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 at
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner Edward
C. Portner, Commissioner Gertrude Mishkin, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft,
Assistant City Manager Michael Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
City Manager Miller announced that this is the first official workshop meeting in Tamarac
for Assistant City Manager Michael Cernech.
1. PRESENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VIDEO: Director of
Community Development J. Christopher King said Adkins and Associates was the
successful bidder to create a four minute economic development video for the City of
Tamarac, which will be used as a marketing tool. Community Development Director
King introduced JoEllen Phillips, Producer and former elected official from Dade County
— Miami Springs. After a viewing of the video, Community Development Director King
said Adkins and Associates did an outstanding job, with participation from residents and
city departments. This video will be placed onto CD and sent along with information to
industries and restaurants in Tamarac's efforts to recruit business. Mayor Schreiber
said the film was very well done and asked if it was in the budget. Community
Development Director King said it was in last year's budget. Commissioner Roberts
asked who would create the CDs, and Community Development Director King said the
city has not yet gone out to bid on this. Commissioner Portner asked how long it took to
produce the video and which golf course was used. Ms. Phillips said she had to fight
the weather during the summer months, but ordinarily it would take about two weeks,
and then another week for editing. Woodmont Golf Course was used for the video. City
Manager Miller thanked staff for their participation, and said costs were kept down by
using staff in the video. Ms. Phillips and Community Development Director King
thanked Tammy Reed -Holguin for acting as project manager. Commissioner Partner
asked about the announcer, and Ms. Phillips said Jason Johnson was the only
professional actor in the video.
2. November 14, 2001 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. G(n). AGREEMENT - WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT: (TR9555)
Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Inobbar, LLC dba
Novusolutions for web site development at a total cost of $37,400. Director of
Information Technology Levent Sucuoglu introduced Byron Gillin, Director of Sales for
Novusolutions. Mr. Gillin gave a presentation. Commissioner Partner questioned
"secure environment", and Mr. Gillin explained it is a series of approvals. Commissioner
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Portner asked if the city intended to put the agenda on P.C.'s for use at commission
meetings, and City Manager Miller said not at this time. Mayor Schreiber asked about
the life expectancy of website development, and Mr. Gillin said it is an open source
architecture, built on microsoft, which means I.T. can manage the website without
having to call in consultants. Mayor Schreiber asked about the warranty, and Mr. Gillin
said it is fully supported for the life of the company. Commissioner Portner asked about
any bugs that might occur, and whether Novusolutions would remain our support
system. Information Technology Director Sucuoglu said we would support a-gov
activities from the city website, but items such as utility payments through the web
would be processed separately. Commissioner Roberts and Mayor Schreiber asked
about training. Mr. Gillin explained the training process, and recommended a train the
trainer approach and said the length of time depended on feedback, as the most time
would be in getting a feel for departments' needs. Information Technology Director
Sucuoglu said the goal is to be up and running in three months. Commissioner Roberts
questioned additional training and asked if the pricing included agenda workflow and job
posting. Information Technology Director Sucuoglu said all was included.
Commissioner Portner asked about the five components, and Information Technology
Director Sucuoglu explained that the new package would allow changes in the program
without creating problems to other programs.
b. Item No. 6(h). MCNAB ROAD AGREEMENT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF TAMARAC - FIRST CHANGE ORDER: (TR9571) Accepting and
executing a first Change Order to the McNab Road Agreement with Broward County in
the amount of $75,254.61 for funding the resolution of underground utility conflicts along
McNab Road from University Drive to Pine Island Road for a total contract amount of
$166,604.61 in accordance with the provisions of Florida Statutes 337.403 and 337.404;
and approving funding for this project from the appropriate Utilities accounts including
the appropriation of $166,604.61 from Retained Earnings. Director of Utilities Raymond
Gagnon gave a presentation, and said in order for the project to move forward, the
County completed the work. Commissioner Portner asked why Tamarac owed the
money to fix the utility conflicts, and Utilities Director Gagnon said Tamarac is a tenant
at will because the county owns the right of way, while the city owns the utility.
Commissioner Portner said he would like to see the amount owed the county
renegotiated. City Attorney Kraft said there was a contractual obligation to do the utility
work, and if we did not go with the county, it would have cost us more for the repairs.
City Manager Miller said the previous commission wanted McNab Road widened, and
they entered into an agreement for the work. The county said there were water and
sewer lines in the right of way and the city would have to handle its own utility issues.
Today, when water and sewer lines are placed in rights of ways, they are buried deep to
avoid these types of situations. In doing the work, the county found the water and
sewer lines closer than anticipated and they had to be moved. Utilities and Public
Works did an excellent job of negotiating the price. This was too big a job to do in-
house, and since the county already had contractors on board, the city used their
contractors. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the job came out well. City Attorney Kraft and
Utilities Director Gagnon agreed it would not be wise to try to renegotiate the price.
There was discussion about the land on the corner of Pine Island Road and McNab
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Road, and City Manager Miller said this is a different issue, and it is his understanding
that the county is giving the land to the city.
C. Item No. 6(k). AWARD AND AGREEMENT - BROWARD COUNTY SWIM
CENTRAL: (TR9566) Accepting an award from the Broward County Swim Central
Grant Program in the amount of $1,500,000; executing an agreement between the City
of Tamarac and Broward County for the Broward County Swim Central Grant Program
in the amount of $1,500,000; amending the annual Grants Fund Budget of Estimated
Revenues and Expenditures in the amount of $1,500,000. Special Projects Manager
Diane Phillips and Recreation Superintendent Greg Warner gave a presentation. Mayor
Schreiber asked when the project would commence, and Special Projects Manager
Phillips said part of the decision is based on placement of the pool and ball fields.
Commissioner Mishkin questioned the timetable for completion, and Commissioner
Roberts asked for clarification about paying the contractor. Special Projects Manager
Phillips explained that Tamarac is set up as the contractor and will sub -contract. While
the county has 30 days from the point of invoice to pay, we will give ourselves 60 days
to pay the sub -contractor, so as not to go out of pocket. Commissioner Portner
questioned abnormally high water table and Special Projects Manager Phillips
explained when testing begins, we are not sure about the water table. Commissioner
Portner asked if the city would be allowed to change the location of the pool, and
Special Projects Manager Phillips said the agreement is for a specific location, and it
would have to go back to the county if the city decided to change the location. Vice
Mayor Sultanof spoke about borings and reminded the Commission of another project
where borings were not handled properly.
d. Item No. 6(I). SERVICE FEES - FIRE AND RESCUE: (TR9450) Approving the
service fees for medical transport, fire inspections, hazardous materials, special
hazards, public education, fire alarms, parking in fire lanes, and special details,
commencing December 1, 2001. Fire Chief Jim Budzinski gave a presentation and
introduced Assistant Fire Chief Forsberg. Chief Budzinski recommended inclusion of
the oxygen fee as part of the basic ALS transport fee. Mayor Schreiber asked whether
there is a deadline to set the fees, and Chief Budzinski said the guidelines have not
been set yet. Commissioner Roberts asked to have current fees listed in the future for
comparison purposes, and questioned charges for non -emergency patient assistance.
Chief Budzinski reviewed the fee schedule. Mayor Schreiber questioned condominium
inspection fees and their grouping by number of units, and Commissioner Roberts
asked about residential sprinkler/alarm inspections and late payment charges. Chief
Budzinski and Assistant Chief Forsberg explained. Commissioner Portner questioned
outstanding EMS charges and whether the city uses a collection agency. Chief
Budzinski said reasonable attempts are made to collect past due balances and there is
an 80% collection rate. Commissioner Roberts asked how much increase in revenue
the new charges will bring and Chief Budzinski said the increase would be minimal.
The Mayor and Commissioners all agreed that the oxygen fee should be rolled into the
basic transport fee and Chief Budzinski said he would revise the resolution.
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e. Item No. 6(p). INCREASED PURCHASE PRICE LIMITS - FIRST-TIME
HOMEBUYERS PROGRAM: (TR9588) Adopting the increased purchase price limits for
the City of Tamarac's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Purchase Assistance
Program during SHIP Fiscal Years 2001-2002, 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, contained in
the City's Local Housing Assistance Plan and Housing Delivery Goals Chart (Case No.
38-MI-01). Code Enforcement Manager Cindy Diemer gave a presentation and noted
this would not impact programming. Mayor Schreiber asked about HUD parameters
and participation in the program. Code Enforcement Manager Diemer said there is
quite a bit of participation in the program, and it allows people to get into an appropriate
amount of square footage for the family size. Commissioner Roberts spoke about
existing home prices in Tamarac, and Commissioner Portner confirmed that the
program is for both new and existing homes.
Regarding Item 6(b) on the consent agenda, Commissioner Portner suggested striking
out federal government and State of Florida on page 1, item 2(d) of the agreement.
Item 6(b). AGREEMENT FOR LOBBYIST SERVICES: (TR9547) Executing an
agreement between the City of Tamarac and Mitchell Ceasar for lobbying services. City
Manager Miller said that language allows Mr. Ceasar and/or anyone else to lobby the
state legislature. City Manager Miller recommended a change to that provision under
Item "e" so in the event of competition, other cities would not know the lobbyist's
contacts. Commissioner Roberts questioned whether the change would also allow non -
reporting of subject matter to the Commission and City Manager Miller responded in the
negative. City Attorney Kraft said many people would not talk to a lobbyist if he is
required to report in great detail. Mayor Schreiber, Vice Mayor Sultanof, Commissioner
Portner and Commissioner Mishkin agreed to the change.
Commissioner Portner questioned why only one proposal was included in Item 6(m) on
the consent agenda. Item 6(m). OFFICE SUPPLIES AWARD AND AGREEMENT:
(TR9578) Awarding RFP 01-15R entitled "Office Supplies" and accepting and executing
an agreement with Office Depot, Inc. on behalf of the Southeast Florida Governmental
Purchasing Cooperative for a one-year period with four additional one-year renewal
options. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Lynda Flurry said other proposals were
received and they are available for review, and can be provided to the Commission.
Mayor Schreiber suggested making the proposals available for the Commission to
review. Vice Mayor Sultanof asked if others had looked at the proposals since it was
stated Tamarac is the lead for the Broward County Purchasing Cooperative on this item.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Flurry responded in the negative. Commissioner
Portner said he is curious about the other bids and Commissioner Roberts asked for a
ranking sheet. City Manager Miller said an executive summary would be provided to
the Commission.
Commissioner Portner asked if Item 6(o) on the consent agenda is for equipment and
staff. Item 6(o). BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE PERMIT APPLICATION: (TR9584)
Executing a Broward Sheriffs Office Permit Application for Special Details for police
services to be used by the Parks and Recreation Department in an amount not to
exceed $54,800.00 in FY 02; approving funding from the appropriate Parks and
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Recreation account. Recreation Superintendent Warner said the price includes both
items.
Commissioner Partner questioned whether Item 6(t) on the consent agenda would allow
the Broward County Transit into Sunshine Plaza. Item 6(t). BLANKET PUBLIC
SAFETY INGRESS/EGRESS EASEMENT - SUNSHINE PLAZA: (TR9595) Accepting
and executing a Blanket Public Safety Ingress/Egress Easement with Ramco-
Gershenson Properties, L.P., for the Sunshine Plaza Project, located on the northwest
corner of West Commercial Boulevard and State Road 7, to provide proper access to
the property for municipal services such as utility, canal, fire and police protection,
emergency and other public safety services; authorizing and directing the City Clerk to
record said document in the public records of Broward County. Director of Utilities
Raymond Gagnon said all public safety vehicles are allowed into the facility. City
Manager Miller said the latest information is that there is no easement to allow Broward
County Transit to obtain access to the property and no agreement between the property
owner and Broward County Transit. Commissioner Partner questioned whether the city
could ask the transit system to come into the plaza and Mayor Schreiber said
permission would be needed from the owner. Commissioner Portner suggested the city
approach the owner. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about a situation involving Publix and
Broward County Transit, wherein Publix did not want the buses parked in front of the
store because of the exhaust from the diesel engines. Mayor Schreiber suggested the
city take the initiative to get the parties together on this matter and City Manager Miller
said another meeting would be scheduled.
Regarding Item 6(u) on the consent agenda, Mayor Schreiber said there is no backup in
the agenda books. Item 6(u). AGREEMENT - TAMARAC HOTELS INC. COMFORT
SUITESI: (TR9587) Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and
Tamarac Hotels Inc. (Comfort Suites), for the construction of a 42" drainage main on
NW 57 Street". City Attorney Kraft said his office received the document very late on
Friday, and it would be reviewed, signed and distributed by the afternoon.
3. DISCUSSION OF BROWARD COUNTY FIRE RESCUE SYSTEM STUDY: Fire
Chief Jim Budzinski gave a presentation and noted Tamarac residents enjoy a high
level of service. Vice Mayor Sultanof explained that when Judge Monet cut the budget
many of the cities pulled away, and now the County is tryin7 to get back into the fold.
Chief Budzinski said a meeting is scheduled for December 4t at which time the County
Commission would ask for an expression of interest from the cities regarding the
direction to take. Commissioner Roberts said the Broward League of Cities discussed
this and many cities left the county system for better service. City Manager Miller
suggested a resolution opposing consolidation be presented to the Commission and
said city officials should attend the meeting on December 4th.
Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 11:55 a.m. Mayor Schreiber resumed the
workshop meeting at 12:05 p.m. with everyone present as before.
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4. UPDATE ON STREET IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE FOR WOODLANDS:
Director of Public Works Raj Verma gave a presentation and recommended, in order to
save on costs that storm water lines be installed in several areas before the streets in
those areas are improved. Director of Public Works Verma said this would be a 2-3
year process. Mayor Schreiber said the information and map presented indicating the
work completed and that which needs to be completed is very helpful in informing the
residents who have expressed concern. Mayor Schreiber suggested the presidents of
the, affected sections be informed of the drainage issues and Public Works Director
Verma said it would be discussed with the homeowners association.
5. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO CANCEL SECOND MEETING IN
DECEMBER: Discussion was held and the Commission agreed to cancel the regular
Commission meeting scheduled for December 26, 2001 due to the Christmas holiday.
6. DISCUSSION OF DEDICATING A TREE AT THE TAMARAC COMMUNITY
CENTER IN MEMORY OF HELEN SOBEL: Commissioner Roberts said dedicating a
tree with a memorial plaque at the Community Center in memory of Helen Sobel would
be a nice way to show appreciation for her involvement and work in the community.
The Mayor and Commissioners agreed this would be an appropriate gesture.
7. DISCUSSION REGARDING RECONSIDERATION OF MUNICIPAL
ACCOMMODATIONS BY WOODMONT COUNTRY CLUB: Vice Mayor Sultanof said
he favors economic development in Tamarac, but wants his name removed from the
municipal membership list, and would give his card back to the City Manager. Mayor
Schreiber asked if any other Commissioners were reconsidering the accommodations.
Commissioner Roberts and Commissioner Mishkin said the accommodations are good
for community development.
Commissioner Roberts said she received an e-mail from the City of Fatsa, Turkey,
expressing the desire to become a sister city. The city is a port city on the Black Sea
with a population of over 45,000 people. Commissioner Portner said he would initiate a
response and City Manager Miller noted more information would be obtained.
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber
adjourned the workshop meeting at 12:15 p.m.
Marion wenso , CMC
City Clerk
1
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