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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-24 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to order on Monday, November 24, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88t" Avenue, Tamarac, Florida. PRESENT: Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Commissioner Pamela Bushnell, Commissioner Patricia Atkins -Grad, Commissioner Diane Glasser, and Commissioner Harry Dressler. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, Deputy City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY MAYOR FLANSBAUM-TALA ISCO: 1. NOVEMBER 26, AGENDA ITEMS: a. Item 6(c) on the consent agenda. AWARD TO ARTIST -W LI RARY/TAMARAC COMMUNITY CENTER PUBLIC ART: (TR11486) Approving the Public Art proposal and concept by Jane Dedecker to be placed at the Tamarac Community Center. Community Development Director Bramley and Chairman of Public Ark Committee Gadson appeared. Community Development Director Bramley reviewed the process and introduced Public Art Committee members in the audience, Eric Frezer and Susan Buzzi. Mr. Gadson gave a presentation on the maquettes and the finished product, and spoke of how the work fits in with the environment and the placement of the pieces. Commissioner Dressler said he likes the pieces and questioned the scale. Community Development Director Bramley said 'Dawn' will be 8'x5' and 'Dusk' will be 5'x6', inclusive of the pedestal. Commissioner Bushnell said she understands and likes the pieces. Commissioner Glasser questioned the finish and said the pieces are very masterful and excellent. Commissioner Bushnell asked what will happen to the maquettes and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said they will eventually be displayed in the atrium and then hopefully be moved to the Mayor and City Commission reception area. Commissioner Atkins -Grad questioned the placement of the two pieces and said they are very beautiful. Community Development Director Bramley confirmed there are areas reserved for them between the library and the Tamarac Community Center. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the time frame and Community Development Director Bramley said from the date of execution of the contract it will take eight months for installation of the art work. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the upkeep on the pieces, and Mr. Gadson said maintenance of bronze is simple it just needs to be waxed every six months to one year. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed the maintenance is paid for by the public art fund and said the art work is fabulous. b. Item No. 6(d) on the consent agenda. ELECTION OF VICEMAYOR: (TR11490) Electing a vice mayor to serve a term of one year beginning November 26, 2008 and November 24, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 1 of 5 ending November 2009, with no succession. City Clerk Swenson gave a brief presentation and Commissioner Dressler nominated Commissioner Atkins -Grad to serve as Vice -Mayor. All were in agreement. C. Item 6(e) on the consent agenda. AUTHORIZING BANK SIGNATURES — TD BANK, NA, F/K/A COMMERCE BANK: (TR11525) Authorizing signatures for bank accounts at TD Bank, NA f/k/a Commerce Bank. Assistant City Attorney Klahr gave a presentation and explained the charter requirements for bank signatures. d. Item No. 6(j) on the consent agenda. USE OF CITY LOGO: (TR11518) Authorizing the City's General Employee Pension Fund to use the City's logo on its letterhead and other documentation pertaining to the official business of the city and its employees. Assistant City Attorney Klahr gave a presentation and said in accordance with Florida Statutes each city has a logo and insignia and nobody is allowed to use it without commission approval. The general employee pension fund has requested to use the City's logo on letterhead. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed it is the new logo, not the seal they will be using. Commissioner Dressler explained the pension board's reasoning behind the use of the City's logo. e. Item No. 6(g) on the consent agenda. APPOINTMENT OF VETERAN'S AFFAIRS COMMITTEE LIASION: (TR11519) Appointing Marc Sultanof as a member of the City of Tamarac Veteran's Affairs Advisory Committee and will also designate Mr. Sultanof as the Committee's liaison to the City Commission. Assistant City Attorney Klahr gave a presentation and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said it is her understanding this request came from the Veterans Affairs Committee. Vice Mayor Sultanof has served as liaison for many years, and in fact, started this committee. Commissioner Glasser added Vice Mayor Sultanof has been very responsible in his service to the Commission and in view of what is happening with our veterans, who we are losing through attrition, he has the energy and knowledge to continue with the committee and will put them on the map again. Commissioner Dressler said with Vice Mayor Sultanofs history and knowledge, he can not think of anyone better to represent us on this committee. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said she would like to see younger veterans participate and asked that Piper High School and Taravella High School be tapped. Commissioner Atkins -Grad said there is no one better for this position than Vice Mayor Sultanof and added there is a young police officer who is just back from Iraq; perhaps he can be involved and he will then involve his friends. f. Item No. 6(f) on the consent agenda. INSTALLATION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS AT FIRE STATION 15: (TR11513) Authorizing the appropriate City officials to award Bid No. 08-04B and execute an agreement with West Construction Inc. for the replacement of the asphalt driveways at Fire Station 15 located at 6000 Hiatus Road in an amount not to exceed $48,100.00 from the appropriate accounts; authorizing budget amendments as needed for proper accounting purposes. Budget/Contracts Manager Gies and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Budget/Contracts Manager Gies gave a presentation. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked why concrete was not put in when the fire station was built and Budget/Contracts November 24, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 5 Manager Gies said it was a budgetary issue at that time. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked what the other fire station driveways are constructed of and Budget/Contracts Manager Gies said he believed concrete. Commissioner Glasser said in the long run it is better to pay for these things at the outset; it is important to do these things the right way to begin with; Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco agreed. Commissioner Atkins -Grad questioned the weight of a fire truck and Fire Chief Budzinski said about 32,000 pounds. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said the prices are very competitive and we are getting good deals; at this point it may be less expensive than it would have been in 2004. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the time frame and Budget/Contracts Manager Gies said it is anticipated it will take three weeks. Commissioner Atkins -Grad left the room at 10:15 a.m. and returned at 10:19 a.m. g. Item No. 6(h) on the consent agenda. DESIGNATING ABS PUMPS, INC. AS A SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER FOR PUMPS AND APPURTENANCES: (TR11521) Designating ABS Pumps, Inc., as a sole source provider for pumps and appurtenances utilized at fifty-one (51) City Wastewater Pump Stations, and to authorize expenditures for the purchase of pumps and appurtenances from ABS Pumps, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 for the period of November 4, 2008 through September 30, 2009. Director of Utilities Gagnon and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Director of Utilities Gagnon gave a presentation and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said we used the sole source process as these are the only pumps that will fit. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed the money comes from the utilities fund and can not be used for anything else. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the current economic conditions and suggested we might look at doing more sooner. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco said during Hurricane Wilma Tamarac was one of the only cities that did not have massive sewer problems because of this type of plan. h. Item No. 6(i) on the consent agenda. APPROVING REQUEST FROM SOUTH FLORIDA DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE, INC. TO. WAIVE ROOM RENTAL FEES: (TR11522) Approving a request from South Florida Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Inc. (South Florida DBSA), to waive room rental fees for a weekly support group meeting to be held at the Tamarac Community Center every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the start date to be determined; providing for proper insurance and execution of hold harmless agreement; providing review of said program for benefit to Tamarac residents. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner, Lew Yagodnik, Vice President of DBSA, and Linda Wilbur, Facilitator of the Ladies Group appeared. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a presentation and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the amount of money involved. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner responded $36.00 per week. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained the legal reasoning behind asking for the waiver in this manner. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner added as part of the rental agreement they will meet all requirements of Risk Management. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked I.T. Director Sucuoglu to look into adjusting the microphone system, as there was a problem hearing everyone. November 24, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 3 of 5 Commissioner Atkins -Grad said this year Tamarac has become much more involved in mental health, and added she is a member of the Mental Health Board, representing Tamarac. Commissioner Dressler said this is a worthwhile involvement for the City and welcomed the group and the service they bring to the community. Commissioner Bushnell said it is a wonderful service being offered to the residents and questioned what bi-polar is and what constitutes the proper insurance. Mr. Yagodnik explained the need to educate the public about bi-polarism, and noted important individuals throughout the ages who suffered from this disease. Ms. Yagodnik went through the seven factors of the wellness plan and said the president of the organization purchased insurance out of his own pocket to meet the city's requirements. Commissioner Bushnell asked who pays the expenses and Mr. Yagodnik said they are paid through sponsorships. Director of Parks and Recreation Warner added the support group is for those who suffer mood disorders as well as support for their family and friends. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked where meetings are being held now and Mr. Yagodnik said this is a new branch and they want to meet in Tamarac. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the use of the term mental illness and said these illnesses are based on chemical imbalances, as well as being genetic and environmental. Commissioner Glasser said mental illness has come a long way over the years but people still need to be made more aware and more education is needed. Commissioner Glasser questioned the support tendered and Ms. Wilbur explained it is a safe, confidential, environment where members can listen to others' stories, which may help someone in the group not feel like an outcast. Additionally, there is a library of books and magazines and support members are available to call upon each other if the need arises. Commissioner Atkins - Grad asked how many Tamarac residents are currently members of the group and Ms. Wilbur said two. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked when the meetings will start after this is approved and Mr. Yagodnik said the Thursday after Thanksgiving. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that this be added to the Tam -A -Gram and the website. i. Item No. 7 on the regular agenda. APPROVAL OF NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM (NSP) ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT: (TR11506) Approving the First Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") Program, Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Action Plan Ninth Program Year to provide for the adoption of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan; authorizing and directing the Mayor or in her absence, the Vice -Mayor to execute any necessary documents and certifications; authorizing the submission of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan for review and approval by Broward County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community Development Director Bramley gave a presentation. Commissioner Glasser asked that the information be put into the Tam -A -Gram and Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked that it be on the website. Commissioner Dressler said by allowing city employees to participate it is also a retention strategy. Commissioner Bushnell said she is disappointed that she is no longer a member of the Affordable Housing Committee and said regarding demolishing blighted structures, how and where are the homes that need to be destroyed. Community Development Director Bramley spoke of the building/code department's involvement and said it will cost about $10,000 per home to demolish. Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco spoke of two structures in her neighborhood that appeared to be unsafe; however, the Unsafe Structure Board did November 24, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 4 of 5 1 not agree, and asked where we go from there. Community Development Director Bramley said it then becomes a code issue. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained there are strict rules and regulations in the building code regarding what needs to happen before a structure is declared unsafe. The process has been designed to protect the property owners, which why there is a high threshold in place so government does not come in and take peoples' property. Commissioner Bushnell asked if there is a time limit to spend the money and Community Development Director Bramley said once the action plan is reviewed by HUD we must encumber the money within 18 months. Commissioner Bushnell questioned how it will be determined fairly for each community and Community Development Director Bramley explained the process to solicit applications and said she anticipates the spread will be even. Commissioner Glasser asked what can be done to improve the properties so the communities they are sitting in will not lose value from the neglected homes and there was discussion regarding the recent ordinances that were put in place for foreclosures. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained the Mayor and City Commission adopted the ordinances so when the banks own the property they must register with the City and the City imposes an obligation on the bank to maintain the property at a certain standard. Commissioner Dressler spoke of the monies being tied to a formula for predatory lending. The rate of foreclosures is going up, and this program is a function of where people want to go as well as finding a bank willing to underwrite the first mortgage. Mayor Flansbaum- Talabisco asked that the figures for each district be broken out and questioned when the Mayor and City Commission would receive reports. Community Development Director Bramley said reports would be provided quarterly. 2. DISCUSSION RE: CANCELLATION OF DECEMBER 22 2008 WORKSHOP MEETING AND DECEMBER 24 2008 REGULAR MEETING PUE TO HOLIDAY: Discussion regarding cancellation of December 22, 2008 workshop meeting and December 24, 2008 regular meeting due to holiday. City Clerk Swenson gave a brief presentation and all were in agreement to cancel the December 22 workshop and December 24 regular meeting. There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m. Marion Swenson, CIVIC City Clerk November 24, 2008 City Commission Workshop Page 5 of 5