HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-12 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2005
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission
to order on Monday, December 12, 2005, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of Tamarac City Hall,
7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco, Commissioner
Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Marc L. Sultanof, and Commissioner Karen L. Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr, Deputy
City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Clerk Marion Swenson.
Mayor Schreiber led the pledge of allegiance.
DECEMBER 14, 2005 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 8. PURCHASE OF 10t ACRE PARCEL: (TR10862) Motion to approve
Resolution authorizing the proper city officials of the City of Tamarac to proceed with the
purchase from SRDE Realty, L.L.C. the real property as fully described on the legal
description which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" for the purchase price of Six Million Eight
Hundred Sixty Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Two Dollars ($6,860,652.00), plus applicable
costs and attorney fees. City Manager Miller, Attorney Eakin and Realtor Caplan appeared.
City Manager Miller said staff recommended purchase of the property for the new utilities
and public works warehouse. The existing building would be used for a Parks and
Recreation maintenance facility, storage for buses, the transit system, and some personnel
from the community center would be relocated to the existing public services facility. The
city has been negotiating with the property owner and we are currently in the due diligence
stage; the environmental studies proved satisfactory, the property is filled, platted, and
contains no wetlands. Two appraisals were done on the property; however, since the
appraisals do not meet the selling price statute dictates that a 4/5 majority vote of the Mayor
and City Commission is necessary. This acquisition will be paid for from the utility fund.
Commissioner Sultanof confirmed that in past conversations the City Manager stated that
the city does not anticipate using more than six of the ten acres and at some time in the
future the city would consider selling the remaining four acres to recoup a portion of the cost
of the property. Attorney Eakin said one appraisal came in at $13.00 sq. ft. while the other
came in at $13.75 sq. ft. The selling price is $15.75 sq. ft., and there is no opportunity to
renegotiate the price with the sellers. The contract price is more than $1 million over the
appraisers' value; however the site is next to the public works complex, platted and filled,
vacant and ready to go. Mr. Caplan spoke of the lack of availability of vacant land and the
closest comparables that the appraisers were able to use were properties sold two years
ago. Attorney Eakin explained the appraisers must appraise property using the comparable
sales technique and they had to go back several years to find sales of comparably zoned
land. More recent sales were found in B-3 property which was going for $16.00 - $18.00 sq,
ft. Because of the constraints on the appraisers, they could not use the B-3 comparables.
Commissioner Portner questioned why figures from two years ago had to be used as
comparables for the appraisals and why the property could not be appraised at today's
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values. Attorney Eakin reiterated his previous statement and added that adjustments were
made for today's prices. Commissioner Portner questioned the 2.5 acres next to City Hall
that was bought two years ago and asked if this could be sold at $16.95 sq. ft. to offset the
cost of the new property. City Manager Miller said the property Commissioner Portner
alluded to would not command that price since it does not front Pine Island Road, but it can
be sold at any time the Mayor and City Commission should desire. Staff had considered
using the property for additional parking if City Hall was expanded. Commissioner Portner
said he would like to have an appraisal of the value of the piece of land next to City Hall.
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the original asking price of the property on
Nob Hill Road and Mr. Caplan said the owners were asking $17.00 sq. ft. Commissioner
Roberts said she believed Commissioner Portner's concern is the fact that the appraisal of
the property in question was for light industrial rather than B-3, and the appraised value of
the property is lower than for the B-3 category. Attorney Eakin explained more recent sales
for B-3 properties are $16.00 - $20.00. Commissioner Sultanof said there is no land
available and Tamarac needs land. It is an investment and the four acres can be sold in the
future. Attorney Eakin explained that due to the fact that the appraised value of the land is
less than the city is going to pay for the land, a 4/5 majority vote will be needed on
Wednesday evening. Commissioner Roberts asked what the additional cost would be if the
city had to fill and clear the land and Mr. Caplan said it would be an additional $5.00 - $6.00
sq. ft. Mayor Schreiber said what the city intends to do with the property will save Tamarac
$1 million or more in the future.
b. Item No. 6(h). BID AWARD AND AGREEMENT — SWIMMING POOL
MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT CAPORELLA AQUATIC CENTER: (TR10850) Awarding
RFP 05-13R and executing an agreement with Jeff Ellis Management, LLC, for swimming
pool management services at the Caporella Aquatic Center, for an amount not to exceed
$700,453.00, plus shared revenues, for a two-year contract; approving funding from the
appropriate account. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Warner, Jeff Ellis, Jeff
Ellis & Associates, Katie Timm, Jeff Ellis & Associates, and Purchasing/Contracts Manager
Keith Glatz appeared. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said Ms. Timm
would be the Operations Officer for the Tamarac Aquatic Center. Mayor Schreiber said he
wanted to see the other bidder's information and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation
Warner said he would get the information to the Mayor and City Commission. Mr. Ellis gave
a presentation and said this is a Texas based company and has been working in Broward
County since 1989. Ms. Timm has been with the firm five years first in Chicago and then
with Disney World in Orlando. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner gave a
presentation and explained how the vendor would serve the City; spoke of special events,
staff training, guest relations, leadership training, and the audits performed each year.
Commissioner Roberts asked if the prices would go up and Mayor Schreiber asked if the
cost includes training. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the prices
would not go up and training is included. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed that
the pool staff would report to Ms. Tim. Mayor Schreiber asked for an explanation of water
therapy and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said it is water exercise.
Mayor Schreiber asked if the county provides swim lessons at no charge under the Swim
Central Program and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the county pays
the city for each swim lesson conducted. Commissioner Roberts asked how the contractor
would handle a situation were the pool to be closed for several days due to bad weather.
Mr. Ellis said the cities are not billed when no costs are incurred. When the pool staff is
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back at work the city will be billed for labor. Commissioner Roberts said she would like that
added to the agreement. Commissioner Portner questioned special events and Interim
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said the dive -in movie, family evening swim past
regular operating hours, and other events as they are decided upon. Commissioner Portner
questioned the hours of operation and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said
operating hours will be determined and adjusted in comparison to other cities' hours of
operation and the demand for use of the pool. Commissioner Portner questioned the
difference between operations and management. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz
said operational fees are direct costs and management fees are overhead, profits and
expertise. Commissioner Roberts said perhaps hours of operation during the summer
should be 9:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m. to allow for family swim after work hours. City Manager
Miller responded if there is a demand for extended hours the city will meet it. Vice Mayor
Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if the marketing person is on retainer or included in the
contract. Mr. Ellis said it is included in the contract but outsourced based on local operating
demands and issues. Commissioner Portner said he would like the hours of operation to be
carefully considered. Mayor Schreiber said if it is determined that there is a need to keep
the pool open longer hours it may require a change to the contract. Mr. Ellis said it would
because the hours of operation are based upon the budget for operating costs.
C. Item No. 6(d). SUBMISSION OF HOME PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: (TR10843)
Approving the submission of the HOME Program Description to Broward County for the use
of funds through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Consortium Fiscal Year
2006/2007 for the City of Tamarac's Minor Home Repair Program with an option to shift
funding into the First -Time Homebuyer Program; approving the federally required set -aside
of fifteen percent (15%) for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOS)
(Case No.15-MI-05). Mayor Schreiber suggested discussing items c and don the workshop
agenda together.
d. Item No. 6(e). MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING — ADMINISTRATION OF
THE HOME FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FY2004/2005: (TR10844) Approving the
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between Broward County and the City of Tamarac
for the administration of the HOME Funding Program for FY2004/2005 in the estimated
amount of one hundred forty six thousand two hundred and seventeen dollars
($146,217.00) to assist up to seven (7) recipients with housing rehabilitation (Case No. 16-
MI-05), Community Development Director King appeared and gave a presentation. Mayor
Schreiber confirmed that the city has taken over administration of the program for Tamarac.
Community Development Director King said since we took over the program 15-20
residents have been processed for rehabilitation. Commissioner Roberts asked if we are
still required to keep 15% of the federal monies for first time home buyers and Community
Development Director King said we are not setting aside HOME funds for purchasing
assistance; we allow SHIP to handle that. We will use CDBG and HOME funds as well as
half the SHIP funds for rehabilitation. Commissioner Portner questioned the number of
people on backlog and Community Development Director King said we have been
contacting everyone on the list to find out if they are still interested. So far 100 of the
names on the list have been contacted and 1/3 are either no longer here or are not
interested. There are still 300-400 names to contact. Commissioner Portner said if the
amounts are reduced we could help more people. Community Development Director King
explained that over the summer the Mayor and City Commission requested the funds be
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increased since construction costs have increased and in order to properly assist the
residents the allocations had to be increased. Under the HOME program there is a federal
mandate that if a property owner receives funds for renovation they must bring the entire
residence up to code. Commissioner Sultanof questioned FEMA assistance for roof repairs
and Community Development Director King responded as we are speaking to residents in
order to avoid double dipping we find out whether they have received assistance from their
insurance companies or FEMA. Commissioner Sultanof questioned assistance to Kings
Point, in particular Devon Apartments, due to major roof damage. Deputy City Manager
Cernech said the city is looking into that situation.
Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 10:50 a.m. and reconvened the workshop meeting at
11:00 a.m. with all present as before except for Commissioner Sultanof who left the meeting
at 10:50 a.m.
e. Item No. 60). AGREEMENT — FEDERAL LOBBYING SERVICES: (TR10851)
Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac and the Russ Reid Company for
federal lobbying services; authorizing budget transfers as necessary for proper accounting
purposes. Mayor Schreiber said when this item came before the Mayor and City
Commission at previous workshop sessions one reason the Vice Mayor opted for this
company was because she was informed they would not raise their rates at any time;
however the contract does not address this. Assistant City Manager Phillips agreed there
was a concern among the Mayor and City Commission regarding an increase in the rate.
This agreement is for one year, beginning this December, upon execution. In conversation
with the Russ Reid Company, they have assured the city they have consistently not raised
rates. Assistant City Attorney Klahr stated the agreement could be redrafted with the
renewal language included, stating the agreement is renewable upon the same
compensation rates after the first year. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco agreed she had
asked that question many times. Commissioner Portner asked if this language is included
in our agreements with Broward County and Tallahassee Lobbyists and Assistant City
Manager Phillips said it is standard language and does not specify 'same rates', but if there
is a comfort level for the Mayor and City Commission the language can be added.
Commissioner Roberts asked why this item is on the consent agenda, since it embraces a
lot of money. City Manager Miller said it is traditional to place contracts discussed at
workshop session on the consent agenda.
There was discussion regarding recessing the workshop at 11:30 and reconvening at 1:30;
however, neither Commissioner Sultanof, who left the meeting earlier, nor Commissioner
Roberts would be able to return for the afternoon session.
f. Item No. 6(g). AGREEMENT — TAMARAC ATHLETIC FEDERATION INC.:
(TR10859) Executing an agreement between the City of Tamarac, the Tamarac Athletic
Federation, Inc., and TAF member leagues to provide for organized sports activities. Interim
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner and Parks Superintendent Moll appeared. Mayor
Schreiber asked if there is a change from the current contract and Parks Superintendent
Moll said there is the addition of the background checks and deletion of the safety
committee. Commissioner Roberts asked if TAF originally paid for background checks and
Parks Superintendent Moll said yes.
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g. Item No. 6(i). CHANGE ORDER — SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR PUMP
STATIONS: (TR10861) Executing Change Order Number 6 to the agreement between the
City of Tamarac and Wharton -Smith, Inc. for the additional cost and time incurred for the
addition of security enhancements for perimeter fences for west, central and east pump
stations; authorizing an additional expenditure in an amount not to exceed $90,811.00 for
said purpose. Public Works Director Strain and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz
appeared. Public Works Director Strain gave a presentation and Mayor Schreiber
questioned liability on the part of the city. Assistant City Attorney Klahr said if someone
climbs the fence as it is now and gets hurt the city will have the same liability as it will with
the additional security enhancements. Commissioner Roberts questioned painting the
pump stations with graffiti proof paint and Public Works Director Strain said the products
have limited use. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if landscaping would be planted
now or when the park is done and Public Works Director Strain said landscaping is part of
the first phase of the linear park and art will be placed around the fences.
h. Item No. 6(k). ACCEPTING THE CLASSIFICATION AND PAY STUDY: (TR10865)
Implementing the Classification and Compensation Study prepared by MGT of America
effective October 1, 2005.
i. Item No. 6(I). AGREEMENT WITH FPE FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2005
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2008: (TR10866) Executing an agreement with the
Federation of Public Employees, a division of the National Federation of Public and Private
Employees affiliated with District 1-MEBA (AFL-CIO) for the period from October 1, 2005
through September 30, 2008. Human Resources Director Swanson and Assistant Human
Resources Director Cummings appeared. Human Resources Director Swanson said
TR10865 and TR10866 are related items and gave a presentation. Adjustments were
made for City of Tamarac positions that were behind in the market. Negotiations were held
with the FPE, which represents most employees in the City of Tamarac. The union
accepted the study for implementation during the first year of the contract. The study also
covers non -bargaining positions. Mayor Schreiber questioned whether benefits given to the
bargaining unit employees also benefited the non -bargaining employees and Human
Resources Director Swanson said non -bargaining employees are on pay for performance,
but for the purposes of the classification study the two groups were combined. Human
Resources Director Swanson said she is pleased with the outcome of the study and it was
needed to put Tamarac in a more competitive position to recruit and retain employees.
Negotiations with FPE focused on wages and pension. Adjustments to the pension
ordinance will come before the Mayor and City Commission in January. Mayor Schreiber
said the contract is very generous. Commissioner Roberts asked if the contract is
retroactive to October 1 and Human Resources Director Swanson said it is.
j. Item No. 6(m). PURCHASE OF FIRE APPARATUS VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT —
HALL -MARK FIRE APPARATUS INC.: (TR10858) Authorizing the purchase of a fire
apparatus vehicle and equipment from Hall -Mark Fire Apparatus, Inc. based on the
Hillsborough County Purchase Order BPCW02000033, for emergency vehicles and
ancillary equipment at a total cost not to exceed $415,951; and authorizing the disposal of a
1997 Emergency One Pumper via trade-in. Deputy Fire Chief Schuldt and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Deputy Fire Chief Schuldt gave a
presentation and said this is part of our ongoing fire apparatus replacement program. The
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engine that will be traded has become difficult to maintain and parts are at a premium.
Commissioner Roberts expressed concern that $30,000 for a trade on a $400,000 vehicle is
not top dollar, and asked if we would have similar problems with the replacement vehicle.
Deputy Fire Chief Schuldt said the replacement vehicle is a highly produced model and he
does not anticipate any problems. Commissioner Portner asked about placing the trade
vehicle on the internet or if there is any interest in the vehicle from a foreign country.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz said fire engines do not sell well on the internet.
Deputy Fire Chief Schuldt said when this model was designed it was new and innovative,
however only three were made. This one is the last one operational and in service. Deputy
Fire Chief Schuldt added that $30,000 is not a bad trade for a vehicle of this sort and many
of these types of apparatus do wind up in the Islands.
Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened the workshop meeting at
1:30 p.m. with Mayor Schreiber, Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner
Portner in attendance.
k. Item No. 6(o). APPOINTING ONE RESIDENT TRUSTEE TO THE FIREFIGHTERS
PENSION BOARD: (TR10841) Appointing one resident trustee to the Firefighters Pension
Board to serve a two-year term ending December 14, 2007. City Clerk Swenson appeared
and explained that Renee Lipton who currently sits on the Firefighters' Pension Board did
not wish to be considered to serve another term. Mr. James Moore is the only applicant.
There was an expression of interest from Mayor Schreiber, Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco, and Commissioner Portner to appoint Mr. Moore as the resident trustee to the
Firefighters' Pension Board.
I. Item No. 6(p). APPOINTING ONE RESIDENT TRUSTEE TO THE POLICE
PENSION BOARD: (TR10842) Appointing one resident trustee to the Police Pension Board
for a two-year term ending January 28, 2008. City Clerk Swenson appeared and explained
that Mr. Murray Levine who currently sits on the Police Pension Board wished to be
considered for reappointment. Mr. Levine was the only applicant. There was an expression
of interest from Mayor Schreiber, Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco, and Commissioner
Partner to appoint Mr. Levine as the resident trustee to the Police Pension Board.
M. Item No. 7. AWARD OF BID NUMBER 05-19B FOR THE SOUTHGATE
BOULEVARD STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: (TR10834) Motion to approve
Resolution awarding Bid Number 05-19B to Tenex Enterprises, Inc. and executing a
contract with Tenex Enterprises, Inc., the most responsive and responsible bidder for an
amount of $1,239,469.26 for the Southgate Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project,
authorizing the City Manager to make necessary additions, deletions or revisions to the
work plan pursuant to Section 6-156 of the Code of the City of Tamarac, Florida; authorizing
budgetary transfers as necessary for proper accounting purposes. Public Works Director
Strain and Purchasing/Contracts Manager Glatz appeared. Public Works Director Strain
gave a presentation and Mayor Schreiber questioned the median and whether the
meandering roadway would be a problem for drivers. Public Works Director Strain said the
meandering roadway would be a traffic calming device. Mayor Schreiber asked about other
bidders and Public Works Director Strain said this bidder was the most responsible bidder.
Commissioner Portner asked that pictures of the proposed road be shown at Wednesday's
meeting and Public Works Director Strain said he would arrange it with I.T. Vice Mayor
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Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned the use of the wording 'north lanes' and 'turn around'.
Public Works Director Strain explained the westbound lanes are the two north lanes which
would swerve to the south lane and meander up. Some sections of the north roadway not
used for roads will be converted to a parking lot. The turn around would be at the first major
road, and is also a traffic calming device.
2. DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION RE: UPGRADED CRS RATING FOR FLOOD
INSURANCE: Building Official Jones gave a presentation and said we have been working
with Insurance Services Offices (ISO) for the five year evaluation of the community's flood
insurance plan and Tamarac's rating has been reduced from level 8 to level 7. FEMA now
has to confirm the ISO rating and the new rates will become effective at the renewal time for
individual policies. Mayor Schreiber asked about informing the residents and Building
Official Jones said this can be done through the Tam -A -Gram. Commissioner Portner
asked if the reduction becomes automatic and Building Official Jones said it is automatic
through the insurance agencies. City Manager Miller congratulated Building Official Jones
on his efforts.
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned Item 6(h) on the consent agenda. 6(h).BID
AWARD AND AGREEMENT -- SWIMMING POOL MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT
CAPORELLA AQUATIC CENTER: (TR10850) Awarding RFP 05-13R and executing an
agreement with Jeff Ellis Management, LLC, for swimming pool management services at
the Caporella Aquatic Center, for an amount not to exceed $700,453.00, plus shared
revenues, for a two-year contract; approving funding from the appropriate account; in
particular clarification on the age range anticipated to use the pool. Interim Director of
Parks and Recreation Warner said it varies based on need but anticipates the majority will
be school age children and families because we are targeting the swim lesson program.
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked if people without pools who want to swim in the
morning before work will be targeted. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner
explained the city will explore this area and if there is a need, we can open for lap swimming
to accommodate that group. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked how the marketing
consultant would find out the needs of that particular group and Interim Director of Parks
and Recreation Warner said the Ellis company would talk to the residents as well as base
information on neighboring cities' hours. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco questioned
whether people in Coral Springs used their pool before and after work hours and Interim
Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said it is more for the general public. If the pool
were to be open for lap swimming at 6:00 a.m. we would only need one lifeguard. Vice
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco confirmed that before there would be a change in hours for the
pool the information would go out to the public. Mayor Schreiber questioned the number of
pools in the center and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said a lap pool and
a childrens' activity pool/water playground. Commissioner Portner questioned heating the
pool during the summer months and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Warner said
the pool would not be heated during the summer.
3. DISCUSSION RE: CHANGE IN FORMAT OF TAM -A -GRAM FOR CALENDAR
YEAR 2006: Public Information Officer Crockett and Interim Director of Parks and
Recreation Warner appeared. Public Information Officer Crockett gave a presentation and
said the plan is to increase the value of the Tam -A -Gram and Discovery. Discovery is
distributed through our public buildings and park facilities and is published quarterly by
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Parks and Recreation. Discovery has limited reach and the Tam -A -Gram is extremely
effective. Mayor Schreiber said the Discovery should be included in the Tam -A -Gram, but
questioned reducing the Tam -A -Gram from six to four times a year. Public Information
Officer Crockett said increasing the Tam -A -Gram is consistent with what larger cities do and
it will add value to the Tam -A -Gram and Discovery. Additionally, the money saved on the
two issues can be used for direct mailings and additional advertisements for special events.
Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said at the last Parks and Recreation meeting the Board
members were pleased with this idea. It is a good opportunity to cover a wider range of
people. A thicker publication is less likely to be discarded and the opportunity for individual
mailing pieces will capture an audience we may not have now. This is a progressive idea
and worth moving forward.
4. DISCUSSION RE: CODE ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES: Building Official Jones and
Code Enforcement Manager Woods appeared. Building Official Jones gave a presentation
on recovery efforts from Hurricane Wilma and proposed time frames for compliance.
Building Official Jones said the public needs to be informed that normal procedures may be
set aside and the city is being more lenient and empathetic in order to help residents in their
recovery efforts from Hurricane Wilma. Mayor Schreiber suggested working out a process
to assist residents with insurance company services and asked if the Building/Code process
will be publicized. Building Official Jones said it would be in the Tam -A -Gram.
Commissioner Portner stated that seven weeks ago he proposed abating notices of
violation for 90 days. Mayor Schreiber asked if any facilities in Tamarac have been
condemned and Building Official Jones said he did not believe any structure in the City of
Tamarac exceeded the 50% rule. Mayor Schreiber asked about tree stumps and Building
Official Jones said residents must take care of stumps on private property as these fall
under community standard issues. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco asked whose
responsibility it is to remove debris from a stump that has been cut down by a private tree
cutter. Public Works Director Strain said debris collection has ceased and any stump
removed from private property must be properly disposed of by the cutter or the owner of
the property. If the material is under 40 Ibs it can be put out for bulk pickup. Mayor
Schreiber questioned debris on swales throughout the city and Public Works Director Strain
said the associations will be noticed. Building Official Jones said residents will continue to
be notified regarding the rules of bulk pickup. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco said
assuming the debris is picked up, the ground underneath may be bare and unsightly, and
asked how the city is dealing with that issue. Public Works Director Strain replied if the ruts
are severe Public Works will go after the contractor for repairs. As far as strewn twigs,
branches and leaves, they are the homeowners' responsibility. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-
Talabisco expressed concern over some areas of the city that may not have the funding
available to have the debris removed. Public Works Director Strain said some areas are
improving and it will take a long time for the recovery. Mayor Schreiber spoke about the
county tree ordinance. Assistant City Attorney Klahr explained code enforcement is trying
to serve the residents doing its utmost to take into account issues resulting from Hurricane
Wilma, and it would be best done in a formal manner in order to avoid allegations of
preference. Assistant City Attorney Klahr said she would be happy to work with Code
Enforcement to prepare a formal memo to notify residents as these things come up. These
issues are better dealt with on case by case basis.
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5. DISCUSSION REGARDING DRAFT RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TAMARAC
AS A CITY OF CHARACTER: (TR10845) Establishing Tamarac as a City of Character
with the International Association of Character Cities. Deferred from the November 21,
2005 workshop meeting. Commissioner Portner said he attended a seminar in Oklahoma
City where this Cities of Character was discussed and he would like to see Tamarac adopt
such a resolution. Assistant City Manager Phillips said based on preliminary research this
organization is looking for a commitment from the city to hold individuals responsible for
their actions and for the city to conduct business in a universally recognized manner. Mayor
Schreiber, Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco and Commissioner Portner expressed interest
in placing the resolution on the January 11 agenda. Vice Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco
asked what the city is to do besides passing the resolution and Commissioner Portner said
we need to get citizen committees involved. Assistant City Manager Phillips explained it is
an educational effort in the community.
There being no further business to come before the Mayor and City Commission, Mayor
Schreiber adjourned the workshop meeting at 2:50 p.m.
MARION SWENSON, CMC
CITY CLERK
December 12, 2005
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