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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 December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 1 of 9 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 December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 2 of 9 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 December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 3of9 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. December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 4 of 9 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 December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 5 of 9 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 December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 6 of 9 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 December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 7 of 9 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. December 12, 2005 City Commission Workshop Page 8 of 9 1 1 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 City Commission Workshop Page 9 of 9