HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-26 - City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
WORKSHOP MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Workshop Meeting of the City Commission to
order on Monday, November 26, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 105 of 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.
1. DISCUSSION OF DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTHGATE LINEAR PARK: Director of
Parks & Recreation Kathleen Margoles introduced Traffic Consultant Fred Schwartz, P.E., of
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Master Plan Consultant Richard Durr, of Glatting & Jackson, and
gave a presentation, and said the plan would be presented to the County Commission in
December. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles explained greenways and linear parks,
and there was discussion about closing the two westbound lanes on Southgate west of Nob
Hill Road. Commissioner Portner asked if trailheads are parking lots, and Parks and
Recreation Director Margoles explained that a trailhead is a place to start or end a trail; not
necessarily a parking lot. Discussion was held regarding the FPL property, and Mayor
Schreiber asked about proposed use of the land gained by closing two lanes of Southgate
Boulevard. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about the modicum of traffic on this segment of
Southgate and thought it was an outstanding idea to take advantage of the land.
Commissioner Portner questioned interference from overhead power lines, and Director of
Parks and Recreation Margoles said closure of the lanes would provide approximately 6
additional acres for green space, and it is up to the Commission and the community to
determine the direction to take regarding the park area. Rick Durr, Glatting & Jackson, gave a
presentation and noted Broward County is counting on initiatives like this to make the
countywide system of greenways work. Mayor Schreiber questioned the loop over the
Sawgrass Expressway and spoke about the planned expansion of the Sawgrass Expressway,
with sight/sound barriers. Mr. Durr said the crossover would connect the C-14 canal to the
conservation levy. City Manager Miller asked about maintaining the crossover at Atlantic
Boulevard if a flyover is built, and suggested a resolution supporting the flyover. Mr. Durr said
a decision would be made at the December meeting regarding design funding for different
parts of the greenway system and a resolution is worth discussing. Commissioner Roberts
asked if the County would assist with the cost of the Southgate road design. Mr. Durr held the
County is a receptive audience, but does not want to duplicate efforts, and desires to enter into
partnership agreements; plus, Tamarac is the first city to come forward with a proposed
greenway design. City Manager Miller said if the City Commission approves the plan, the local
match is the city's donation of land. Commissioner Portner asked about funding for the
redesign of the road, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said the city would be
responsible. Since the county has not yet adopted the plan, they may or may not assist,
however, State funds might be available. Commissioner Roberts stated that residents need to
be informed of the plan, and asked about utilizing money for the reduction of westbound lanes
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that is already budgeted for resurfacing. Director of Public Works Verma explained use of the
monies, city maintenance of Southgate and plans for milling and resurfacing. Commissioners
Portner and Mishkin questioned the feasibility of three lanes, one for left turns, and Traffic
Consultant Fred Schwartz provided traffic projections to 2015 and said three lanes were
considered but not recommended because of the lack of traffic. Commissioner Portner spoke
about lack of foresight, and Commissioner Roberts asked the consultants and Parks and
Recreation Director Margoles to hold discussions with the three communities involved.
Commissioner Roberts said she was troubled about the intersection at Nob Hill and Southgate,
as well as school buses turning onto a 2-lane road. Mr. Schwartz replied the intersections
would be reviewed and if needed, the radius for the school buses could be redesigned. The
Commission was in favor of moving forward with the project and seeking input from residents.
2. NOVEMBER 28, 2001 AGENDA ITEMS:
a. Item No. 5(I). BROWARD COUNTY CHALLENGE GRANT - CAPORELLA PARK:
(TR9610) Accepting an award from the Broward County Challenge Grant Program in the
amount of $229,424.00 for Caporella Park; authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute
an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Broward County for the Broward County
Challenge Grant program in the amount of $229,424.00; amending the annual grants fund
budget of estimated revenues and expenditures in the amount of $229,424.00. Director of
Parks & Recreation Kathleen Margoles and Special Projects Manager Diane Phillips gave a
presentation. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said this was the city's second priority
and the county awarded 89% of the requested funds. Matching money was obtained through
other grants and completion of improvements is scheduled for November 2002. Mayor
Schreiber asked about receipt of the money and Director of Parks and Recreation Margoles
said the grant is on a reimbursement basis. Commissioner Portner questioned the
improvements to be made and Mayor Schreiber asked how much the park is used. Director of
Parks and Recreation Margoles enumerated the improvements and said considering there is
no restroom in the park, it is heavily used; plus, Tamarac holds events at the park.
b. Item No. 5(m). BROWARD COUNTY CHALLENGE GRANT PROGRAM - MCNAB
PARK: (TR9611) Accepting an award from the Broward County Challenge Grant program in
the amount of $500,000.00 for McNab Park; authorizing the appropriate City Officials to
execute an agreement between the City of Tamarac and Broward County for the Broward
County Challenge Grant program in the amount of $500,000.00; amending the annual grants
fund budget of estimated revenues and expenditures in the amount of $500,000.00. Director
of Parks & Recreation Kathleen Margoles and Special Projects Manager Diane Phillips gave a
presentation. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles noted that completion of park
improvements is scheduled for May 2003, and a design/build has been completed.
Presentations will be provided in December and a contract brought forward to the Commission
in January. Mayor Schreiber questioned the funding and whether a trail would be provided.
Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said this park is almost all grant funded and an
exercise trail is planned. The hope is to someday connect all parks in Tamarac to make them
accessible by means other than automobiles.
C. Item No. 5(k). PARTNERSHIP - HEARTS N' PARKS PROGRAM: (TR9612) Executing
a Partnership Contract between the City of Tamarac and the National Recreation and Parks
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Association relating to the Hearts N' Parks Program. Director of Parks & Recreation Kathleen
Margoles gave a presentation, and Mayor Schreiber asked if Tamarac would increase its
eligibility for state and federal funding through this program. Parks and Recreation Director
Margoles said perhaps in the future, since we would have a scientific basis on which to request
funds. Commissioner Roberts asked for an explanation of a magnet site and whether the city
program would be limited to Tamarac residents. Parks and Recreation Director Margoles
explained magnet sites as regional sites where programs are tested. Vice Mayor Sultanof said
this is an excellent program, and asked about funding. Parks and Recreation Director
Margoles said the CDC has given money for publicity campaigns directed at teenagers, and
there is a focus to use parks and recreation facilities to promote healthy activities.
Commissioner Portner questioned staff training and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles
said Tamarac could send as many staff for training as desired, however, she did not know the
cost to send more than the five staff members scheduled for training. Those who are trained
will then train other parks and recreation staff in the area. Florida is one of 10 states chosen
for this program and at this time, the program is limited to our own residents. Mayor Schreiber
asked when the program would start, and Parks and Recreation Director Margoles said after
approval by the Commission, training would begin in February, followed by community
mobilization and a kickoff.
d. Item No. 8. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT CAPER FY-2000 : (TR9573) Motion to approve
resolution presenting assessment report of the City's performance for fiscal year 2000 relative
to the expenditure of funds provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD). Code Enforcement Manager Cindy Diemer gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber
referenced page 10 of the report regarding the residential rehabilitation program and asked
why the funds are not spent more rapidly to help people. Code Enforcement Manager Diemer
explained the process of submitting the plan and obtaining approval from HUD for fund
expenditure. Mayor Schreiber questioned the $70,000 for administration and Code
Enforcement Manager Diemer said this money goes to Community Redevelopment Associates
of Florida, our consultants, for administrative and reporting services, since the city does not
have the support staff to do this. HUD allows 30% for administration and Tamarac only
spends 17.5%. Commissioner Roberts questioned the purchase of smoke detectors and
asked why these were not obtained through the Fire Department. Code Enforcement Manager
Diemer said public services are provided for in the Action Plan, and Fire Chief Budzinski
explained the smoke detector program in Broward County and said the State Fire Marshal's
grant is depleted and detectors are no longer available through Broward County. The CDBG
program provides an opportunity to keep the smoke detector program active and detectors
have been made available to homes east of 64th Avenue. Commissioner Roberts questioned
housing developments without associations being notified of the availability of detectors and
Fire Chief Budzinski said door hangers are used to notify those residents. Commissioner
Portner requested paperwork for the smoke detector program for homes in his neighborhood,
and Fire Chief Budzinski said he would provide the necessary information.
e. Item No. 7. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT - OAK TREE EXECUTIVE BUILDING:
(TR9473) Motion to approve Resolution approving and executing the Interlocal Agreement
between the Cities of Tamarac and Fort Lauderdale and Keith & Ballbe, Inc. for the
development of Oak Tree Executive Building; Case No. 21-MI-01. Director of Community
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Development J. Christopher King gave a presentation. Mayor Schreiber asked about the
property location and Community Development Director King said approximately 60% of the
property is in Tamarac and 40% is in the City of Ft. Lauderdale. Commissioner Portner spoke
about de -annexation and the tax base, and Community Development Director King said it has
taken over two years to complete the agreement; the boundary lines will not change, there will
be no de -annexation, and Tamarac and Ft. Lauderdale will each collect their portion of taxes.
Commissioner Roberts asked about code enforcement, and Community Development Director
King said it is addressed in the agreement and Tamarac's interests are protected while
allowing the owner to develop his property. City Manager Miller said the agreement is an
excellent compromise and commended the City Attorney's Office, particularly Assistant City
Attorney Steinerts, for her work with Ft. Lauderdale's attorneys.
Regarding Item 6 on the agenda, Commissioner Portner asked if items under $30,000 would
require competitive bidding. Item 6. REVISION TO ARTICLE V PURCHASING
PROCEDURES: (TO1933) Motion to adopt Ordinance on first reading amending Tamarac
Code, Chapter 6 "Finance and taxation", Article V "Purchasing procedures", Section 6-146,
"Scope of purchasing authority" by deleting Section 6-146(C)(20); creating Section 6-147 titled
"Execution authority", authorizing the City Manager to execute contracts, agreements and
other instruments and designating authority to the Purchasing Officer for execution of
contracts, agreements and other instruments in an amount not to exceed $30,000; amending
Section 6-151, "Exception to bid and proposal requirements", clarifying non-competitive items,
adding services, to include specialized consulting or contracted services, and increasing
contract amount from $10,000 to $30,000 before Commission action is required; amending
Section 6-156(B)(2), "Change orders" increasing City Manager's approval of change orders
from $10,000 to 10% of the original contract value or a maximum of $30,000; providing for
codification. Purchasing/Contracts Manager Lynda Flurry said quotes and bids would still be
obtained for items under $30,000. Mayor Schreiber asked, in a formal statement, why the
commission should relinquish its authority to approve contracts under $30,000, and said
change orders should be at the contractor's expense, not the city's. The contractor is
obligated to see to it that he can afford to do the work under the price provided.
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Flurry explained change orders and spoke about making them
consistent with the bid limit. Commissioner Roberts said she does not favor the Commission
giving up its power with this change. Vice Mayor Sultanof spoke about Hiatus Road and
improper borings made by an engineering firm, and said the Commission should be able to
scrutinize change orders. City Manager Miller explained this is an effort to clean up the code,
as there are capital and commodity authorities, but not contractual authority. Mayor Schreiber
questioned the additional time required for Commission approval of an item and
Purchasing/Contracts Manager Flurry said it can take 30-45 days or longer. Mayor Schreiber
said if the necessity arises, a special Commission meeting could be scheduled. Mayor
Schreiber said the City Commission is obligated to watch over public funds, and asked for an
expression of interest from the Commission. All opposed the change with the exception of
Commissioner Portner. City Manager Miller said the item would be pulled from the agenda.
Mayor Schreiber questioned Item 5(i) on the consent agenda. Item 5(i). PURCHASE OF A
FORD EXPLORER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE: (TR9586) Approving the purchase of a Ford
Explorer Sport Utility Vehicle from Gus Machado Ford, at a cost not to exceed $25,415.00,
utilizing the Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Association of Counties Bid #01-09-0904;
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approving funding from the appropriate Parks and Recreation account. Parks and Recreation
Director Margoles said the vehicle is to be primarily used by the park and recreation
superintendents to inspect parks, and would also be used for transporting staff and materials
to meetings.
Commissioner Portner expressed sorrow at Kevin Koenig's passing on Wednesday, and
suggested honoring Mr. Koenig by naming a street for him at the City Furniture development.
Discussion was held and City Manager Miller said if designation of a street is not possible,
other options will be brought to the Commission.
Mayor Schreiber spoke about several communications he received over the past 6-9 months
from a District 1 resident, regarding a "Welcome To Tamarac" sign in the median at the
eastern city limit on Commercial Boulevard, as well as a number of problems in the area,
including narrow streets, parking, roadways in need of repair, and carports used for storage.
Commissioner Portner said Code Enforcement is working on revising the code to deal with
these problems, and City Manager Miller said he and Community Development Director King
initially pursued a sign for this area, but could not obtain DOT permits because traffic
improvements were being considered. Mayor Schreiber said since Code Enforcement does
not work after 5:00 p.m., perhaps the police could get involved in correcting code violations.
Commissioner Roberts spoke about the sign on Commercial Boulevard, and said heading west
on Commercial Boulevard, past Prospect Road there is a small section that is not in Tamarac.
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Schreiber
adjourned the workshop meeting at 11:30 a.m.
. )kx
Marion Swenson, CIVIC
City Clerk
November 26, 2001
City Commission Workshop
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