Loading...
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 November 26, 2001 City Commission Workshop 1 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 November 26, 2001 City Commission Workshop 2 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 November 26, 2001 City Commission Workshop 3 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; November 26, 2001 City Commission Workshop 4 1 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 5