HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-07-28 - City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes9
5',3';.i N0RT1-iVVES_1.. 86TIA AVENUE TAMARAC, FL0RiDA 33321
TELEPHONE (305) 722 5900
July 17, 1981
N 0 T I C E
CITY COUNCIL OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA.
Please be advised that there will be a Workshop Meeting fo-Z the purpose
of discussing the matter of Space and the Community Building Project.
on Tuesday, July 28, 1981 at 1:30 P.M. in Council, Chambers at City
Hall, 5811 N. W. 88th Avenue, Tamarac.
The City Council may consider such other items as may come before
it.
The Public is invited to attend.
Ci Clerk
7/17/81
Pursuant to Chapter $0-105 of Florida Law, Senate Bill No. ^:
/lc If a person decides to appeal any decision made 6y the y
Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeti.nq a
hearing, he will need a record the proceedings and for such
purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record includes
the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
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CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING
July 28, 1981
SPACE AND COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Falck called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M.
on Tuesday, July 28, 1981 at 1:30 P.M. in Council
Chambers at City Hall.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Walter W. Falck
Vice Mayor Irving M. Disraelly
Councilwoman Helen Massaro
Councilman Irving Zemel
Councilman Philip Kravitz
ALSO PRESENT: Laura Stuurmans, City Manager
Mayor Falck read the official notice of the Workshop Meeting. He
explained that following the last Workshop Meeting, he held one -final
meeting with Mr. Mike Shiff. Under date of July 7, 1981 he had sent
a communication to Council that indicated there are two decisions to
be made; first, to determine whether or not they are going to proceed
with the closing in of the City Hall building which would cost in the
area of $100,000, and secondly there is a need to decide on whether
they desire to proceed with the proposed Community Center. Mayor
Falck indicated it is his recommendation that the Council move ahead
as rapidly as possible with the Community Center Building. He noted
there are constant requests for programs and facilities and he thinks
the City has gone the route looking for supplemental space for activities.
that are promoted by the City. The point has been reached where a
decision must be made. Mayor Falck stated that he is personally in
favor of erecting a Community Center that can be used to handle
programs that the City feels are important to the Citizens. He said
it is necessary to decide the location of the facility and he is in
favor of using the area adjacent to Fire House #1. Also, the Mayor
commented he felt the building should be an all-purpose building with
no fixed seats and one that can be divided into several rooms depend-
ing upon what the room would be used for.
It was pointed out by Mayor Falck that he believed the Community Center
should be devoted to handling programs that are sponsored by the City.
Also, programs that are closely related to the City could be considered
in the planning, however that will have to be decided upon. The
purpose of the Workshop Meeting is whether or not they are going to
proceed with the original proposal of closing in a portion of the
City Hall building to provide additional office space; and secondly
whether Council is serious about their desire to move in the general
direction of erecting a Community Center to be used for many purposes
which would be decided upon at another time.
Councilman Zemel commented the question of the addition to the present
building has been studied, also the question of building a new City
Hall and Police Station. He noted they have discussed a Community
Center for as long as he has resided in the City. Councilman Zemel
stated he heartily concurs that a Community Center is probably
the prime item that they should be thinking about, however he stated
he can't agree that the facilities should not be available to Clubs
and Organizations that have no meeting place of their own. and have
to meet in a make -shift area when there might be a Community Center
available.
Reference to the matter of renovation of the existing City Hall,
Councilman Zemel stated that he disagrees and instead of spending
$100,000or $150,000 to build a make -shift addition, he would rather
proceed with the Community Center and keep working on plans for the
construction of a new City Hall, if necessary. He stated the property
at the Fire House on 88th Avenue would be an ideal site because that
area will eventually become the heart of Tamarac, and the western
area will be the heart of Broward County.
Vice Mayor Disraelly commented that the matter has been going on for quite
some time. They have discussed an addition to City Hall and the cost
has been indicated at around $150,000 to do what they want to do.
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Architects have been interviewed and they have indicated that it did
not seem feasible to enclose the "hole in the doughnut" because of the
problems involved.
There have been many discussions, and Vice Mayor Disraelly said that he
thinks the logical place for the City to have its improvements is on
Pine Island Road where the Fire Station is located. Also, it was
agreed upon at a Workshop Meeting. The Vice Mayor indicated he had
sent a memorandum to Council six weeks ago stating that a review of the
plans for the City made one feel that the first building to be erected
should be the Civic Center. He also commented that in September 1980
there was a Parks and Recreation Fund in excess of $600,000. The
interest to date has generated $90,000 which indicates the City will
have approximately $700,000 available for the building which would
mean the City would not have to go to a Bond Issue for funds.
Vice Mayor Disraelly indicated he felt the building should be located
on Pine Island Road, near to the road as it will be the second most -
used by the residents of the City. It will be used at night more than
the City Hall will be used and therefore it should be as closeto the
highway as possible. The Parking lot should also be located close to
the highway and it would be used by the City Hall and the Civic Center.
Vice. Mayor Disraelly agreed that there should be no fixed seats in the
Civic Center. Referring to the type of uses, he noted there had been
a study made on that subject. However, the most important consideration
is whether the Civic Center should be built, and where it would be
located. The Vice Mayor stated that the City has funds to build the
Civic Center, it owns the land where it should be located, and it
could be the first of three additional buildings located at that
particular site.
Councilwoman Massaro commented she is pleased about the Civic Center.
She said in 1980, when visiting the Broward Times, she had indicated
if it was at all possible plans would be underway before the end of
that year. Further, it has always been of deep concern to the entire
Council that the City have a Community Center. Councilwoman Massaro
said that the problem is to build one that would be large enough to
answer the purposes for which it was needed. The main reason for
the delay was that the City did not have ample funds for that purpose.
However, she noted that a recent financial report shows the City now
has close to $1,000,000, and the funds are now available to proceed
with a building that will satisfy the needs of the people.
Councilwoman Massaro stated that she agrees with the Pine Island Road
location, adjacent to the Fire Station, and she noted that the close
proximity will help prevent vandalism. Also, she pointed out that
the Civic Center would relieve the City Hall of many of the Committees
that now exist and it could suffice until the City can financially
handle the building of a new City Hall Complex without burdening the
people too much. Councilwoman Massaro suggested that it is time to
consider obtaining an Architect to guide Council so they may proceed
in an intelligent manner. Also, Councilwoman Massaro said that she
did not feel more money should be spent on the present building because
of existing problems with the building. Further, in the event of
selling the building she did not wish to see the value decreased. She
stated that she agreed with the Mayor that the Community Center Could
not accomodate all of the various groups which might want to use it,
but there might be a possibility of one room that could be scheduled
for groups the City felt should be given consideration. However, that
would require more thought and discussion. Mayor Falck commented he
was sure it could be worked out without too much difficulty.
Councilman Kravitz noted that the file concerning the Community Center
goes back to 1971 and everyone seemed to feel it was needed then, but
for some reason it has gone on for years with plans and discussions,
but the main factor of whether or not the Center should be built was
never taken up . Councilman Kravitz commented that he had been asked
by the Mayor to take over the Committee, as Park Commissioner. As a
member of Council he is now working as liaison to that Committee, and
they have spent a great deal of time and effort and have come up with
ideas that they feel would benefit the City. No one feels they should
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not have a Community Center. There is no doubt they have the funds
and the fund balance is close to a million dollars and can be used
for the Community Center. He said they have the land, they have the
need and the people want a Community Center. Councilman Kravitz said
it is not germane whether the Center will be used for individual clubs
or organizations, that can be worked in after the building is built
and they know what uses and availability exist. He stated he agrees
with the Mayor there should be no fixed seats, and that it be an all-
purpose building. Also, he would like to see kitchen facilities, but
that would depend upon the architect's report.concerning the various
matters involved in building the Community Center. Further, Council-
man Kravitz stated he believed it is better to start a building and
do it properly rather than to add on to an existing building. He said
that he believes the City will be a large City in the future and they
have got to work with that in mind, and do it in the proper way.
Councilwoman Massaro commented the discussions had been going on since
1971, however at that time the requirements for spending the money
were different than they are today and the budget was much less and
also specifically restricted any monies being spent in that manner
without a referendum. At one time the matter of the Baseball Fields
did go to referendum and was defeated by the people, so the City was
not in a position to do anything. Later the Ordinance was amended,
and the recreation money could be used for facilities, etc. At one
time, it was only to be used for land. There are still questions
that will have to be determined after the architect is hired and
can determine the cost and if it falls within the requirements of
the Charter.
Vice Mayor Disraelly stated he did not feel they are bound to remain
with the architect who did the original study on the building, and
he questioned if a competition could be run to see if there is
someone who could suggest d type of building that could be erected,
or whether they have to take someone's choosing and then break it down.
He said he felt that consideration should be given to that.
Mayor Falck observed that they should advertise as they usually do,
and from the responses they should be able to go through the process
of interviewing and making the determination as to who really has
what is best to offer for the Council to consider. Vice Mayor
Disraelly commented that they know what they want, but it is tying
it together. Mayor Falck said the architects will bring in renderings
for Council to look at, and they are interviewed, which is the way
they commenced with the Fire Stations.
Norman Karr, Legislative Aide in regard to Community Center Project
and also working for the Presidents Council on this project, said he
visited the Lauderdale Lakes Center which is just being completed. He
described the Center which he said did not fit in with the City of
Tamarac's plans. However, he said he visited the Lauderhill Community
Center which is a beehive of activity. Mr. Karr described the ideas
and distributed copies of the floor plan to the Council. He said the
City must build for the future and the building as shown on the plan
is 16,000 square feet, which at $50. a square foot would amount to
$800,000. Mr. Karr said he felt it would serve the purpose now and
for the future. Also, Mr. Karr said he had seen a floor plan of the
Oakland Park Building which he did not feel was adequate for Tamarac.
Mr. Karr said he had indicated that a competition might be held among
the Architects or the Architectural School at the University of Miami
to show what can be incorporated in the building'. Mr. Karr described
the various uses of the proposed building and he said he felt it should
be a two-story building, which would cost less for the amount of space
required and the use that could be obtained from it.
Councilman Zemel suggested that Richard Rubin, who is an Architect, and
who is presently working with the City, should be consulted and should
be involved and work with whoever is asked to come in with sketches.
Mayor Falck noted that the next step to be taken is to advertise to
obtain something concrete to look at as soon after the first of
Sep.ember_as possible when Council reconvenes.Councx woman Massaro agree
Mr.._ -Rubin should be involved, but they would not wish to decrease
the effectiveness of his work as Consulting Planner.
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Melanie Reynolds, Resident, commented that the people living in Sections
4,5, and 6 are being catered to, and other parts of Tamarac are forgotten.
She said people are asking about the City Hall Site voted on years ago
which is more convenient. Vice Mayor Disraelly suggested that Mrs.
Reynolds ask these people to call Council so that Council will have
their input.
Councilman Zemel said it is his understanding that the recreation fund
is for the use of the people who live in close proximity to the area
for which the money was given. Councilwoman Massaro said all of the
areas have contributed to the Recreation Fund, and there are people
in the Eastern part of the City who have contributed and they have a
park in that area that is being developed at the present time. Also,
the City is in the process of trying to acquire another parcel to be
used for park purposes East of 441, and at that time some of the money
being accumulated for Parks and Recreation will be used there. Further,
Councilwoman Massaro said she thought the people of the City would much
rather have the Community Center where it can be protected.
Melanie Reynolds questioned what was intended to be done with the
property purchased for a City Hall Complex. Councilwoman Massaro
explained the people approved the purchase of that property for $500,000.
and is now, worth $2,000,000. plus, which is a conservative figure. She
said the land will still increase in value as land becomes more scarce.
In the meantime, nothing is being done with the land.
Councilwoman Massaro pointed out that if the City Attorney rules that
the matter needs to go to a referendum, the people will be asked if
they wish to have the property sold and if they wish to have the City
Hall Complex at the other location or do they prefer to use this very
expensive property, and float bonds, for the City Hall Complex. She
said she thinks eventually the land on Commercial Boulevard will pay
for a City Hall Complex.
Vice Mayor Disraelly noted if they stay on 57th and Commercial Boulevard
they are on the perimeter of the City. The other property is a much
more central location.
Mr. Robert Sokol, Presidents Council, said that he thinks the concept
is an idea whose time has come. In the past when it was discussed
there were other priorities that had to be given consideration. Most
of these things have been taken care of and fortunately the City now
has the means to handle the new idea. He said the need for a Community
Center has been evident for the last six years and there is no place
for large groups to go within the City, which is why large groups must
take their affairs out of the City. Therefore, he felt a Community
Center should accommdate large meetings and also have kitchen facilities.
Mr. Sokol stated that he is in favor of going ahead with the plan for
a Community Center.
Marjorie Kelch, Resident, questioned a figure that was in the newspaper
concerning 400 people being accommodated_ at the proposed facility. She
stated she would object to any facility that would not accommodate
larger crowd than 400 people. Mrs. Kelch said it has been evident
that what is needed is an area that can accommdate a number of small
meetings at the same time and the real need is for a place which will
accommdate large meetings that have to be called at which there will
be a large representation of the population of the City of Tamarac.
Mrs. Kelch commented that if they are going to do anything that is
useful to the City, they must have a large assembly area. Tf money
is to be spent, it should be for something to accomnodate large meetings.
Mayor Falck suggested they advertise for Architects presentations,
and then determine from those who they wish to interview. Then those
interviews can be scheduled at a later time. The City Manager indicated
she would check with the City Attorney, and if it is not necessary for
Council to formally authorize the advertising, she will proceed
The Meeting was adjourned at 2:30 P.M.
This public document was promulgated at a cost of $ %D,6ror $ //4',?
per copy to inform the general public and public of i`cers and employees
about recent opinions and considerations by the City Council of Tamarac.
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