HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-10-09 - City Commission Public Hearing Meeting Minutes5811 f10RTHWESI- 88TH AVENUE TAMAF3AC, FL-ORIDA 33321
TEL_EP14ONE (305) 722-5900
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CITY COUNCIL
TAMARAC, FLORIDA
Please be advised that the City Council will hold a Public
Hearing on Friday, October 9, 1981 at 7:00 P.M. in Council
Chambers of City Hall, 5811 N.W. 88th Avenue.
The following items will be considered for discussion and
action:
Item #1: Ad Valorem Taxes - Temporary Resolution No-2058 -
Discussion and possible action to adopt the Ad
Valorem tax rate to fund the General Fund Budget
for Fiscal Year 1981/82.
Item #2: General Fund Budget - Temporary Ordinance No.924 -
Discussion and possible action to adopt the Budget not
to exceed $8,103,444 for Fiscal Year 1981/82. Second
Reading.
Item #3: Special funds -- Temporary Ordinance #917- Discussion and
possible action to adopt the Capital Reserve, Debt Service,
Parks and Recreation; Police Education; Self Insurance; and
Drainage Improvement Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 1981/82
on Second Reading.
Item #4: Federal Revenue Sharing - Temporary Ordinance #918 -
Discussion and possible action to adopt the annual
Federal Revenue Sharing Budget for the 13th Entitlement
Period - Fiscal Year 1981/82 on Second Reading.
The legislation and budgets are available for review and purchase
by the public in the Office of the City Clerk weekdays - 8:30 to
5:00.
The public is encouraged to attend this meeting. The City Council
may consider such other matters as may come before it.
Mar lyn Be of , City Clerk 10/2/81
r
CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
SPECIAL FUNDS/FEDERAL REVENUE
SHARING
OCTOBER 9, 1981
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Falck called the Special Meeting to order
on Friday, October 9, 1981 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of
City Hall.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Walter W. Falck
Vice --Mayor Irving M. Disraelly
Councilman Irving Zemel
Councilman Philip B. Kravitz
Councilwoman Helen Massaro
ALSO PRESENT: City Attorney Arthur Birken
Finance Director Steve Wood
City Manager Laura Stuurmans
Mayor Falck read the Notice of Public Hearing. The following items
will be considered for discussion and action:
Mayor Falck stated that the discussion would be on City Budget not
County Budget.
Item #5: Deposits and Withdrawals of City Funds - Temp. Reso.1f2059
SYNOPSIS: Agendized by consent (see Page 5 )
Vice -Mayor Disraelly MOVED that they agendize by consent a resolution
pertaining to deposits and withdrawals of City Funds.
SECONDED by C/W Massaro.
VOTE: ALL VOTED AYE.
Item #1: Ad Valorem Taxes_- Tem . Reso. #2058. Discussion and possible
action to adopt the Ad Valorem tax rate to fund the General
Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 1981/82.
SYNOPSIS: Public hearing continued to Monday, October 12, 1981 at
5:05 p.m.
The City Attorney said that in 1980 the State Legislature set up what
they considered to be a response to Proposition 13. That response was
called the "Trim Bill". That state law sets forth the very detailed
procedures to be followed in the enactment of municipal budgets and
municipal tax rates. The City, in an effort to comply with the "Trim
Hill", which has a very detailed and stringent time requirement for
notice, inadvertantly had a typographical error in the notice that was
sent to the Fort Lauderdale Dews for the second hearing. Accordingly,
Council should conduct the public hearings which were announced for
tonight and should continue those public hearings until Monday at 5:05
p.m. at which time the public hearings should continue. A notice of
Monday's hearing was placed in the newspaper. On the question of the
millage rate itself, if the City Council desires to proceed in accord-
ance with the action that was taken on first reading (on October 1)
and set the millage rate at the roll -back rate (the amount of dollars
needed from ad valorem tax revenue sources to equal the amount of
dollars received last year). There has been some question on the
part of all the cities as to what assessment role from the Property
Appraiser is, in fact, to be followed. As Council recalls, in August
the City received certification from the Property Appraiser's office
under which our roll -back rate would have been 4.9594 mils. We
subsequently received a letter dated September 24, 1981 from the
Property Appraiser's office and under the term of that letter, the
roll -back rate should have been 4.644 mils. The resolution that was
- 1 -
10/9/81
/pm
enacted on October 1 was conveyed to the Property Appraiser's office.
They have been in touch with us and, while they have reservations
whether the second roll will be accepted, it is their opinion officially
that the City should use the figure setforth in the September 24th
letter and go with 4.644 mil figure as being the rolled -back rate.
They advised us today that the interim roll, if there is an interim
roll, will be the second assessment. Accordingly, it would be staff
recommendation that on Monday (if the information does not change),
that the Council proceed and go with the 4.644 mil figure if in fact
Council desires to adopt the roll --back rate. That would be a lower
millage figure for the people than the figure that is in the
Resolution.
To further comply with the "Trim Bill", Attorney Birken continued to
read in full the Tax Millage Resolution as proposed. Under that
"Trim Bill" the tax amount is to be discussed prior to discussion of
the budget. Subsequent to the enactment of the millage resolution
then Council may conduct a public hearing on the budget.
The Mayor addressed the public stating that the discussion will concern
the city budget and city millage; not assessments, county taxes, or
school taxes and opened the public hearing.
Mr. Don Pearlman addressed the Council saying that he has spoken to
several people and they have affirmed that the second assessment is
the right one. The first figure (4.9594) was prior to the 6% when
Mr. Markham was requested to raise the roll. He said one of the
faults he actually finds is what actually happened and why various
agencies say they are only going up 5% or 10% and yet the citizens
are receiving huge bills. Fie congratulated Virginia Taylor for being
present at a meeting concerning the school board commending her interest.
Fie stated that in the eastern part of the county, where most of the
county is being assessed at about 20% of what their resale values;
whereas, in the western portion we were at a 40% rate. With the new
assessments, a 50% rate is now being realized throughout the county.
He pointed out that the people living in the western portion were
not hurt as much as those in the eastern portion of the county
because of the difference in their percentage. Under normal
circumstances these bills should roll back the millage rates as long
as elected officials do not take advantage of these higher assessments.
As the assessments in the county increase, the state's obligation
back to the county is lessened. On August 10 the school board (with
a millage set by the state at 4.51) generated $93,000,000. They also
had another $31,000,000 generated in a Discretionary Fund. After they
passed that the County had to go up 6%. On the new hearing of Friday,
October 2, the school board (with the same 4.51 set by state law)
is going to generate $100,000,000. The Discretionary Funds should
have gone down $7,000,000 but it did not, it stayed stationary.
The state obligation on August 10 was going to contribute $143,000,000
to the county. Now, with the new taxes they are only going to
contribute $136,000,000. The point is, if Mr. Markham is going to be
asked to raise the millage assessments again, the taxation of the
people in the county is going to increase considerably because it
will not be rolled back because it is set by the state. Also, in 1980
Mr. Markham was supposed to raise all assessments county -wide but he
did not and now the state is requesting $30,000,000 from the county
(and the county is being sued because of this). If the state wins
this then approximately 3 mils from every citizen in this county will
have to be collected against the 1980 tax roll. If it goes any higher
the burden will be very great on the citizens. Mr. Pearlman asked that
the County should not take advantage of higher assessments and should
try to live within the inflationary 10% (approximate) over last years
operating dollars, trying to live within our means.
The Mayor closed the public hearing as no one else wanted to speak
on the subject of millage.
- 2 -
10/9/81
/pm
Vice -Mayor Disraelly 140VED that Temp. #2058 establishing the millage
be continued for public hearing until Monday at 5:05 p.m. on ad valorem
taxes.
C/W Massaro SECONDED.
VOTE: ALL VOTED AYE.
Item #2: General Fund Budget - Temp. Ord. #924 - Discussion and
Possible action to adopt the Budget not to exceed $8,103,444
for Fiscal Year 1981/82. Second Reading.
SYNOPSIS: Public hearing continued to Monday, October 12, 1981, at
5:05 p.m.
Attorney Birken read Temp. Ord. #924 by title.
Mayor Falck opened the discussion to the public.
Melanie Reynolds questioned the Council concerning rumors she heard
stating that, if the budget is passed, four people would be hired for
the Police Department. The Mayor said if, at that time, the Council
sees fit to hire four people, then this would be done.
Mr. Hyman Fox spoke next. He said he noticed an item "Polygraph
Machine", his question concerned whether there is anyone being hired
to run this machine or will it be of no value to the city.
Laura Stuurmans said it is a $3,000 expenditure and there is provision
in the budget for training of existing personnel..
Mr. Morris Landman said the amount the city expects to receive from
property taxes is $3,300,000; Is that part of an overall plan --
agricultural, industrial, commercial, business, residential?
Mr. Wood, Finance Director, said as a municipal government in Broward
County, the only information that is provided is the gross valuation
of all properties within the city limits. The Property Appraiser does
not break them down or index them in any way.
TAPE Mr. Landman next asked about the franchise taxes. He said he noticed
2 one in particular --the cable TV ---saying there is a $2,000 increase
from last year. Considering the number of people who have moved into
this city, along with the number who have increased their cable TV
service, it is a small amount that the city could be collecting from
them.
Mr. Wood said they get a certified figure from cable TV stating their
volume and the estimated figure from two years ago was only $18,000.
They received $20,000 and upgraded that to $22,000. He said they
would rather underestimate the income than overestimate the income
and find the city short if it doesn't come in.
Mr. Landman next referred to expenditures. Fie mentioned that he noticed
an increase in the amount for Finance Dept. elimination entirely of
"independent audit". He asked if the city was going to an in-house
auditor by bid?
Mr. Wood explained that there used to be a line item called "in --
dependent audit"; that line item has been incorporated under "G and A"
General and Administrative, expenditures because, basically that is
what it is. The auditing firm is Alexander Grant & Co. and is under
the competitive negotiations act.
Mr. Landman asked if the purchase of computers for the city would
reduce the labor force at all. C/W Massaro said that it merely permits
better service and more facts at the city's disposal at all times.
Mayor Falck stated that with the steady growth of the City, were it not
for the computers, there would be a greater need for more personnel.
10/9/81
/pm
r � �
Mr. Manny Bergman, from Westwood 24, said he noticed on the budget the
allocations for police vehicles, polygraph equipment, etc. but not the
addition of more patrolmen. His concerns lie with several burglaries
in his neighborhood. He questioned whether more police could be
obtained especially at night.
C/M Zemel answered by saying the average rate approved by police
associations around the country for the number of police,•officers
versus the number of residents is less than 2 to 1. Tamarac has more
than 2 for each thousand residents in the city. There are 50 police
officers plus 10 others who are supervisory and there are between
25 and 30 vehicles. There will be 2 police officers added to the force
this year with 2 police officers involved in code enforcement.
There are double shifts most of the week, there are certain days
where crime increases and the shift would double as needed; in order
to put one police officer on the street, five must be hired. C/M
Zemel mentioned that most of the burglaries that are taking place
occur in homes that are shut down for the summer.
Mr. Hyman Fox spoke next, and addressed the Mayor's question as to
whether Mr. Bergman and his neighbors had a crime watch program in
their area. He said the crime watch program would be more effective
if there was more publicity about crimes that occur in Tamarac. Ile
feels the City is neglectful in the crime reports that appear in
the newspapers and because of this, people are lulled into a false
sense of security. He said Sunrise Phase III is setting up a program
which his neighborhood is going to follow also. It requires the use
of CB and volunteers from the community; however, crime watch will not
be effective unless people know there are crimes in the neighborhood.
C/M Zemel said the accusations by reporters or anyone concerning the
alleged police cover-up of crimes in Tamarac is complete nonsense.
Anyone can ask for the Public Relations Officer of the Police Dept.
and get individual sheets for the crimes committed for the last 30
to 60 days.
Mr. Wolberg of Section 23 suggested more surveillance by the Council
of the Police. Fie asked the Council what they are doing concerning
purchasing equipment from the Government at no cost to the City.
C/M Zemel said that he can suggest to administration that they look
into this.
The Mayor asked for more discussion from the public; after no response
he closed this portion of the public hearing.
Vice -Mayor Disraelly MOVED to continue the public hearing on Temp.
Ord. #924, SECONDED by C/W Massaro.
VOTE: ALL VOTED AYE.
Item #3Special Funds: Temp. Ord. #917 - Discussion and possible action
to adopt the Capital Reserve, Debt Service, Parks & Recreation;
Police Education; Self Insurance; and Drainage Improvement
Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 1981/82 on Second Reading.
SYNOPSIS: Temp. #917 approved on Second Reading.
Ordinance No.17-1/- PASSED.
Attorney Birken read the Ordinance by title. Mayor Falck opened the
discussion to the public. No response was received so this portion
as closed.
C/W Massaro MOVED for the adoption of Temp. Ord. #917. SECONDED by
Vice -Mayor Disraelly.
VOTE: ALL VOTED AYE.
-- 4 -
10/9/81
/pm
Item #4: Federal Revenue Shaiing: Temp. Ord. #918 Discussion and
Possible action to adopt the annual Federal Revenue Sharing
Budget for the 13th Entitlement Period - Fiscal Year 1981/82
on Second Reading.
SYNOPSIS: Temp. Ord. #918 Approved on Second Reading.
Ordinance No. 0 -- & V PASSED
Attorney Birken read the Ordinance by title. Mayor Falck opened the
discussion to the public.
Melanie Reynolds addressed the Council asking what the amount of
$2,000 for Public Works is for? Laura Stuurmans answered that the
amount is for an ashphalt roller and for a utility bldg. and
appurtenances up at the complex; large subsidiary buildings where
paint and chemicals could be stored away from the workers. In
response to a question by Ms. Reynolds regarding communications
equipment, Ms. Stuurmans said the City hopes to create a communica-
tions network between the police, fire, public works and the utility
services --radio linkage on one frequency.
The public hearing was closed after no further response.
C/W Plassaro MOVED for the adoption of Temp. Ord. #918. SECONDED
by Vice -Mayor Disraell.y.
VOTE: ALL VOTED AYE.
Item #5: Deposits and Withdrawals of City Funds - Tem . Reso. #2059.
SYNOPSIS: Temp. #2059 Approved. Agendized by Consent.
Resolution 110.AO—Kl- 9/6 PASSED
Attorney Birken read the Resolution by title.
C/W Massaro MOVED for the adoption of Temp. Res. #2059. SECONDED by
Vice -Mayor Disraelly.
C/M Kravitz had two questions on the Resolution:
(1) Should it be Summit Bank since they were taken over by Gulf Stream?
(2) Seeing the signatures on that account it would seem, that as
liaison to Finance, that somewhere along the line the liaison
should be a signature on withdrawals on checks.
Mr. Birken answered that concerning the first question: the bank had
given a model resolution showing how the bank was modified; they have
not indicated that they were interested in the name being Gulf Stream.
They did provide the form resolution which we modified. On the second
question, the members of the Council would be decided among themselves.
The Mayor suggested adopting the Resolution and take it under
advisement.
VOTE: ALL VOTED AYE.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. by PZayor Falck.
ATTEST:
ASS'. CITY CLERK
-- 5 -
C4� & 4La
/*9tMAYOR
10/9/81
/pm
M
M
This public document was promulgated at a cost of $ or
$ � per copy, to inform the general public and public
officers and employees about recent opinions and considerations
by the City Council of the City of Tamarac.
APPROti� Oy
C! COUNCIL Oil
56�
10/9/81
/pm