HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-04 - City Commission Strategic Planning Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
CITY COMMISSION AND EXECUTIVE TEAM
WOODMONT COUNTRY CLUB
MAY 4, 2001
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Schreiber called the Strategic Planning Workshop to
order at 9:00 a.m., at Woodmont Country Club, Tamarac, Florida.
PRESENT: Mayor Joe Schreiber, Vice Mayor Marc L. Sultanof, Commissioner
Edward C. Portner, Commissioner Gertrude Mishkin (arrived at 9:45 a.m.), and
Commissioner Karen L. Roberts.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Jeffrey L. Miller, City Attorney Mitchell S. Kraft,
Assistant City Attorney Vanessa T. Steinerts, Assistant to the City Manager
Kristin McKew, Personnel Director/Interim Assistant City Manager Maria
Swanson, Fire Chief Jim Budzinski, BSO Chief Kenneth Dugger, Community
Development Director J. Christopher King, Interim Public Information Officer
Diane Phillips, Finance Director Robert Lange, Recreation Superintendent Greg
Warner, Building Official Paul Gioia, Information Technology Director Levent
Sucuoglu, Utilities Director Raymond Gagnon, Public Works Director Raj Verma,
City Clerk Marion Swenson and Lucy Crockett.
City Manager Miller welcomed everyone to the Strategic Planning Workshop and
welcomed Lucy Crockett to Tamarac as the new Public Information Officer. Ms.
Crockett will begin working for the City the end of May.
Community Development Director J. Christopher King gave a presentation on
public facilities, and spoke about possible locations for the fire station,
development services facility and swim central. There was discussion about the
cost of a one-story building versus a two-story building. Mayor Schreiber asked if
the construction of the Fire Station at the Public Works Compound would distract
from Tamarac Commerce Park, and Community Development Director King said
it would enhance the park and insurance rates might drop because of the
proximity of the fire station. Community Development Director King reviewed the
cost of the new buildings: a 10,000 sq. ft. building would cost about $1.2 million;
a 15,000 sq. ft. building about $1.6 million; and a 20,000 sq. ft. building about
$2.3 million. Commissioner Roberts asked about the comparative costs for a
one-story building and a two-story building and Building Official Paul Gioia said
there would be a 30% differential.
Vice Mayor Sultanof left the meeting at 9.35 a.m.
Commissioner Roberts asked about the cost if the buildings were not connected,
and Community Development Director King said they would then need to install
an elevator at the Public Works Building. Community Development Director King
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May 4, 2001
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said even if the buildings were not connected, he would recommend
improvements to the facade. Building Official Gioia said if the buildings are not
connected, then two elevators would be needed, and it would cost about
$51,000. Commissioner Portner asked what the difference in cost is between an
elevator and an escalator, and Building Official Gioia said an escalator costs half
of what an elevator would cost, but ADA does not permit escalators.
Commissioner Mishkin arrived at 9:45 a.m.
Fire Chief Budzinski said a two-story building saves land area, but there is no
difference in the function of the building. Community Development Director King
discussed land use with regard to one-story and two-story buildings, and said at
the public works complex there is more land, so a one-story building could be put
there, which could be designed to accommodate a second story in the future.
Commissioner Roberts spoke about conserving the wetlands. There was
discussion about whether Tamarac would need more or less services in the
future, and discussion about building more than is needed right now.
Commissioner Roberts said she did not want the same thing to happen that
happened to the Community Center, and Commissioner Portner said Tamarac
must look to the future, and he felt it would be better to construct a two-story
building now. Community Development Director King said if it were the
Commission's directive to continue on this path, the City would hire an architect
and engineer and direct them to draw up plans for both a one-story building and
a two-story building and bring the layouts to the Commission for their
determination. Commissioner Mishkin asked if the architects would also give a
dollar amount to increase a one-story building to a two-story building at a later
date. Commissioner Roberts asked if the City had looked into Federal or State
funds for the Fire Station, and Chief Budzinski said there are Fire Grant
programs available through FEMA but they are not for structures, only for
programs and equipment. Special Projects Coordinator/Interim Public
Information Officer Diane Phillips said there is not too much money available for
construction, but she has asked FAU to do some research to see if there is
anything available. Community Development Director King spoke about the last
option that was discussed at the previous strategic planning session, the sale of
City property and then using the money to purchase an alternative location.
Community Development Director King said realtors had been contacted and his
staff did a vacant land inventory; there are 38 sites available some of which could
be combined to two -acre sites for the fire station. Community Development
Director King said the City is looking at about $1 million for two acres, and said
this option is not part of the task force's recommendation. The Task Force's
recommendation is $2.2 million for the fire station, $500,000 for the aquatic
center and $1.2 million for a 10,000 sq. ft. development services building. There
was discussion about using the $4.2 million dollars. Mayor Schreiber asked
about the time element and Community Development Director King said the
Building Department's lease is up in 2003, which is about the time the buildings
would be completed. Commissioner Roberts asked if the money used for the
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May 4, 2001
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Building Department Lease and the Public Works Trailer is included in the above
monies, and Finance Director Robert Lange said it is not factored in. Community
Development Director King said the monies used for the Building Department
Lease and the Public Works Trailer will be used to pay off the debt when the
facility is built. Commissioner Roberts asked if bonds could be used for the Fire
Station, and City Manager Miller said it is an alternative, however it is not
recommended because of the time element. City Manager Miller confirmed that
the Commission's direction is to go ahead and proceed to build the budget based
on these issues.
Recreation Superintendent Greg Warner gave a presentation on the Lennar
Property and the Caporella Property. The Lennar property is an addition to the
existing park and there is less lot clearing to do, however the size and shape is
not conducive to efficient use of the space. The Caporella property can hold four
baseball fields in a wheel concept, a concession stand and storage area,
skateboard park, two roller hockey rinks, four tennis courts, four baseball courts,
a passive area and special events area. Commissioner Roberts asked if this
would use the entire 46 acres, and Recreation Superintendent Warner said it
would, and the shape and size is better than the Lennar property, and since it is
bordered on all four sides, the security issues are better, plus it is close to the
new elementary school. However there would be major lot clearing necessary.
There are neighborhoods on the north side of the property and the ball fields
would be lighted at night, so consideration needs to be given to low glare lights
and traffic patterns. Mayor Schreiber spoke about removing 46 acres of
development and possible tax dollars. Mayor Schreiber said Lennar is willing to
sell the 15-acre parcel. Commissioner Roberts asked if the ball fields could be
put on the Lennar property, and Recreation Superintendent Warner said the ball
fields could not be relocated but could be reconfigured and it would be costly.
City Manager Miller said the Commission is not being asked to choose between
the two properties at this time, but they are being asked to authorize the City
Manager to begin discussions with both parties.
Mayor Schreiber called for a recess at 10.15 a.m. The workshop meeting
reconvened at 10:45 a.m. with all present as before.
Vice Mayor Sultanof returned to the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
Finance Director Robert Lange discussed funding options for acquisition of
parks, and asked the Commission to authorize City officials to negotiate deferred
purchase of property until grant funding is determined. There was discussion
about establishment of a funding source dedicated to retirement of debt and
placing park acquisition on the next ballot for debt funding. Commissioner
Roberts said she is not sure about moving forward with parks acquisition since
there was already a County bond in place, and she felt bonds for a fire station
would be more easily sold, which would free up money for debt service. Finance
Director Lange said the City needs to move forward with the Fire Station and
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Development Services Building, and said there already is a program in place for
that. Commissioner Roberts asked about federal grants for parks and Interim
Public Information Officer/Special Project Coordinator Diane Phillips said there is
some federal land money opening later this summer and Tamarac has reserved
the right to apply, however, the largest amount of money available for acquisition
of land is the County money. There was discussion about when to put forth a
referendum for the fire house, and Assistant to the City Manager Kristin McKew
said there is no County election scheduled for this fall, so the options are to wait
until the general election in March 2002 or hold a special election for the
referendum question. City Manager Miller said Tamarac made an application
through the County for both properties, and he suggested that the Commission
authorize him to continue lobbying efforts with the County Commissioners and
the 22 members of the Committee. City Manager Miller also asked the
Commissioners to authorize himself and the City Attorney to approach both
property owners to find out if they are willing to sell their properties, if they are
willing to finance the properties and what kind of terms can be arrived at. If the
properties are in negotiations with the City it buys time to allow the grant process
to work. If Caporella does not want to sell his property it will push the City in the
direction of the Lennar property. Commissioner Roberts said she wants to try for
both pieces. City Manager Miller said if Lennar holds firm on its price that may
be difficult, but they have given the City every courtesy so far. Finance Director
Lange said if the City sells bonds, then the unused portion can be sold to apply
revenue to retirement of debt and the unused property goes back on the tax
roles. Commissioner Roberts asked, regarding the Caporella piece, if the County
gives money toward it, can it be used for anything other than a park, and Interim
Public Information Officer/Special Project Coordinator Phillips said the money
would have to be used for a park. City Manager Miller said Tamarac should
continue its contact with the County. Commissioner Portner suggested the
County purchase half of the Caporella property and the School Board purchase
the other half. City Manager Miller said it would be a good plan except for the
fact that the School Board does not move quickly enough.
Assistant to the City Manager Kristin McKew spoke about refocusing back to
Tamarac 2000, and said Tamarac has been working on strategic planning since
1996.
Recreation Superintendent Greg Warner gave a presentation on parkland and
City facilities, present and future. Commissioner Roberts asked about
replacement cost for equipment at the Community Center, and Recreation
Superintendent Warner responded. Mayor Schreiber asked how many acres
McNab Park encompasses, and Recreation Superintendent Warner said eight
acres. Mayor Schreiber said he did not want this park to become another
Woodmont area, and Commissioner Roberts said the Woodmont area park is a
result of what the Parks and Recreation Board members wanted; a passive park
with nature trails. Vice Mayor Sultanof said the McNab Park is not the same as
the one on NW 80 Street, because that one only has trails and it is under the
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jurisdiction of the County. Recreation Superintendent Warner said the design of
the McNab Park is not a passive park, and it will bring families. Commissioner
Portner asked about exercise stations at the park, and Recreation
Superintendent Warner said they are included.
Commissioner Roberts asked why the computer lab at the Community Center is
only available for seniors, and Recreation Superintendent Warner said the
program is being expanded to cater to all ages. Commissioner Roberts asked
about an amphitheater, parking and playground at the McNab Park site, and
Interim Public Information Officer/Special Project Coordinator Phillips responded.
Public Works Director Raj Verma gave a presentation on road resurfacing and
said when Phase III is completed, 75% of the roads in Tamarac will be done.
Public Works Director Verma discussed the revenue bonds and said 85% of the
money must be expended before August 2002. Commissioner Portner asked
about meeting the deadline and possible penalties if the deadline is not met.
Finance Director Lange spoke about arbitrage and there was discussion about
spending 85% of the bond money before August 2002. Vice Mayor Sultanof
suggested bringing in a project person to assist in meeting the deadline, and
Public Works Director Verma said he is not comfortable with bringing in
someone, because then that person would have to be supervised. There was
discussion about the cost overrun of $1.5 million, due to an increase in the cost
for asphalt. Commissioner Roberts suggested looking at a leaner landscaping to
minimize future and up front costs. Mayor Schreiber spoke about establishing a
beautification fund. Commissioner Mishkin said McNab Road across from Winn
Dixie looks lovely.
City Manager Miller said he would like to hear the Commission's comments
based on this morning's discussions. Commissioner Portner said he would like
to direct the City Manager to continue negotiations for the purchase of land. Vice
Mayor Sultanof said there is no question that he wants a high school, and
Tamarac is on the right track. Staff does a marvelous job, and he would like to
see the City Manager try to get hold of everything that Tamarac can put its hands
on.
Utilities Director Raymond Gagnon gave a presentation on water quality. Vice
Mayor Sultanof asked why, with a water shortage, are we allowing Culligan to
bottle water, and Utilities Director Gagnon said it is a financial issue. There was
discussion about the County meter. Commissioner Mishkin said she was very
impressed with the water plant.
Mayor Schreiber recessed the Strategic Planning Workshop at 12:10 p.m. Mayor
Schreiber reconvened the Strategic Planning Workshop at 1:15 p.m., with
everyone present as before except Commissioner Mishkin who was excused.
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Building Official Paul Gioia gave a presentation on abandoned property. Vice
Mayor Sultanof asked how Tamarac handles absentee ownership, and Building
Official Gioia responded.
Community Development Director King gave a presentation on schools, library
and post office. Community Development Director King said the elementary
school is slated to open in August 2001, and the middle school in 2002.
Additionally, Tamarac will try to get a high school on the Caporella parcel.
Regarding the library, there has been one meeting with the artist selected by
Broward County, and he has asked to come to a workshop to show what has
been done in the past and get ideas as to how to proceed. There has been one
public meeting with residents. Mayor Schreiber said even though the county is
building the library; Tamarac wants input into how it is going to look. Community
Development Director King said the artist will be working on the inside of the
facility, and the architect will be drawing renderings of the outside of the building.
Community Development Director King said he has not met with the architect yet.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said at his last meeting with Mr. Morrison he suggested a
children's wing on one side of the building and a photo/art gallery on the other
side. Community Development Director King said there will be a children's area
on one side of the facility and a senior section on the east side of the facility
overlooking the lake. There may also be an outside plaza and water fountain.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said he knows of a woman in Boca Raton who does
sculptures and may donate some to the library. Commissioner Roberts and Vice
Mayor Sultanof said the Commission should see the plans before anything is
done. Mayor Schreiber asked whether each library is design built, and
Community Development Director said each one is design built. Commissioner
Portner asked whether the architect is taking the Community Center into
consideration and Community Development Director King said it was stressed
that the facility should look similar to or compliment the Community Center. A
site plan should be available in the fall and construction should begin next year
with completion anticipated the summer of 2002.
Mayor Schreiber said he received a communication from John Potter, Chief
Operating Officer for the post office, which said that Tamarac does not need a
post office. Mayor Schreiber requested a postal store because he feels Tamarac
needs that type of facility so the residents can get the services they need at the
same price they would pay at the post office. Vice Mayor Sultanof said he had a
conversation with package stores at Point Plaza and the Marketplace, and they
are trying to get a contract to operate the same type of postal store that was in
Eckerds on Pine Island Road. Package stores can do all types of mail, and it
may be advisable for Tamarac to encourage these two people in their efforts,
even if it will cost residents one or two cents more for services. Commissioner
Roberts said people do not want to pay more. Community Development Director
King said the City would continue to work with the Post Office to get a new larger
post office for Tamarac.
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City Clerk Marion Swenson gave a presentation on Charter and Code Revisions.
Mayor Schreiber said the Commission should determine the need for a full time
Charter Board or whether it would better serve the City as an appointed board.
Vice Mayor Sultanof said a referendum question should be drafted to have them
removed as an elected board and made an appointed board. Commissioner
Portner said this was talked about six months ago, and City Attorney Kraft said
there was no consensus six months ago, but if the Commission expresses
interest in changing the Charter Board from an elected to an appointed board, he
will draft the appropriate paperwork. There was unanimous consensus to have
the Charter Board as an appointed board.
Mayor Schreiber thanked everyone for attending the meeting and adjourned the
strategic planning workshop at 1:55 p.m.
MARION SW NSON, CMC
CITY CLERK
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May 4, 2001
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