HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-06 - City Commission Special Meeting Minutes CITY OF TAMARAC
STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Strategic Planning Workshop of the City
Commission to order at 8:50 a.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the Tamarac
Recreation Center, Citrus Room, 7501 N. University Drive, Tamarac, FL, 33321.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Debra Placko Commissioner Marlon
Bolton, and Commissioner Julie Fishman were in attendance. Commissioner Mike Gelin
joined the meeting at approximately 9:06 a.m.
Also in attendance: City Manager Michael C. Cernech, and City Attorney Samuel S. Goren.
Meeting Facilitators: The Champion Services Group, Inc. (CSG) Owner James Champion 3rd
and Tom Simmons.
Facilitator Champion noted this meeting is a continuation of the meeting on Monday,
February 4, 2019 and noted the purpose for these discussions are of fundamental elements
that make the City look from good to great. He also noted that what transpired during the
campaign period of a candidate and what transpires as a commissioner are two (2) different
things and as leaders, concentrate on the City's needs. Discussion ensued by Facilitator
Champion and the City Commission related to Strategic Plan, prioritizing
Joining the meeting at 11:30 a.m. were Assistant City Attorney David Tolces, Assistant City
Manager Kathleen Gunn, City Clerk Patricia Teufel, Financial Services Director Mark Mason,
Parks & Recreation Director Greg Warner, Building Official Claudio Grande, Public Services
Director Jack Strain, Information Technology Director Levent Sucuoglu, Community
Development Director Maxine Calloway, Fire Chief Percy Sayles, Human Resources Director
Lerenzo Calhoun, Assistant to the City Manager Laura Karpaviciute. Economic Development
Manager Lori Funderwhite, and BSO Captain Neal Glassman.
Facilitator Champion recessed the meeting at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:41 a.m.
Facilitator Champion set the tone of the Strategic Planning Session and went over the City's
Mission and Vision and Goals. He noted the Mission sets expectations and what the
benchmark is. The Goals are action oriented.
Facilitator Champion held a team exercise and compared the characteristics of a truck, a
bicycle built for two and for one person, and a helicopter about speed, parts, components and
efficiency.
CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
February 6, 2019 Page 1 of 7
Facilitator Champion recessed the meeting for lunch at 12:08 p.m. and reconvened at 12:23
p.m. resuming the team exercise. Teams reported out on their exercise. Facilitator Champion
noted characteristics of the report showed a collective effort, togetherness, flexibility and
speed, enabling to see what we need and where we are. A SWOT Analysis exercise
followed. Teams reported on their SWOT analysis and Mr. Champion provided feedback on
the reports out.
Facilitator Champion recessed the meeting at 1:16 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. A
Strategic Action Planning exercise followed. Departments validated and reported out on their
exercise and review all Goals for the departments.
Discussion took place as follows:
District 4- Vice Mayor Placko
The need for another session to drill down on specifically needs for their district
District 3- Commissioner Fishman
Leadership Tamarac — take it to the next level and start a Youth Council to work — (an
advisory team) with the City Commission on things that are important to them.
District 2- Commissioner E. Mike Gelin
Removing Red Light Cameras
Minority Outreach Program
Changing Notification of LUPA from 400 feet to 1,000 feet
Change Ordinance for New Home Development from 1 home 5 cars to 2 cars
Summer Interns that are paid — learning about personal finances
Running Track
Sister Cities
Better Communication with the residents regarding City Commission Meetings
Popular Financial Report— easier/simpler breakdown of the Proposed Budget
District 1- Commissioner Marlon Bolton
Needs session to discuss what he needs for his district
Youth Council idea is good
Identify Honor Roll Students from various schools — Bumper stickers to parents
City Commission Recognizes Students at Commission Meetings
More social media Policy - giving more expanded platform to each Commissioner's
level — getting the message across
CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
February 6, 2019 Page 2 of 7
Mayor At-Large — Mayor Gomez
Students to do the Pledge of allegiance, Proclamations — introducing children to more
involvement in the City-to get them involved in government
Recognize students
Agrees another session is needed
Facilitator Champion agreed to a 4-hour session to integrate the needs expressed by the City
Commission should it is agreed to proceed. Discussion ensued regarding recommendation.
Facilitator Champion received feedback from Commissioner Bolton related to meeting
productivity.
Commissioner Fishman talked about and defined what a City-Wide Resiliency Plan means.
Commissioner Gelin said City-Wide Resiliency Plan is too broad.
Vice Mayor Placko talked about Goals.
Commissioner Bolton talked about streamlining of the Hiring Process.
Human Resources Director Calhoun talked about paper job applications that are now
available on the NEO Gov electronic system and explained the process. He explained the
market is tight having to cut the time frame down in order not to lose candidates. Additionally,
Director Calhoun said there is an outside agency of physicians to conduct pre-employment
testing providing results in a short timeframe meeting different laws in place.
IT Director Sucuoglu responded to Mayor Gomez questions regarding Fiber Expansion and
phase timelines.
Mayor Gomez asked about having Wi-Fi on Parks after hours, start-off and cut-off time ability
of the City's Wi-Fi.
Mayor Gomez asked about Public Information Office projections, social media and based
conversion. Additional issues discussed: No electronic agenda — keep the Agenda Books;
Grant Program for Parks for Pups; Training Program for Firefighters regarding the DROP
Plan; Expanding hours for programs at the Tamarac Community Center on evening and
Sundays.
Assistant City Manager Kathleen Gunn talked about "Who are we as a Community" creating
an image of who Tamarac is, beautification falling into different departments, Public Art —
CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
February 6, 2019 Page 3 of 7
what it is making a destination, Parks & Recreation enhancing current parks, capturing old
and young communities.
Director Sucuoglu talked about plans for beautification, goals to be a Smart City,
digital/directional signs to be part of the parks, as a national element of design/construction.
A consensus was made by the City Commission to provide their input now instead of at
another meeting, with all in agreement.
City Commission indicated their priorities as follows:
Julie Fishman — City-Wide Resiliency Plan
Rework of committee structure and engagement with Commission
related to committee's discussions at meetings and gave an example.
Greg Warner noted committee structure needs to be tweaked, appointments and current
board losing touch.
Commissioner Fishman talked about board volunteers — look at the structure and find if we
have the committees needed. Commissioner Gelin talked about interaction. City Manager
Cernech talked about successful partnerships vital to the City, embracing the advisory boards
provide opportunities, ideas and recommendations. Regarding the Public Art Committee, City
Manager Cemech noted the City Commission needs to provide direction and offered ideas on
the types of Committees that may be used such as Ad Hoc Committees and others.
Vice Mayor Placko -Medical Mile Corridor and McNab Corridor— needs to know the Vision on
the redevelopment and the Long-term goals on the 2040 Strategic Plan
in order to be sensitive to the community. Commissioner Gelin talked
branding that area to attract medical businesses and to read the
paperwork receive to be able to ask questions. City Manager Cernech
talked about University Corridor and should be brought back for further
discussion on corridor redevelopment/enhancement and the impact on
the community. Vice Mayor Placko talked about branding, image, and
the need to take it a step further and decide on "who are we" realistically
and with that comes the beautification effort.
Commissioner Bolton — talked about the free paint program as houses look depressed.
Revitalizing houses not just in his district but other districts as well.
Assistant City Manager Gunn noted contacting Habitat for Humanity as they have a Pressure
Cleaning and Paint Program.
CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
February 6, 2019 Page 4 of 7
Commissioner Bolton talked about renaming District 1 — provided examples such as East
Side Tamarac or Historic Tamarac. Discussion ensued renaming each
district based on for example, Tamarac Downtown. He noted to give an
identity to each district. Commissioner Bolton talked about District 1
Revitalization Project and gave examples comparing to Cities like
Sunrise and plans for visibility.
Mayor Gomez talked about district 2 and also discussed signage, all generations and people
being informed.
Commissioner Bolton expressed his surprise when he was advised how much money was
spent in District 1 and suggested having the information available for
public knowledge.
Commissioner Gelin talked about Small Business Opportunities, Transparency and informing
the residents.
Commissioner Bolton noted he asked Grecia with the help of Laura Karpaviciute to list ideas
to recap of what the meeting was, how to implement and e-mail the
information to all residents, and place on residents' doors with the intent
of informing all residents. Giving a chance for residents not in favor to be
notified and voice their concerns.
Mayor Gomez agrees with all the discussions that have been suggested today. Added her
items of choice:
Medical Mile — University Hospital Image — support Tamarac Hospitals
24-hour Code Enforcement — having more officers will help communities,
i.e. parking cars after-hours.
Commissioner Fishman items of choice:
Schools and Education
Stakeholder Group
Reading Centers throughout the City
Vice Mayor Placko talked about the Free-Paint program.
Assistant City Attorney Tolces noted non-profit organizations select a house & pressure
cleaned homes, painting homes on Saturdays.
Assistant City Manager Gunn talked about Condos in need of a facelift.
CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
February 6, 2019 Page 5 of 7
Commissioner Bolton noted the Beautification Program should be expanded to include
painting. Community Development Director Calloway will look into incorporating painting to
the program. Mayor Gomez requested before and after pictures be taken showing support on
the initiative.
Commissioner Bolton noted Tamagram pages with City Commission names and pictures.
Commissioner Gelin talked about having e-mails, electronic sign up for District Meetings, and
adopting Sister Cities Program for people to learn about other cultures. PIO Sr. Strategic
Communications Officer Elise Boston noted the TAG newsletter released quarterly, and the
monthly Electronic New Letter. Mayor Gomez held additional discussion about residents'
feedback on wanting to receive the information and how often to receive it.
Commissioner Bolton now likes the TAG and talked about how his mother-in-law uses the
newsletter. He talked about app notification of events and newsletter links on website. Mayor
Gomez talked about the newsletter and it must have consistency. Commissioner Bolton
suggested each City Commission having a link to their newsletter. Facilitator Champion
added it must have consistency and structure. Commissioner Fishman suggested the idea to
push One Tamarac and why for each Official to attend the event.
Mayor Gomez talked about business recognition to those around for a long time and for their
commitment to the City and recognize new businesses. Facilitator Champion talked about
business such as Big Cheese Restaurant displaying signed pictures of players and the
President of University of Miami saying this is the place to come. Acknowledging the
relationship with businesses build as well as with the constituents. Mayor Gomez talked
about signage, and pictures with residents at the events and photos at galleries for the event.
Commissioner Bolton shared comments from the owner of the Rejoice Café, who
approached him and stated that the Tamagram gave his business increased exposure.
Commissioner Bolton made a suggestion for signage at those communities in need. Mayor
Gomez talked about the signage cost, and communities without an HOA.
Mayor Gomez suggested the following programs:
Play Ball 2019
Cities for Puppies
AARP Program
Obesity Program
Commissioner Gelin
TAG to be Commission focused
CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
February 6, 2019 Page 6 of 7
Pictures of residents at events with City Commission Members.
City Commission agreed with Facilitator Champion that the process just completed was
encouraging. Facilitator Champion asked City Manager to coordinate the next step, 4-hour
session, finalizing the exercise and opened the floor for the City Commission to comment on
their session experience today.
Facilitator Champion closed the session noting the session was proactive and should keep
that momentum moving forward. He noted this session was a good challenge and asked the
City Commission to remember to have mutual respect, dignity and to honor tradition while
pioneering change.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:01 p.m.
Lillian Pabon, CMG
Assistant City Clerk
CITY COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
February 6, 2019 Page 7 of 7