HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-13 - City Commission Special Meeting Minutes CITY OF TAMARAC
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Commission Meeting of the City of Tamarac to
order at 5:11 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2019, in City Commission Chambers, Tamarac
City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Debra Placko, Commissioner Marlon
Bolton, Commissioner Mike Gelin and Commissioner Julie Fishman were in attendance.
Also in attendance were City Manager Michael Cernech, City Attorney Samuel S. Goren and
Assistant City Clerk Lillian Pabon.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Gomez welcomed everyone and said this is a Special Meeting of the City Commission
of the City of Tamarac to hold Public Hearings on the Annual Fire Assessment, the Annual
Stormwater Utility Management Fee Assessment, the Annual Solid Waste Collection
Services Assessment, the Nuisance Abatement Assessment and the setting of the Tentative
Millage Rate and the Tentative City Budget for Fiscal Year 2020. These public hearings are
the culmination of an entire year's work by this City Commission, the City Manager and staff.
For the benefit of the public tonight, the City Commission held workshops throughout the year
as well as a budget workshop on June 19, 2019 to provide direction to the staff on this
submittal. Mayor Gomez thanked her colleagues on the dais for their participation at the
workshops and for their suggestions when deliberated on the staff recommendations.
City Manager Cernech made the following statement: "The City of Tamarac has used the Fire
Rescue Assessment since 1997 to provide specific funding for the purpose of providing fire
rescue services in the City of Tamarac. As the City Commission is aware, the Fire Rescue
Assessment has been determined to be an equitable and efficient methodology to use in
apportioning the cost of Fire Rescue Services to improved properties thus reducing the
overall burden on the ad valorem tax rate. The residential rate for FY 2020 will remain at
$350 per dwelling unit with no change from last year. The City conducted a study on the Fire
Rescue Assessment in 2016 and based upon calls for service and a five- year budget
forecast for the cost of providing Fire Rescue Services, Staff recommends the City
Commission approve the rates that have been proposed and approved for publication at the
July 10, 2019 Preliminary Fire Assessment Rate hearing and subsequently advertised for
public hearing on August 18, 2019."
1. TR13317 - Fire Rescue Special Assessment - A Resolution of the City Commission of
the City of Tamarac, Florida, relating to the provision of Fire Rescue Services, facilities and
programs in the City of Tamarac, Florida; reimposing Fire Rescue Assessments against
Assessed Property located within the City of Tamarac for the fiscal year beginning October 1,
2019; approving the rate of assessment; approving the Assessment Roll; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; providing an effective date.
City Attorney Goren read TR13317 by title into the record. Financial Services Director Mark
Mason gave a presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Gomez
Page 1 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019
opened the floor for Commission discussion. Mayor Gomez opened the Public Hearing and
with no one wishing to speak, closed the Public Hearing. Vice Mayor Placko seconded by
Commissioner Bolton moved for the approval of TR13317. Motion passed unanimously (5-
0).
RESOLUTION R-2019-91
City Manager Cernech made the following statement: "The City of Tamarac has been using a
special assessment for the collection of the Stormwater Utility Management Services Fees
since 2014. This assessment is an equitable and efficient method of allocating and collecting
the Stormwater Utility Management Services Fee Assessed Cost among all the parcels in the
City. The rate per equivalent residential unit (ERU) for FY 2020 is $131.60 and is an increase
of $3.81 or 3% over the previous year in accordance with our Code of Ordinances. Staff
recommends the City Commission approve the rate that has been proposed and approved
for publication at the July 10, 2019 Preliminary Stormwater Utility Management Fee
Assessment Rate hearing and subsequently advertised for public hearing on August 18,
2019."
2. TR13318 - Stormwater Management Fee Assessment: A Resolution of the City
Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, relating to the levy and collection of the City's
Stormwater Management Utility Fee within the municipal boundaries of the City of Tamarac
for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019; Approving, confirming, and adopting the
Stormwater Management Utility Fee and Stormwater Management Utility Fee roll; providing
for other matters relating to the levy and collection of the Stormwater Management Utility Fee
on the annual property tax bills; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and providing
for an effective date.
City Attorney Goren read TR13318 by title into the record. Finance Director Mason gave a
presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Gomez opened the
floor for Commission discussion. Public Services Director Jack Strain appeared and
responded to questions from Commissioner Gelin regarding how Stormwater fees are used.
Director Strain talked about the frequency of pump stations maintenance of all catch basins,
cleaning system and annual program to replace the headwalls. Director Strain noted the City
is rated 6 for Flood Insurance and briefly noted some of the measures taken in preparation of
Hurricane Dorian. Mayor Gomez opened the Public Hearing and with no one wishing to
speak, closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Gelin seconded by Vice Mayor Placko
moved approval of TR13318. Motion passed with Commissioner Bolton dissenting (4-1).
RESOLUTION R-2019-92
City Manager Cernech made the following statement: "The City of Tamarac has been using a
special assessment for residential solid waste collection services since 2013. This
assessment is an equitable and efficient method of allocating and collecting the Residential
Solid Waste Collection Services Assessed Cost among single family residential type parcels.
The residential rate for FY 2020 is $278.75 per residential dwelling unit receiving curbside
pickup which is no change from Fiscal Year 2019 and includes the cost of RecycleBank for
recycling services approved by the City Commission. Staff recommends the City
Commission approve the rate that has been proposed and approved for publication at the
July 10, 2019 Preliminary Solid Waste Collection Services Assessment Rate hearing and
subsequently advertised for public hearing on August 18, 2019."
Page 2 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019
3. TR13319 - Solid Waste Assessment: A Resolution of the City of Tamarac, Florida, relating
to the provision of Residential Solid Waste Collection Services in the City of Tamarac,
Florida; approving the Assessment Rate for Residential Solid Waste Collection Services for
the fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2019; imposing a Residential Solid Waste Collection
Assessment against Assessed Property located within the City of Tamarac for the fiscal year
beginning on October 1, 2019; providing for severability; providing for conflicts; and providing
an effective date.
City Attorney Goren read TR13319 by title into the record. Finance Director Mason gave a
presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Gomez opened the
floor for Commission discussion. Mayor Gomez opened the Public Hearing and with no one
wishing to speak, closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Fishman seconded by Vice
Mayor Placko moved approval of TR13319. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).
RESOLUTION R-2019-93
City Manager Cernech made the following statement: "In 2012, the City Commission adopted
the Public Nuisance Abatement Ordinance. As part of that ordinance, the City Commission
authorized the use of special assessments for amounts billed but unpaid as of June 1 of the
year following the abatement of the public nuisance. The City abated four (4) public
nuisances between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019 on four (4) properties one of which has
paid. The remaining amounts are delinquent as of this date. City Staff has prepared the
special assessments against each property with unsettled liens, the total of which is
$3,143.21 to be collected on the tax bills for Fiscal Year 2020. This is the seventh year using
this type of assessment. Staff recommends the City Commission approve the Public
Nuisance Abatement Special Assessment that was approved for publication at the July 10,
2019 Preliminary Public Nuisance Abatement Assessments hearing and subsequently
advertised for public hearing on August 18, 2019."
4. TR13320 - Nuisance Abatement Assessment: A Resolution of the City Commission of the
City of Tamarac, Florida, relating to the provision of Nuisance Abatement on certain real
properties by the City in accordance with Chapter 9, Article II, Division V of the City's Code of
Ordinances; approving the collection of a Nuisance Abatement Special Assessment on real
property that has been specially benefited by the City's abatement of nuisances thereon;
approving a Nuisance Abatement Assessment roll; providing for conflict; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Goren read TR13320 by title into the record. Finance Director Mason gave a
presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Gomez opened the
floor for Commission discussion. Commissioner Gelin asked if in addition to the
advertisement, additional notification was sent to homeowners. Director Mason explained it is
entirely a Code Enforcement process. City Attorney Goren noted the procedures are provided
for by State Statute and the City Code and allows respondents to appeal to the City
Commission for relief, which is included in the notice sent to the respondents. Mayor Gomez
opened the Public Hearing and with no one wishing to speak, closed the Public Hearing.
Vice Mayor Placko seconded by Commissioner Bolton moved approval of TR13320. Motion
passed unanimously (5-0).
RESOLUTION R-2019-94
Page 3 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019
Mayor Gomez made the following statement: "This is the first public hearing for establishing
the Operating Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2020. A second public hearing on Temporary
Ordinance Number 2408 will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 5:05 pm."
City Manager Cernech made the following statement: "In accordance with the Truth in Millage
requirements of Florida Statutes, the City is required to announce the percentage difference
between the proposed millage rate and the rolled-back rate. As such, the following is read
into the record: The proposed operating millage rate of 7.2899 mills for Fiscal Year 2020
is .5828 mills or 8.69% more than the rolled-back rate of 6.7071 mills. That concludes
my statement."
5. TO2408 - FY 2020 Millage Rate Ordinance: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the
City of Tamarac, Florida to Establish and Levy Ad Valorem Taxes Within the Corporate Limits
of the City of Tamarac, Florida, for the Tax Year 2019; Providing for the Levy of Ad Valorem
Taxes in the Amount of 7.2899 Mills ($7.2899 Per $1,000) Based Upon the Taxable Value on
Non-Exempt Real and Personal Property Located Within the City Limits of the City of
Tamarac; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing for an Effective
Date.
City Attorney Goren read T02408 by title into the record. Finance Director Mason gave a
presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Director Mason talked about
the Rolled-back Rate as established by statute to reflect that it would bring the same amount
of revenue from the prior year plus new growth. He also talked about the Save Our Homes
plus exemption (SHO). Mayor Gomez opened the floor for Commission discussion.
Commissioner Bolton talked about the reasons why he was against the Millage rate were
Tamarac working families that cannot afford to pay their tax bill and gave examples of
disparity between home values. He noted in addition to the City's property taxes, there are111
other components on their tax bill increasing the total tax bill due. Commissioner Bolton noted
how the millage rate drives the budget and this year's budget for District 1. Commissioner
Bolton talked about FY20 Budget containing significant projects revitalizing the East of
Tamarac and named various projects such as the proposed Light Up the East Project at an
approximate cost of $110,000 for the first year, $50,000 for the 2nd year and $50,000 for the
3rd year. Other projects identified on the Budget are the purchase of land adjacent to
Caporella Park that will add parking spaces and facilitate events. Proposed public art fences
for Caporella Park. Enhancement to Caporella Park are at an approximate cost of
$2,707,000. He is proposing public art fences at Mainlands Park and noted to be looking for
neighborhood signage for District 1 at various residential communities like The Boulevards of
Tamarac, Bermuda Club, Courts at Woodland, Tamarac Lakes South, Mainlands 1 & 2,
Mainlands 7, Fountains of Tamarac Condominium, The Woodglen, Village at Woodlake and
Shaker Village. He continued noting other projects that are contingent on the approval of the
proposed Millage Rate of 7.2899 mills such as Police and Fire Fighters Pay, a Partnership
with Shaker Village, an East of 441 Project at an approximate cost of $2.977 million dollars
that is subject to a feasibility study and of the funding of the Woodland Park, making the
millage rate work for the residents. Commissioner Bolton talked about Tamarac residents
receiving water from the City of Fort Lauderdale and noted the Tuscan Villas community is in
the Fort Lauderdale water system. He talked about infrastructure projects like planning and
design and subsequent construction of the eastside water supply should be supplied from the
West of the City. Commissioner Bolton thanked Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Placko,
Commissioner Gelin and Commissioner Fishman for supporting District 1 residents.
Page 4 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019
Director Mason responded to Commissioner Gelin's questions regarding the term
"Operations", the expense percentage portion of the budget and dedication of monies. He
111 talked about the millage rate and noted Community Development department supports the
City and noted the divisions of Planning and Zoning and of Code Enforcement represent 25%
of the Budget. Commissioner Gelin asked what portion of his tax bill is allocated to the City of
Tamarac and Director Mason responded 33%. Director Mason noted examples of items
affected if the budget is reduced by 2.89%. Information Technology Director Levent Sucuoglu
talked about the IT position requested in the budget. Vice Mayor Placko left the meeting at
6:34 p.m. returning at 6:38 p.m. Director Sucuoglu noted the need for a Lead Enterprise
Applications Services position to modernize Municipal applications 20 years old, reported
having 190 contracts, and different technology that demands increase in manpower. He
responded to Commissioner Gelin question regarding funding, stating the department follows
best practices and provided examples. Commissioner Fishman left the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
returning at 6:41 p.m. Commissioner Gelin inquired about communication efforts. Public
Information Officer Elise Bolton noted there are many things behind the scene, talked about
the strategic planning direction, community channels that covers broad spectrums, presence
in social media such as U-Tube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and every communication
outlet. Community Development Director Maxine Calloway talked about the general roll and
the three divisions within the department, Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning, and
Business License receipts, in need of an additional staff position as it currently has one staff
member providing support. Commissioner Gelin inquired about popular financial reports and
Director Mason responded the CAFER condensed report and the budget is available on the
City's Website. Commissioner Gelin noted the City is transparent. Mayor Gomez noted the
Budget is searchable. Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 6:48 p.m. reconvening at 7:06
p.m.
Mayor Gomez opened the public hearing. Resident Ana Fernandez, residing at 9838 West
McNab Road appeared and thanked Commissioner Bolton for supporting residents regarding
the tax bill. She talked about Commissioner salaries higher than other cities and the millage
rate. Director Mason talked about 11 taxing authorities, Tamarac is 1, cost of operations gone
up and the rate for North Lauderdale 7.4 mills, Hollywood 7.4665 mills, Lauderhill 8.98 mills,
and Fort Lauderdale 4.1193 mills. Commissioner Gelin noted the City of Fort Lauderdale
4.1193 mills has to do with the fact of having more homes and businesses. Ms. Fernandez
asked if City Commission positions were part-time or full-time. Commissioner Gelin
responded it is based on the Commissioner as he attends two Commission Workshops and
two Regular meetings per month, attends HOA monthly meetings, attends Churches on
Sundays, fields e-mail and engages with residents, it is a full-time job. Commissioner
Fishman noted is the most asked question and noted she works on her position as a full-time
job, current Commission being more active than previous Commissions were and have
represented the City at State and National Levels. Commissioner Bolton said regarding the
comment made by Public Information Officer Elise Boston of "pushing more information to the
community", more residents are calling and are engaged. He works sending e-mails and
attending meetings. Vice Mayor. Placko said it is not a part-time job and none of the
Commissioners take it lightly. She meets with HOA's and businesses, residents show at her
front door, she has received phone calls as late as 2:00 a.m. and is here working for the
residents making all the difference. Commissioner Gelin said it is difficult to maintain a job
and work as a Commissioner. He noted a trip made to Washington D.C. visiting US Senator
Marco Rubio and US Congressman Alcee Hastings in the hopes of bringing in more money
Page 5 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019
for the City. Later received a visit from US Senator Marco Rubio, Governor Ron DeSantis
Office members, and U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings for a tour showing what has been
done with the monies received. Mayor Gomez noted the City Commission is very engaged
and works hard for the residents. Commissioner Bolton talked about the sacrifices made to
be in the City Commission. Commissioner Gelin provided contact information. Resident
Jackie Campbell, residing at 9522 Belfort Circle talked about her property taxes funding other
people and noted she recently relocated from New York, is retired and lives on a fixed
income and is in the process of purchasing a home that will pay a higher property tax bill than
the owners she is purchasing from. Director Mason responded that since 1993 people in the
State of Florida voted instituting Save Our Homes. People buying property at the current
market value which will be the starting point for the new taxable value that will go on the
books. It is Constitutional Law. Ms. Campbell had additional questions regarding business tax
abatement. Commissioner Bolton talked about raising funds and the ability to help residents
with private funds versions by County Commissioners. City Attorney Goren noted there are
several proposals pending before the Broward County Commission which will basically
modify the Broward County Ethics Code to allow individual Commission Members, on notice
to their fellow Commissioners, with some consent, use City resources to relief individuals on
the base of their needs, which could include tax relief, Home Assistance, and to allow
Commissioners to raise funds to assist residents. Attorney Goren noted it can give the City
Commission flexibility. The proposals are all similar but not the same. Commissioner Gelin
talked about the Federal Government shutdown and the assistance provided by
Commissioner Bolton and himself to residents to pay their water bill. Resident Jill Lois,
residing at 2851 W. Prospect Road, Unit 1310, talked about the millage rate, and noted that
Tuscan Condominiums had over 50% of canal water disappeared. The irrigation system was
damaged after the City of Fort Lauderdale filled up the canals. Resident Natasha Britton,
currently City of Sunrise resident, talked about the millage rate available at the Broward
County Website, high tax rate not affecting seniors and how to keep dollars in the City
Budget. Mayor Gomez noted the millage rate is tied to property values and asked residents to
contact the City in the future regarding the Website and places where to conduct a search.
Director Mason noted the millage rate is the same as the last eight years, ad valorem per
Capita is $409.00 and is lower than the City of Sunrise ad valorem per capita of $479.00.
Director Mason added that the City funds SRO's in the budget. Mayor Gomez closed the
Public Hearing. Commissioner Gelin made a motion to set the tentative proposed operating
millage rate of 7.2899 mills for Fiscal Year 2020 is .5828 mills or 8.69% more than the rolled-
back rate of 6.7071 mills, seconded by Commissioner Fishman approving T02408 on first
reading. Motion passed 4-1 votes with Commissioner Gelin dissenting.
PASSED ON FIRST READING SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
Mayor Gomez made the following statement: "This is the first public hearing to establish the
Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Financial Policies. A second public
hearing on Temporary Ordinance Number 2409 will be held on Wednesday, September 25,
2019 at 5:05 p.m."
City Manager Cernech made the following statement: "The tentative operating and capital
budget for Fiscal Year 2020 is $196,980,033 which is $28,923,892 more than the Amended
Budget of $168,056,141 for Fiscal Year 2019. The tentative general fund budget, which is
the primary fund for providing governmental services such as, our contract with BSO, general
and administrative services, public services, and parks and recreation, is $77,048,006 which
is $7,467,116 more than the Amended Budget of $69,580,890 for Fiscal Year 2019. In
Page 6 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019
addition, the financial policies are included as part of the adoption of the annual budget.
These financial policies are an integral part of our long-term financial planning for the City.
These policies set parameters for operating management, including establishing reserves for
111 specific purposes, establishing accounts management and financial planning policies and
establishing policies on economic resources."
6. TO2409 - FY 2020 Budget Ordinance: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of
Tamarac, Florida, Adopting the Operating Budget, Revenues and Expenditures, the Capital
Budget, and the Financial Policies for the Fiscal Year 2020; Providing for Conflicts; Providing
for Severability; and Providing for an Effective Date.
City Attorney Goren read TO2409 by title into the record. Finance Director Mason gave a
presentation, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Commissioner Fishman left
the meeting at 8:03 p.m. returning at 8:05 p.m. Director Mason noted the City works of 3-year
budget forecasting, 1 rst year is adopted by law, and the 2nd and 3rd year are forecasted for
planning into the future. Budget Workshops held on June 19th and 20th, 2019 provided the
proposed FY2020 details of the operating budget and the presentation given tonight shows
the changes proposed to the City Commission and where we are on the tentative budget to
be considered tonight. Director Mason noted the changes and adjustments on the tentative
budget related to individual department staffing and proposed improvement on the East side,
median improvements as soon as the Master Plan is received, Stormwater improvements on
Southgate Boulevard, and within Utilities, backyard relocation of the service area purchase
for the east side of Tamarac. Director Mason recommended changes to the Financial Policies
to have sufficient resources to be able to cover the cost in an emergency and Amend Policy 4
to establish a minimum undesignated fund balance in the General Fund equal to the greater
of 16.67% or 2 months of annual expenditures, approximately $12.8 million dollars. Mayor
Gomez opened the floor for City Commission discussion. City Manager Cernech clarified that
in FY2019 the City Commission added Community Engagement Liaisons to the budget that
were carried to the FY2020 budget as personnel. The City is now in the process of filling the
positions, but at that time did not provide for the equipment and expenses associated with the
positions. FY2020 budget reflects phone allowances at $50.00, establish mileage
reimbursement, new computers and factoring expenses of $2,500 for the positions which has
no impact on the bottom-line of the budget but wanted the City Commission to be aware
when the personnel is on board, all expenses associated with the positions were accounted
for. Commissioner Bolton asked for clarification regarding Tamarac Chamber of Commerce
$5,000, operating budget increase from $15,000 to $20,000. Director Mason responded is a
$20,000 contribution towards the operation of the Chamber of Commerce which is the same
amount City of North Lauderdale contributes. Commissioner Gelin asked in amending Policy
#4 what is the value of the 2 months annual expenditures. Director Mason responded $12.5
million dollars. Vice Mayor Placko asked about the City's financial situation. Director Mason
responded the current bond rating is AA as well as the Revenue Bonds. Commissioner Gelin
asked to define the ratings and how it compares to other Cities. Director Mason responded
credit ratings with AAA being the highest rating and BBB being no good, adding that City of
Coral Springs has a AAA rating and the City of Tamarac is in a very good financial position.
Director Mason responded to questions from Commissioner Gelin regarding property taxes
compared to other cities and concluded noting City of Tamarac has 28% commercial property
vs. 72% residential property and provided information on the mix for other cities. Mayor
Gomez opened the Public Hearing on TO2409 and with no one wishing to speak, closed the
Public Hearing. Mayor Gomez entertained a motion to set Tentative Operating Budget,
Page 7 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019
Capital Budget and Financial Policies for FY2020. Commissioner Fishman made a motion to
set Tentative Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Financial Policies as proposed. No
second on the motion. Commissioner Bolton seconded by Commissioner Gelin made a new
motion to set the Tentative Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Financial Policies, omitting
additional funding of$5,000 to the Tamarac Chamber of Commerce. Motion carried 3-2 votes
with Commissioner Fishman and Mayor Gomez dissenting.
PASSED ON FIRST READING SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
Mayor Gomez made the following statement: "The second public hearing on setting the
operating millage rate and adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2020 will be held on
Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 5:05 p.m."
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Gomez
adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
/.gl11; '1. (7''
chelle J. Gomez, Moor
Lillian Pabon, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
Page 8 of 8 SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING September 13, 2019