HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-08 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes City of Tamarac
Regular City Commission Meeting - Minutes
Wednesday, January 8th, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, regular City Commission meeting,
being held in Commission Chamber at 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida, 33321, to order at 7:06
p.m.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Debra Placko,
Commissioner Julie Fishman were in attendance. Commissioner E. Mike Gelin arrived at 7:07 p.m.
Also present were City Manager Michael C. Cernech, Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr and Acting City
Clerk Lillian Pabon.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Michelle J. Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Walk—On Proclamation - Building Official, Claudio Grande
Grande was recognized for his accomplishments and impending retirement. Grande thanked the
Mayor, members of the City Commission, and the City of Tamarac.
b. Proclamation —Arbor Day—Requested by Public Services Director Jack Strain
c. Proclamation —City of Tamarac CERT TEAM —Requested by Vice Mayor Bolton
CERT TEAM Members Jarrod Sherman, Rea Mills, Bertha Cuascut West, Herb Daley, Elliot
Goldberg and Sandy Ehlrich were recognized for their contributions to the Bahamas following
Hurricane Dorian.
d. Proclamation —Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—Requested by Vice Mayor Bolton
e. Proclamation —January 2020 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month —Requested by
Commissioner Fishman
f. Walk—On Proclamation —Severe Weather Awareness Week is Jan. 27—31, 2020—Requested
by Tamarac Fire Department, Community Education/Preparedness Specialist, Van Schoen
2. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Vice Mayor Bolton
Vice Mayor Bolton stated he had posted his comments to his Facebook page. Residents can
reach him on his cell phone, which is also posted on his Facebook Page.
Facebook.com/CommissionerMarlonBolton.
b. Commissioner Gelin
Commissioner Gelin provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office, listing the
events he attended, and other current affairs information, since the last City Commission meeting.
Commissioner Gelin asked if Mayor Gomez felt comfortable with having a Commissioner's name
for signature at the bottom of proclamations that will be given at events they are invited to. Mayor
Gomez replied she was not comfortable with that option.
Page 1 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020
Commissioner Gelin motioned to direct the City Attorney draft an ordinance related to Ban the
Box, and to have it on a future agenda. Vice Mayor Bolton seconded. Discussion by the
Commission ensued related to there already being a City Policy that addresses the issue, and
placing items on a future workshop for discussion. Motion failed 3-2 with Commissioner Fishman,
Commissioner Placko and Mayor Gomez dissenting.
Commissioner Gelin requested consensus from the Commission to add a program to Black
History Month, which would include a guest speaker and bring in a larger audience. Discussion
by the Commission ensued related to additional costs and resources. There was no consensus.
Commissioner Gelin motioned requesting the City of Tamarac to support the Paris Agreement.
Vice Mayor Bolton seconded. Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the method in
which items are being brought forward. Motion approved 4-1, with Mayor Gomez dissenting.
Commissioner Gelin continued his presentation and concluded by wishing everyone a Happy
New Year.
c. Commissioner Fishman
Commissioner Fishman passed on providing a report, instead asked for prayers for the family of
Mr. Luc Cherry. Mr. Cherry passed away unexpectedly on Sunday and he leaves behind his wife,
and several young children.
d. Commissioner Placko
Commission Placko lamented that life is short, enjoy every moment and be kind to each other.
She also thanked members of the community for their well wishes during the holidays. Placko
provided details related to the anticipated receipt of Broward County Surtax dollars. Projects are
currently being reviewed, ranked and prioritized by the Broward MPO (Metropolitan Planning
Organization) and the list of budgeted projects will be completed in April.
Commissioner Fishman stepped away from the dais at 8:02 p.m. and returned at 8:05 p.m.
Commissioner Placko provided information about 2020 redevelopment trends, including the need
to more rentals, the desire for areas that are live/work/play, brick-and-mortar stores remaining but
on a smaller scale, increased online shopping and healthcare services being a large part of the
workforce through 2026. Placko concluded by stating Tamarac is on the right track, and
continuing growing where growth makes sense.
e. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez stated she hoped everyone had a great holiday season, and express thanks to
Commissioner Gelin, and the Tamarac Fire Department, for their assistance with the holiday
lighting event. She was unable to attend, but happy to help Rabbi Silverberg with the event.
Gomez stated she did not change her vote on the Paris Agreement, because it is a
federal/political item, which she feels is not something that pertains to us. We were looking at a
regional approach that would be better suited to our City and helping the environment. Gomez
stated she is proud the City is already a member, of the 149 cities, that has Banned the Box.
Gomez stated she was not the person who initiated the investigation into Commissioner, now
Vice Mayor Bolton. Ten employees made their complaints heard, and that is where it started.
Gomez addressed the incident with Commissioner Gelin, stating she did not call for his removal.
I was asked what the policies were for the City if a member of the Commission needed to be held
accountable. I listed the three things, and one of them happened to be the governor has the right
of removal. Gomez thanked Commissioner Placko for bringing information related to development
trends forward, and stated that is what is important to the betterment of the City.
Page 2 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020
3. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
None.
4. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Cernech provided the following information.
Upcoming Parks& Recreation Events
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, 5 p.m. at Caporella Fitness Center, located at 9300 NW 58th Street.
Residents can learn about the fitness center, membership options, and there will be free giveaways
and raffles.
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, from 3 p.m. —5 p.m. at Mainlands Park, located at 4500 Monterey Drive, is
our Concert in the Park featuring "The Horizons Band". Bring chairs and blankets. Free shuttle
transportation will be provided from the Mainlands Clubhouse 1, 2 and 3. Food will be available for
purchase.
Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at Tamarac Community Center, located at 8600 W. Commercial
Blvd., is our Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration featuring the Ashanti Cultural Group and our
keynote speaker is Dr. Jaffus Hard rick. Hardrick is the President of Florida Memorial University and is
committed to developing future leaders and closing achievement gaps among underrepresented
students. Light refreshments will be served.
Public Services Department Update
Last month, the citywide Litter Clean-Up collected approximately 40 bags of trash. This takes place
every second Wednesday of the month. This is in cooperation with the Public Services Department,
Community Development, the Building Department and the Tamarac Fire Department.
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
a. Dr. Marcia Becker, of Tamarac, stated the number of times she has spoken to the City
Commission, false police reports being filed at the state, a traffic accident she was involved in,
requesting statements be expunged from that report, her daughter being fearful of BSO (Broward
Sheriffs Office) and anti-Semitism. Mayor Gomez replied stating this is not a City of Tamarac
issue.
b. Jeffrey Shapiro, of 6104 Orchard Tree Lane, Tamarac, wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Shapiro expressed his concern for fountain/median maintenance at the entrance of the
Woodlands, there no longer being lights on at night. Also, the Woodlands monument sign is not lit
up at night, the lighting is dim on Woodlands Blvd. and requested the City consider these issues.
Mayor Gomez referred Mr. Shapiro to Public Services Director, Jack Strain, for assistance.
c. Natasha Britton, stated she lives in Woodmont, and requested if bulk pickup could occur more
often. Commissioner Placko stated she would look into the issue.
d. Ronald Wasserman, of 8577 Jade Drive, Tamarac, wished everyone Happy New Year,
Hanukkah, etc., thanked the Commission for attended holiday events, expressed gratitude to
Veterans for their service, and to continue discussing bullying. Wasserman went on to his
concern related to trees not being replaced in a timely manner at Woodmont. Finally, he
expressed his concern regarding the presence of chemicals in soil and its effect on people.
e. Michelle Jones, of 5830 NW 64th Avenue, Tamarac, stated she came to the meeting with
concerns as a small business owner and the inconsistencies of signage, but instead she spoke
Page 3 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020
about the division on the Commission. She stated this is the wrong road we should be going.
f. Vida Kalhove, of Heathgate/Sunflower, Tamarac, stated she is proud of living in the City but is
disappointed to see the leaders so divided. She hopes the Commission can come together, build
a better relationship for the residents of the City, as we take you as an example.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Gomez asked City Manager Cernech if there were any items to be added or deleted from the
Consent Agenda. Cernech replied, no.
Commissioner Gelin made a motion to remove all items except Item A from the Consent Agenda.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to presentations and voting on the items individually.
Vice Mayor Bolton seconded.
Commissioner Gelin made a motion to approve the amended Consent Agenda. Commissioner
Fishman seconded.
The motion to approve the amended Consent Agenda carried unanimously.
a. Approval of the December 11, 2019, Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes
Approved unanimously.
b. TR13375 Ronald L. Book Amendment#17 to agreement
TR13375 -A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida; approving
Amendment#17 to the Agreement between the City of Tamarac and Ronald L. Book, P.A., for
lobbying services, extending the agreement for one year through January 25, 2021, at a cost not to
exceed Fifty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($59,400) per year; authorizing the appropriate
City Officials to execute the Amendment to the Agreement for lobbying services; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Assistant to the City Manager, Laura Karpaviciute, provided background related to the item.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with comments related to the terms of the contract, return on
investment and Mr. Book's reputation in Tallahassee.
Motion to approve TR13375 carried unanimously. RESOLUTION 2020-001
c. TR 13377 -Award of Bid No. 19-29B Citywide Landscape Maintenance Agreement(s)
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, awarding Bid No. 19-29B to and
approving Agreements with SFM Services, Inc. ("SFM") for Grounds Maintenance Services and to
Prestige Property Maintenance, Inc. ("Prestige") for Irrigation Services for certain Public Rights-of-
Way, City Facilities, and City Parks; based on established contract fixed unit prices; authorizing
annual expenditures not to exceed $691,994.79 and $72,660.00, respectively including annual price
escalation /de-escalation per Bid No 19-29b; authorizing the month to month renewal of the current
Agreement with Prestige for Grounds Maintenance Services nunc pro tunc until the proposed
Agreements are executed and in effect; authorizing proper City Officials to execute contract renewals;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Page 4 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8tf', 2020
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Public Services Director, Jack Strain, and Purchasing/Contract Manager, Kevin Glatz, provided
background related to the item.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with comments related to the terms of the contract.
Motion to approve TR13377 carried unanimously. RESOLUTION 2020-002
d. TR13378 -Joint City Lime Sludge Removal Hauling & Disposal (RFP No. 20-04R)
TR13378 -A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, cancelling a Term
Agreement with Westwind Contracting, Inc.; approving award of RFP No. 20-04R and authorizing an
agreement with Prolime Corporation for the Joint City Lime Sludge Removal, Hauling and Disposal
Project authorizing an expenditure of funds for an amount not to exceed the approved annual budget,
and authorizing Contract Escalation/ De-escalation as provided under the Agreement beginning
January 8, 2020 through January 7, 2022; authorizing proper City Officials to execute contract
renewals; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
No Commission discussion.
Motion to approve TR13378 carried unanimously. RESOLUTION 2020-003
e. TR13389 -Citywide Culvert Cleaning
TR13389 -A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, cancelling a Term
Agreement with TV Diversified, LLC for Culvert Cleaning Services and re-awarding Bid No. 18-20rb to
the next lowest bidder, Shenandoah General Construction Company, and approving an Agreement
with Shenandoah General Construction Company for Citywide Storm Drain Pipe and Culvert
Cleaning; authorizing an expenditure from the appropriate accounts not to exceed the approved
budget annually for said purpose; effective upon approval through September 11, 2021; authorizing
proper City Officials to execute contract renewals; providing for conflicts; providing for severability;
and providing for an effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Motion seconded by Commissioner Placko.
No Commission discussion.
Motion to approve TR13389 carried unanimously. RESOLUTION 2020-004
f. TR13390 Approve Risk and Resiliency Assessment
TR13390-A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving an
Agreement with Tetra Tech for a Risk and Resilience Assessment; utilizing Tetra Tech as a sole
source vendor; authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $142,998.00 for said purpose;
authorizing proper City Officials to take all necessary steps to effectuate the purchase; authorizing an
additional appropriation in the amount not to exceed $142,998.00 to be included in a future Budget
Amendment pursuant to F.S. 166.241(2); providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Commissioner Gelin seconded.
Page 5 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020
No Commission discussion.
Motion to approve TR13390 carried unanimously. RESOLUTION 2020-005
g. TR 13392 City of Tamarac 2020 State Legislative Session Agenda
TR13392 -A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the City of
Tamarac Legislative Agenda for the 2020 State of Florida Legislative Session; directing the City Clerk
to transmit a copy of the City of Tamarac Legislative Agenda for the 2020 State Legislative Session to
the Florida League of Cities, the Broward League of Cities, the Broward County Legislative
Delegation and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Commissioner Gelin seconded.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with comments related to the paid internship initiative added
to the City's 2020 Legislative Agenda. Assistant to the City Manager, Laura Karpaviciute, stated that
item has not been added, and a resolution of support for an item could be adopted later if necessary.
Motion to approve TR13392 was made by Commissioner Fishman and seconded by Commissioner
Gelin. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION 2020-006
Mayor Gomez recognized Vice Mayor Bolton. Vice Mayor Bolton provided comments related to
events and accomplishments in District 1 since being elected. Bolton then spoke about an agreement
to hire an outside attorney to investigate him. Bolton stated this should have gone to a law
enforcement body such as the Florida Commissioner on Ethics or the Division of Elections. Bolton
said he has read the report, and this is a misuse of taxpayer dollars, as the attorney has no
experience in ethics law. Commissioner Bolton requested a copy of the agreement for the hiring the
City Attorney. Bolton then read "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 9 p.m.
Mayor Gomez reconvened at 9:17 p.m.
7. REGULAR AGENDA
None.
8. ORDINANCE(S) — FIRST READING
a. TO2422 -Amending Code Relating to Sister Cities Committee
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida; amending Chapter 2,
"Administration,"Article III, "Boards, Committees, Commissions" of the Tamarac Code of Ordinances,
by amending Sections 2-234.32 through 2-234.40, "Sister Cities Committee" providing for process for
appointments and residency provision; providing for severability; providing for codification and
providing for an effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
No discussion by the Commission.
Motion to approve TO2422, on first reading, carried unanimously.
b. TO2423 -Amending Meeting time for 2nd Regular Commission Meeting of the month
Page 6 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020
TO2423 -Amending Chapter 2, "Administration", Article II, "City Commission", of the City of Tamarac
Code of Ordinances, by Amending Section 2-29, "Regular Meeting"; providing for Conflicts; Providing
for Severability; Providing for Codification and Providing for an effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Placko motioned to
approve. Commissioner Fishman seconded.
No discussion by the Commission.
Motion to approve TO2423, on first reading, carried 3-2 with Commissioner Gelin and Mayor Gomez
dissenting.
9. PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None.
10. ORDINANCE(S) —SECOND READING
a. TO2418 -Ordinance Adopting the City of Tamarac Impact Fee Study Creating Section 10-5.7 of
the Land Development Code Entitled "Impact Fees"
TO2418 -An Ordinance of The City Of Tamarac, Florida, Creating Section 10-5.7 entitled "New
Development Impact Fees" of Chapter 10, of the Tamarac City Code, adopting an Impact Fee
Schedule At 50% of the total fee amount for Governmental Facilities, Parks and Recreational
Facilities, and Multimodal Transportation Facilities; adopting an Impact Fee Study; creating an Impact
Fee Schedule and Land Use Categories; establishing criteria and administrative procedures for
Individual Assessment Of Impact Fees, Refunds, Credits, Collection of Fees and Fair Share
Agreements; providing for Implementing Administrative Acts; Providing For Codification; providing a
Savings Provision, providing a Conflicts Provision, providing for severability, and providing for an
effective date.
Assistant City Attorney, Julie Klahr, read the title for the record. Commissioner Fishman motioned to
approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Mayor Gomez opened for comments from the public. There being none, Gomez closed public
comment.
Community Development Director, Maxine Calloway, provided background related to the item.
Motion to approve TO2418, on second reading, carried unanimously.
Passed on First Reading December 11, 2019.
Adopted on Second Reading January 8, 2020.
Ordinance 0-2020-001
11. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S)
None.
12. OTHER
a. Commissioner E. Mike Gelin's Motion to Reconsider Pursuant to City Code Section 2-34(j)(5)
Commissioner E. Mike Gelin's Motion to Reconsider Pursuant to City Code Section 2-34(j)(5) to
Reconsider TR13386 -Authorizing payment of a onetime merit award to City Manager Michael C.
Cernech, as set forth in Resolution No. R-2011-04. According to the City Attorney, the Motion to
Reconsider was timely filed by the Commissioner on December 12, 2019, under the City Code as a
voting member on the prevailing side.
Page 7 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020
Discussion by the Commission ensued with concerns related to the City Manager evaluation process,
being fiscally responsible when determining merit increases and total compensation packages, and
keeping the City financially sound for the future.
Commissioner Gelin requested both the City Manager and City Attorney's contracts be provided to
the members of the Commission.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to enforce the agreement already agreed to and provide the City
Manager a written statement of findings by January 29, 2020. Assistant City Attorney Klahr further
explained the City's process for making a motion to reconsider.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned requesting the Assistant City Attorney to be under oath when responding
to his questions. Commissioner Gelin seconded. Motion failed 3-2 with Commissioner Fishman,
Commission Placko and Mayor Gomez dissenting.
Discussion by the Commission ensued regarding the past evaluations of the City Manager. Assistant
City Klahr stated the process of the City Manager evaluation is determined collectively bythe City
Y
Commission.
Human Resources Director, Lerenzo Calhoun, responding to inquiry, provided information related to
general employee increases, contractual obligations, collective bargaining and performance
evaluations of the executive team.
Vice Mayor Bolton seconded Commissioner Gelin's motion to reconsider TR13386 pursuant to City
Code Section 2-34(j)(5). Motion failed 3-2 with Commissioner Fishman, Commissioner Placko and
Mayor Gomez dissenting.
Discussion by the City Commission ensued related to extending the timeframe for evaluation of the
City Manager.
City Manager Cernech, in response to inquiry, summarized the City Manager's goals and objectives
are set by the Strategic Planning and budget process. Cernech summarized the past process for
submitting his goals, accomplishments and achievements annually to the City Commission, which are
reviewed and voted on at a public meeting. Cernech stated he would be submitting a similar
narrative, to what has been submitted in the past, based on the goals and objectives established
through the Strategic Plan and the budget.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to have the City Commission hire a consultant to help us design a
process to properly evaluate the City Manager, based on the terms of the agreement. Discussion by
the Commission ensued related to the January 29 date, responsibilities of both parties to provide
information, rules and procedures of the Commission in the evaluation process. Assistant City
Attorney Klahr stated the parties to the agreement can determine the date.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to extend the timeframes in the contract, so the City Commission
may work on a procedure that Commissioner Gelin has requested to work on a procedure we can all
agree on going forward. Motion seconded by Commissioner Placko. Motion carried 4-1 with Vice
Mayor Bolton dissenting.
Commissioner Gelin motioned for the City Commission to work with procurement or the Human
Resources Director to procure a compensation consultant to determine a fair evaluation process and
compensate the City Manager. Assistant City Attorney Julie Klahr stated the City Commission does
not procure services, but actual services are done by staff, through the City Manager, and would
come before the City Commission. Mayor Gomez clarified the motion is the City Commission is
asking for the procurement of a professional services person to evaluation the City Manager
evaluation process and discuss how to evaluate the city manager and formalize a process in the
future and go from there at a future workshop. Commissioner Fishman seconded, and the motion
carried unanimously.
Page 8 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020
There being no additional business to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 11:04 p.m.
Minutes transcribed and submitted by Acting City Clerk, Lillian Pabon.
Ca—a)
Lillian Pabon, CMC
Acting City Clerk
Michelle J. Gomez, Mayo'
Note to the reader: The above signature is the Acting City Clerk, of the City of Tamarac, Florida. If
the minutes you have received are not signed, or completed as indicated above, they are not the
official minutes of the Tamarac City Commission meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020.
Pursuant to Chapter 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the
City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he may need to
ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which record includes the testimony and
evidence upon which the appeal is based.
The City of Tamarac complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a
disabled person requiring any accommodations or assistance, please notify the City Clerk's Office at
(954) 597-3505 of such need at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance. Additionally, if you are hearing or
speech impaired and need assistance, you may contact the Florida Relay Service at either of the
following numbers: 1-800-955-8770 or 1-800-955-8771.
Page 9 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 8th, 2020