HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-26 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes City of Tamarac
City Commission - Minutes
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Wednesday, February 26, 2020, City Commission Meeting,
being held in the Commission Chamber at 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida, 33321, to order at
9:30 a.m.
Mayor Gomez welcomed everyone to the meeting.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Commissioner Debra Placko, Commissioner Julie Fishman,
Commissioner Mike Gelin and Vice Mayor Bolton were in attendance.
Also present were City Manager Michael C. Cemech, City Attorney Sam Goren, and City Clerk Jennifer
Johnson.
Mayor Gomez asked, everyone to stand and take a moment of silence to recognize a very devastating
loss for us.
Gomez stated Wilton Manors Mayor, Justin Flippen, died last night at 41-years-old. Gomez provided
information about Flippen's history and stated it is a tremendous loss to everybody here. Gomez then
asked everybody to take a moment of silence to think about him and extended deepest sympathy to his
family and the City [Wilton Manors].
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Fishman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. PROCLAMATIONS& RECOGNITIONS
Mayor Gomez read the following Proclamations, and along with her fellow members of the Commission,
presented each recipient with their Proclamation. Copies of Proclamations are kept on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
A. Centenarian —Leon Simmons
B. Presentation — Procurement Department of the Year for the Southeast Florida Chapter of the NIGP
Cassandra LeMasurier, Southeast Florida Chapter and NIGP provided remarks for being named
Procurement Department of the Year for the South Florida Chapter of the NIGP.
C. Proclamation—Honoring Keith Glatz
D. Proclamation-Procurement Month
E. Proclamation -Citizens on Patrol (COPS)
F. Proclamation -Future Business Leaders of America
G. Proclamation -Eating Disorders Awareness Week
H. Proclamation -Honoring Mark Mason
I. Employee Service Awards
5 Years' Service
Sue Zeigler
Page 1 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020
Alex Waldo
10 Years' Service
Mark Mason
Lydia Gomez
Vince Bemd
Gregory Martin
20 Years' Service
Williams Sweginnis
Eric Viveros
Rosario Cure-Persad
Cleophat Lourdes
25 Years' Service
Larry Antmann
Levent Suculoglu.
i. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Vice Mayor Bolton
Vice Mayor Bolton -Good morning. Good morning. Vice Mayor Bolton provided an update on his visit with
residents at Tamarac Lakes 1 &2.
Vice Mayor Bolton expressed his appreciation to Herbert and for what he does for the community.
Vice Mayor Bolton provided a round up of the Medical Marijuana Summit, stating it was well-attended with
guests, speakers and industry professionals. He also expressed his gratitude to staff for their work in
getting the event together. He asked why the PIO was not there for to take pictures.
He stated, our One Tamarack-Multi Cultural Festival was another great success. He commended Parks
and Recreation, and the Parks Board, and all the people who work so hard on our events did such a
wonderful job on Saturday. Bolton stated he was happy to see how the event has grown up since his
suggestion of a diversity committee during Strategic Planning.
Vice Mayor Bolton stated he was at the Bermuda Club meetings last night, with the Mayor and we talked
about their signs. They are very adamant about their sign, so I hope that the timeline that I was given
comes to pass. We also talked about the first-time homebuyer program, the home rehabilitation program
and the homeowner beautification grant, all of which are coming up. We did talk about our breakfast. That
is coming up on Saturday. And that will be at Bermuda Club for Bermuda Club residents. And, of course,
any elected officials that including my colleagues who would want to come to that breakfast.
Finally, Bolton stated, Mark Mason is not in the room, but I will miss him. Bolton thanked Mason for his
hard work and dedication to the City of Tamarac. The employees love you and they appreciate you.
Thank you so very much.
Page 2 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020
b. Commissioner Gelin
Good morning. Gelin stated he did not have a presentation but provided an overview of the events he has
attended over the past few weeks.
Gelin stated, he met with a resident, who has a non-profit and connected her with our Social Services
Department. He had a meeting with Detective Marion and Captain Rene Peterson to talk about an
upcoming Cops &Community Forum that I'm putting together.
I also spoke for Black History Month at Lauderhill, 6-12 STEM High School, attended the Educational
Stakeholders Group and Commissioner Bolton's Medical Marijuana Summit. Gelin continued stating it
was a great summit. I represented Commissioner Bolton at a meeting at Manor Park. One Tamarac was a
great, even though I was there just for the last hour.
Gelin continued, stating he spoke at a Human Trafficking Summit. I was invited because I posted some
information about the unfortunate young girl who was taken advantage recently in Tamarac. So, I just
spoke there about our ordinance and gave credit to Commissioner Fishman for bringing that ordinance in
place. And I will get that to that lady who represents the Woman's Fund of Miami, and we'll make the
connection to Commissioner Fishman with some other folks who are on that panel so that they can
participate in your forum next year.
c. Commissioner Fishman
Since I haven't done a report for a while, I wanted to catch up on a couple things, but I promise to keep it
short. The 2020 [legislative] session is still in progress. There's approximately three weeks left. The final
day is scheduled for March 13th. I took two trips to Tallahassee, one for Broward Days, in the middle of
January, and the Florida League of Cities Legislative Days. That was where I got stuck in Tallahassee
and missed the majority of our meeting.
Commissioner Fishman provided a synopsis of the trip to Tallahassee and how important it is to make
sure that our appropriations have a face and a voice when we go to Tallahassee to fight for our
appropriations. She continued stating, the City of Tamarac is very good and ensuring that when we ask
for state money, we make sure that the City has money as well to make sure that the appropriation goes
through.
Commissioner Fishman stated she would also like to speak about Tamarac schools. They need our help.
She stated we had Superintendent Runcie here on Monday and he assured us the closing of Tamarac
Elementary is not happening. If and when it does happen, there will be community involvement and
community input and the input of the Commission and the rest of the City.
She also provided information about the importance of attending the ADRC (Disability Resource Center
luncheon), and other non-profit organizations. This is because these luncheons are their fundraisers. It is
how they help raise dollars to do the jobs and do the advocacy that is necessary for their organizations.
Commissioner Fishman echoed the other members of the Commission stating One Tamarac was
phenomenal. She also commended member of the City staff that were involved. Fishman showed a few
pictures from the event. She stated there were different cultures getting to know each other and it was it
was a very special moment for me to have captured. And the final picture I have is for an organization
called Bullets for Life and it's a nonprofit founded to make people aware of gun violence and the lives that
are being lost to gun violence. When I approached the founder of the organization to be at One Tamarac,
she told me the story of how they've raised money for the benefit of parents that have lost their children to
gun violence. And the example she gave me was that they had just collected enough money for a mom
who couldn't afford a headstone for her child's grave for three years. And this organization stepped up
and made that possible.
Page 3 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020
Commissioner Fishman highlighted the City's youth programs including the BSO Explorers, and Tamarac
Fire Rescue Cadets and the Tamarac Teen Council. She commended them on their efforts and stated, I
can tell you that if those young people are in charge of this City 20 years from now, we are in very good
hands.
Commissioner Fishman provided her contact information and a picture of her dog saying, how on earth
do you not know how to reach me? She encouraged residents to contact her and let me know your
concerns. And I thank you for the time.
d. Commissioner Placko
Commissioner Placko thanked Commissioner Fishman for mentioning the ADRC and mentioned the
programs it has for our elderly, such as community centers, Meals on Wheels and social programs. It's an
incredible organization. And as you know, most of them, money is tight. So, we are having a golf
tournament on April 3b at Woodmont County Club. If you would like to come out and play a round. You
can contact me. I can get you an application for it. If you'd like to take out an ad in our brochure, we be
very, very happy for you to do that. Thank you.
Commissioner Placko stated One Tamarac gets better and better and better. She commended Greg
[Warner]and the Parks and Rec. staff for an incredible job. It was a great event.
Commissioner Placko stated she wanted to talk about the MPO [Metropolitan Planning Organization] and
money. She stated, the MPO staff has been very good about soliciting Washington for funds and they
came back with information.We're seeking support for the 2021 transportation appropriations bill to go
directly to the MPO, not to have it go through seven channels to get the money down here, and then get it
out to our cities. So that's one thing that they're working on and we're going to keep a close eye on that as
far as the 2021 budget. President Trump has submitted to Congress his proposal, which includes $88.5
billion dollars for the Department of Transportation (DOT). That's$1.7 billion above last year. There's$1
billion each for DOT's grant programs and $50 million for each of the flood control and coast or coastal
emergencies accounts. She stated there's a lot of money out there, and we at the MPO are going to be
very engaged in ensuring that our cities down here in Broward County get some of that money along with
SURTAX money. Our staff is working closely with the MPO with projects that we have on the board. So
hopefully we will see something soon.
e. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez thanked the Commissioners for their comments, and stated of the events have already
been discussed. She echoed the same sentiments, and thanked the members of staff for One Tamarac.
she also thanked our staffs time and dedication for our Quarterly Financial Meeting that we had
yesterday. She then thanked Sammie Monroe, who has joined us as part of our Park& Rec[Recreation]
for putting together the Youth Council. That has been something we have longed for, for a long time.
Mayor Gomez added, as Commissioner Fishman has put in her report, we now finally have a great round
out of things for our children. Gomez mentioned moving her moving to the Woodlands some time ago,
and there being virtually no children to now being a microcosm for the rest of our City.
Mayor Gomez then stated, while we are very sad that Mr. Mason will be leaving us, I must say welcome
to Christine Josephs Cajuste, who has been with us for 12 years. She is here, and she is our Interim
Financial Services Director. We're very happy she is, and she will do an excellent job. Thank you very
much.
Mayor Gomez stated she had the pleasure of going to Challenger Elementary for their public services
project. To see what they were doing with the children from Millennium, their science department, and the
plantings that they were doing February 14th, Valentine's Day with a commemoration to Stoneman
Page 4 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020
Douglas. And a moment of silence. These children were very proud of what they've done. And I look
forward to their garden. When everything grows soon.
She also stated, she attended several meetings for the MPO steering committee, she represented our
City at the Brianne Ashley Foundation Gala, the Women's Fund Advisory Board meeting, and our general
employee pension fund trust meeting. She stated she was very sorry that she missed the Kiwanis golf
tournament. So, my apologies, to Kiwanis. Finally, I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Chen
Senior Wellness Walk in North Lauderdale. I want to remind all of our seniors to keep active, walking, just
don't have to be fast. Just walk and keep their energy up. It will be great for your body and for your health.
Mayor Gomez then turned it over to the City Attorney.
ii. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney, Sam Goren, provided a thorough summary of 10 bills currently working their way through
the legislature that could affect the City. He stated his office provided a report for their review, and would
answer questions as necessary.
Commissioner Fishman stated the vacation rental bill is a perfect example of where the state could
partner with cities because they're asking the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to do
the inspections of statewide vacation rentals. When each of the municipalities, those vacation rentals, are
in, already have inspectors, and if they partnered with us instead of fighting with us and trying to take
away our powers. I think the residents would be better off as well. I do have a question on the fiduciary
bill. Sam, there is some consternation that that would also impact those residents that serve on our
boards and committees.
Mr. Goren stated that's correct and went on to explain the nuances of the bill and that these are bills,
unfortunately, that across the board are highly preemptive and do impose great restrictions on home rule
powers of local government. Thank you for listening.
Commissioner Fishman asked the status of the sovereign immunity bill?
Mr. Goren stated sovereign immunity is essentially the limitation of liability for local government for tort
claims. Goren went on to explain the increase from $500,000 to$1 million meaning that the liability of
local governments and cities for claims against them will be payable by the City up to that higher number.
This would increase the liability limits of local government in tort claims, which will put additional burdens
on local government.
Mayor Gomez added it would ultimately be a burden on our taxpayers.
Mr. Goren concurred, and that it is an unfunded mandate.
Mayor Gomez thanked Mr. Goren for the report and moved to the City Manager report.
iii. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager, Michael Cernech, provided an update on upcoming events for the City. Those include a
free big screen movie in the park on Friday, March 6th for Aladdin with pre-movie activities include face
painting games, bounce houses, music and food from onsite food trucks. He encourages residents to
bring their blankets and lawn chairs. Free popcorn will be distributed. Pre-movie activities start at 7:00
p.m. and the movie starts at 8:15 p.m. at the Tamarac Sports Complex on Northwest 77 Street.
Mr. Cernech added, Tamarac BSO and the Broward MPO cordially invite you to go biking on Saturday,
March 7th, from 9 to 12:00 noon for an exciting bike ride through the City of Tamarac, featuring a helmet
fitting safety, education material and a bike rodeo for the little ones. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Page 5 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020
Helmet fitting and bike rental first come first served basis at the Tamarac City Hall on 7525 NW 88th
Avenue.
Mr. Cemech stated Water's Edge Park will be opening to the public on March 6th with a grand opening
planned for March 29th from 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mr Cernech also invited everyone to experience a full body workout for people of all abilities and ages.
The free classes consist of 14 movements and 7 different stations, the ongoing classes are held from 9 to
9:45 a.m. at the Tepford Park Fitness Court, that is 10003 Southgate Boulevard. He reminded individuals
to bring your own water and a workout towel.
Finally, Mr. Cemech mentioned the Public Services Department. To keep Tamarac clean, last month's
citywide litter cleanup collected 44 bags of trash. The citywide litter cleanup happens every second
Wednesday of the month. And this is in cooperation with public services. Fire Rescue. Community
Development and the building department.
iv. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez moved to public participation. Any member of the public may speak at any issue that's not
on the agenda. And speakers are limited to three minutes during this time.
Mayor Gomez asked the public to them know their name if they are comfortable, if not their City.
Reuel Sherwood of 4515 NW 45th Court, Tamarac. That's in Mainlands Three. Sherwood commended
Mayor Gomez for looking so well.
Mayor Gomez replied thank you so very much.
Mr. Sherwood stated there have been some enforcement issues at Mainlands Park recently with the
neighbors surrounding the park and planting further into the park. Sherwood continued stating the land
was donated to the City and participated in the public meeting. It was finally agreed on there were no
fences, no lighting, and the park infrastructure would not encroach close to the property owners. That was
the way it was worded, as it was like a 30-foot easement that the City wouldn't build on within 30-feet of
the property lines. And that's where the problem has come up during those meetings. People asked, can
we plant on that easement?And the answer was yes. So, I'm just asking the Commissioners and
whatever departments involved, what was said in those public meetings about the commitment to the
residents around the park being about the plantings. And we're talking about a few trees here and there.
So that's all. Thank you very much.
Mayor Gomez thanked Mr. Sherwood and asked that Public Services Director Jack Strain look into the
matter and get back to him.
Joel Davidson, 4608 Norfolk Island Pine Drive, the Woodlands in Tamarac thanked the mayor for
mentioning the Kiwanis Golf Club last Friday. He stated it was a success and we raised $2,500 this year.
Davidson went on to explain his wife has won $1,250, which she donated to Christmas in July. Every
July, we bring 2000 homeless children there and give them backpacks with school supplies, clothing, etc.
So, our golf tournament was a success this year. We also don't have the final figures, but I expect we will
have raised enough money to do what we did last year, which is give five $1000 scholarships to Piper
High School Key Club seniors that are graduating, going on to college.
Number two. Yesterday was, International Pancake Day. IHOP [International House of Pancakes] gives
out a free stack of pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and we have a partnership with them. He went on and
provided information about he and his wife asking for donations at IHOP for Kiwanis and the money going
to charitable causes.
Page 6 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020
Good morning, Tamarac. Ron Wasserman of 8577 Jade Drive. Wasserman stated, I live here in Tamarac
and we have been residents for 22 years. He said he was going to speak about a few things. As a
resident, I like to come and speak before our Commission. Thank you, Joe. And a lot of other people who
help with charitable things. Wasserman thanked Commissioner Bolton, for the Marijuana Summit. He
stated, I'm here today, basically to speak and try to wake up a number of people about cancer. Why it
happens, and potentially things that can happen. And one of the things that came from the Medical
Marijuana Summit, was there is a potential for medical marijuana to stop the spread of colon cancer.
Pretty amazing stuff. He then urged people to get tested and to know the dangers of colon cancer.
Finally, he thanked Commissioner Bolton, for that summit.
Wasserman stated, Mr. City Attorney, and thank you for that long list of things. Lastly, commended the
Sugar Hill Gang on their performance at One Tamarac. He stated, Commission a lot of times ongoing. I
have disagreements with our Commission, your decisions, but I want to move forward with you. I love our
community. We want to stay in this community. Thank you very much for listening to me.
v. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Gomez asked if there is anyone else who wishes to speak? There being none, she closed public
participation. She asked the City Manager if there are any additions or deletions.
City Manager, Michael Cemech stated there are no additions or deletions this morning Madam Mayor.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion and a second to approve the content.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to approved, and Commissioner Placko seconded. The motion carried
unanimously 5-0.
vi. REGULAR AGENDA
None
vii. ORDINANCE(S) -FIRST READING
None
viii. ORDINANCE(S)—SECOND READING
Mayor Gomez asked the City Attorney to read into the record TO2424 -Amendment to the Procurement
Code.
City Attorney, Sam Goren read the title for the record.
Mayor Gomez asked for a motion and a second for approval, and then I will open it up for public
comment.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to approve, and Commissioner Gelin Seconded.
Mayor Gomez opened for public hearing. Is there anybody who wishes to speak on this matter? Seeing
that there is no one who wish to speak on this matter, this public hearing is now closed. Seeing that there
is no discussion from my colleagues, and no one light is lit up, I will now ask for you to call a role in this
matter.
The motion carried unanimously 5-0, and TO2424 is adopted on second reading.
City Clerk, Jennifer Johnson, clarified for the record, the consent agenda also passed unanimously, 5 to
0.
Page 7 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020
There being no additional business to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
Minutes respectfully transcribed and submitted by City Clerk, Jennifer Johnson.
Jennifer non, C
City Clerk
G, .me
Mich Ile J. Gomez, Mayor
Note to the reader. The above signature is the 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, February 26, 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 8 of 8 CITY COMMISSION MEETING February 26, 2020