HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-22 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes City of Tamarac
City Commission Minutes
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gomez called the Wednesday, April 22, 2020, Virtual City Commission meeting to order
at 9:33 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Bolton, Commissioner Fishman and Commissioner Placko were
present. Commissioner Gelin joined the meeting at the conclusion of Commission reports.
Also present were City Manager Michael Cemech, City Attorney Sam Goren, and City Clerk
Jennifer Johnson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Bolton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Gomez provided welcome remarks and reminded those watching of the options for public
access.
1. PROCEDURES FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
The City Attorney's Office recommends the City Commission publicly consider and approve the
attached order, by motion; and then utilize the procedures set forth therein for all commission
meetings conducted through communications media technology ("CMT").
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to approve. Commissioner Fishman seconded. Clerk Johnson
conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously (4-0).
2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation — National Nurses Week
Requested by Van Schoen, Tamarac Fire Rescue
Mayor Gomez read the proclamation for the record.
3. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Vice Mayor Bolton
Vice Mayor Bolton stated he wants to reassure the residents we are working hard during
these trying times. He stated he delivered more than 200 hot meals to residents in the
eastern communities, and the residents were overjoyed with the compassion we showed.
Bolton stated he started an initiative to hand out masks and has provided more than 1000
citywide, including in Kings Point and Westwood. He stated residents are concerned they
cannot find masks, but they want to comply with the Broward County order to wear them.
Some people have been furloughed or laid off and cannot afford them. Bolton stated he has
started a campaign and is getting 250 more masks for his residents after this meeting.
Bolton stated he was buying fabric late last night for another 300 masks and has a
seamstress in his district helping him with that. Bolton stated he has another 1000 masks on
the way and there will be a City Hall distribution. I still have a few people to reach out to, and
this is a great thing. He stated this shows how resilient and tough we are. This is the kind of
Commission we need. People who can go out in the trenches and check on our residents.
Not elected officials who sit in the office 24 hours a day. Our residents need to see we are
out there and cheering for them. Lots of meetings have been cancelled, but using
technology, we can make it happen. I met with a resident from Manor Park through
Facetime, and technology has shown we can make it through tough times. Bolton then
stated Commissioner Gelin has also been helping him deliver masks, and he is trying to
make sure his residents get masks too. I am grateful he is on the Commission with us.
Bolton said Happy Easter and Passover to all the residents who celebrated. Bolton then
provided his cell phone number 954-275-3850 and stated he is available 24 hours a day, six
days a week. Residents can also visit his Facebook page to see all the things he has been
doing. Finally, Bolton stated he showed off a video of a professional certificate he received
from Florida Atlantic University. They offered a course in Hospitality and Tourism
Management and will be offering more courses online as a result of COVID-19. Our
residents can take advantage of that and it is an awesome program. Mayor Gomez
congratulated Vice Bolton on obtaining the certificate.
b. Commissioner Fishman
Commissioner Fishman requested to bring attention to an issue, that is not in the spotlight
but will be, and that is people that are not safe in their homes. Fishman stated these are the
victims of domestic violence. She continued stating there is help for them at the National
Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Fishman stated, you are not stuck at home
with your abuser. If you are being abused physically, emotionally, mentally, or sexually
please reach out. There is help, so please call.
c. Commissioner Placko
Commissioner Placko started off by thanking her colleagues and staff for everything they
are doing. This is totally unknown to all of us, and everyone is doing a great job in their own
way. I have taken to walking every day, and this allows me to see the residents. From
across the street, they can chat and ask me questions. I like the one-on-one interaction.
People are holding up well considering. I cannot thank our residents enough for staying in
and staying safe. That is what it is going to take. I know it is difficult and there is a lot of
boredom. I have confined my mother to her house, and I know that people are bored, but it
is better than sickness. I encourage everyone to continue to stay home and stay safe. You
know how to contact me. What a great job by everyone during these uncertain
circumstances. Stay safe everyone.
d. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez stated she is very proud to be the Mayor of this City and is very proud of
everyone. The smart planning by our city manager and our city team, cleaning buildings,
pressure washing the streets and keeping things clean. Thank you to all our first responders
and essential workers. Thank you to all the essential businesses for staying open and keep
some sort of normalcy to our lives. I am so proud of residents for taking this seriously. I
know some are going a little stir crazy but take a walk. I had a driveway meeting with a
resident, 6-feet-apart, and it is a different world, but we can still connect. Gomez then stated
she has been on weekly conference calls with the White House COVID-19 Task Force,
Bloomberg Harvard Leadership Initiative, National league of Cities, US Conference of
Mayors, Florida League of Cities, Florida Division of Emergency Management, American
Business Chamber, Tamarac/North Lauderdale Business Chamber, the Teen Council,
Senators [Marco] Rubio and [Rick] Scott as well as Representatives [Perry] Thurston, [Anika
Tene] Omphroy, [Dan] Daley and [Patricia] Williams, our religious institutions and a lot of
calls without residents. Mental health is extremely important. Go for a walk, veranda or out
on your catwalk. Don't text, give your friends a call. We are concerned with the next steps,
the numbers are good, but it must be data driven before we reopen the city. April 2, the City
was awarded more funds from the CDBG act and this means we will be able to help more
residents. We have two food distributions in the city and hope there will be more in the
future. Gomez stated she had the pleasure of being at the Korean Church Saturday, and
approximately 535 cars went off with food in their trunks. Hopefully with this stimulus bill that
was passed by the Senate, and hopefully by the House tomorrow, there will be more
assistance with small businesses and unemployment. We are all new at this, and we are
learning to do this together. We are federally funded, state mandated and locally executed.
Sometimes when we locally executed, we don't have everything we need, but everyone is
doing a great job. Gomez stated, the 31 mayors of Broward County and the Mayor of
Broward County, has had numerous calls on how to open carefully. She stated, we need to
open wisely. We are working together to make sure this rolls out smoothly. Gomez stated,
we are still doing cards for all our essential workers, and we are still going to do so until the
order is lifted. We are very appreciative of everything you do. Finally, Ramadan starts
tonight. So, Ramadan Mubarak to all those who celebrate.
4. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Goren stated the Governor's Order, #20-69, had a time limitation. The order
authorizing virtual meetings is only till June 9, 2020, but we believe it will be extended by the
Governor. Goren explained that city business must go on, and there are numerous other
meetings that have a right of access. We will ensure the City Manager and his team
determine which meetings are scheduled and will make sure to continue with providing the
public's right to access.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update
City Manager Cernech introduced the item and provided an update on city operations.
Cernech stated several Department Directors would be providing a detailed presentation of
city operations. The presentation is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
The Commission began a break at 10:15 a.m. and returned at 10:20 a.m.
The presentation by the Department Directors continued. City Manager wrapped up the
presentation with caution related to re-opening, working with our city and county
counterparts, and the larger impact of COVID-19.
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez opened for public participation and read instructions describing the public's
access during a virtual meeting.
Mayor Gomez asked the City Clerk if there were any comments submitted via email.
City Clerk Johnson, read the following comments submitted via email or Facebook into the
record.
1. Pam Dinkins —The City of Tamarac should really consider deducting all the late fees for
its utility services, with the situation as it our loss of wages and income is beyond our
control.
2. Robert Thumudd of 8772 NW 75th Court, Tamarac—The City has been putting up buffer
walls all over Tamarac. It seems to be a hodge podge, as to where they are being
constructed. What was the criteria for where these walls would be placed? Who made
the decision?
3. Carlos Nunez of 9091 Lime Bay Boulevard #306, Tamarac—Wearing masks is now
mandatory, even inside my condo elevator. Yet there are no protective disposable or
permanent face masks available anywhere, and I mean anywhere, not on stores,
pharmacies, not online unless you wait several weeks. So what are we supposed to do?
Where can we get these mandatory face masks?
4. Carmlsteve — Our 55 Senior condo has a Clubhouse that has a sign stating that it is
closed. Yesterday 2 tennants playing pool without proper protection....no mask, no
gloves in a small room. Another tenant was exiting the bathroom in the clubhouse
complaining how dirty it was after taking a shower after using the closed pool. What can
be done when that tenant said the print was too small to read the closed sign and didn't
have COVID-19 information to know the rules. We know that our Management Company
doesn't do any special cleaning around the condo.
5. Bill Sprung of 7306 NW 59th Street, Tamarac— I have a question I would like posed at
the next meeting. Is writing an email to you the correct way to do it? Assuming it is, here
is the question: I, like many city residents are going stir crazy being tied to our houses.
Would the City consider opening Colony West for golf? It would be easy to practice
social distancing by limiting one golfer per cart. Since the course is city owned it would
also generate revenue for the city. There are only 3 counties in the whole state where
golf courses have been closed and from what I can read having golf in most of the state
has not posed a problem.
6. Ronald Coles of 4813 Banyan Lane, Tamarac—On the 4/22/2020 City Commission
hearing, as a full-time resident of Tamarac, has the City considered eminent domain of
the golf courses available on the Woodlands?
7. Raquel Lopez (Facebook) —On May 2nd, Household Hazardous Waste Collection is
scheduled to take place in Tamarac. Has that been cancelled or is it still on the
calendar? I can't get anyone on the phone, and they don't have an email address listed
on the website. Thanks in advance for your help.
8. Corrine Rebecca Hamre (Facebook) — Should we be able to hear what is happening with
your call? Or Just static.
9. Lavinia De Pena (Facebook) —When you start disinfecting the city?
10. Warren Werner— I have two sets of hospital PPE which I would like to donate. Who can
receive these donations?
11. Alan Yucias of 4717 Mainland Drive, Tamarac (via telephone) —stated staff had already
addressed his concern.
12. Ron Wasserman (via telephone) —thanked the Fire Chief and City Manager.
13. Melinda Bernstein of 7675 NW 79th Avenue (via telephone) —thanked everyone for
being there and putting this together.
14. Peter Mason as the Executive Director the Tamarac/North Lauderdale Chamber of
Commerce (via telephone) — mentioned Small Business Week is May 2 —9. He is
hoping the Commission and residents will support small business.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of the Feb. 24, 2020, City Commission Workshop Minutes
b. Approval of the Feb. 25, 2020, City Commission Workshop Minutes
c. TR13412 —Adoption of the Tamarac 2020 Strategic Plan
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, adopting the
guiding strategies and goals of the "Tamarac 2040 Strategic Plan"; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
d. TR13415 —Authorizing the Award of Bid No. 20-10B and authorizing an Agreement
with Master Mechanical Services, Inc. for HVAC replacements
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, awarding Bid No.
20-10B to and approving an Agreement with Master Mechanical Services, Inc. for the
replacement of the HVAC units in various City facilities for a contract amount of
$98,995.00 and a contingency in an amount of$9,899.50, will be added to the project for
a total project budget of$108,854.50; authorizing an additional appropriation in an
amount not to exceed $58,357.50 to fund said project to be included in a future budget
amendment pursuant to F.S. 166.241(2); authorizing an expenditure from the
appropriate accounts; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for
an effective date
e. TR13418 —Accepting donation of computer equipment from Broward College
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the
appropriate City Officials to accept the donation of 8 desktops computers and peripheral
equipment from Broward College with an estimate value of$3,600 to provide on-site
course work at the Tamarac Recreation Center; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
f. TR13419 — Reaffirming Action to join "We Are Still In" Coalition
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, reaffirming the
actions taken by staff to join the "We Are Still In" coalition upon City Commission
direction; reaffirming the City's climate action commitments and authorizing appropriate
staff to update and revise such commitments to ensure alignment with the City's
strategic and budgetary priorities; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
Mayor Gomez asked the City Manager if there are any additions or deletions.
City Manager, Michael Cernech stated there were no additions or deletions.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded. Clerk Johnson
conducted a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously 5-0.
8. REGULAR AGENDA
a. TR13410 — Grant Application to Broward MPO for Planning Technical Assistance
Program (PTAP)
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving and
authorizing the appropriate City Officials to submit a grant application through the
Broward Metropolitan Planning (MPO) for a Planning Technical Assistance Program
(PTAP) grant for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transit accessibility study and
sidewalk gap analysis in an amount not to exceed $200,000, providing for at least a 10%
match in local funds or $10,000 whichever is greater in an amount not to exceed
$20,000 in the event of approval of the application; providing for acceptance of the
award and execution of necessary documents pending legal review; providing for
conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion and a second.
Commissioner Placko motioned to approve. Commissioner Fishman seconded. There being
no discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously
5-0.
9. ORDINANCES — FIRST READING
a. TO2428 — Ordinances Increasing Filing Fees for Mayor and Commission
Candidates
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending Chapter
2, "Administration," Article II, "City Commission," of the City of Tamarac Code of
Ordinances, by amending Section 2-26, "Filing of Notice of Intent to Run for Office; Filing
Fee" providing for conflicts; providing for codification; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to approve. Vice Mayor Bolton seconded.
Discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Fishman requested staff
research and the Commission discuss increasing the number of petitions required for
qualifying for office at a future workshop.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
b. TO2429 —Ordinance Amending the Code to include mandatory Electronic
Campaign Treasury Reporting
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending Chapter
2, "Administration," Article II, "City Commission," of the City of Tamarac Code of
Ordinances, by creating Section 2-36, "Campaign Finance Reports"; providing for
conflicts; providing for codification; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to when the software would be ready for
use, training and if staff was going to consider other software options.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried
unanimously (5-0)
c. TO2430 —Ordinance Amending Section 10-5.7 of the City's Land Development
Code entitled "Impact Fees" Amending the Imposition Date of New Development
Impact Fees and Certain Exemption Criteria to Effectuate Change to Imposition for
New Development Impact Fee
An Ordinance of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending the imposition date for New
Development Impact Fees established in Section 10-5.7 entitled "New Development
Impact Fees" of Chapter 10, of the Tamarac City Code, amending certain exemption
criteria to effectuate change to imposition date for new development impact fees;
providing for codification; providing for a savings provision; providing for conflicts
provision; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
There being no discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion
carried unanimously (5-0).
10. PUBLIC HEARING
None
11. ORDINANCES —SECOND READING
None
12. OTHER
a.Selection of Public Art Committee recommended artist Michele Gutlove's design for
Colony West Suspended Ceiling Sculpture
Community Development director, Maxine Calloway, introduced art consultants Beth Ravitz and
George Gadson. Ravitz and Gadson provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with conflicting opinions on the recommended art
pieces.
City Attorney Goren stated since the item will expend public funds, he would prefer a vote on
the item.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve the recommendation of the Public Art Committee.
Commissioner Fishman seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion
failed (3-2) with Commissioner Placko, Commission Fishman and Mayor Gomez dissenting.
b. Discussion and possible motion to draft a Resolution Denouncing White Supremacy
Item being brought forward by Commissioner E. Mike Gelin
Commissioner Gelin introduced the item, and provided background related to the topic.
Discussion by the Commission ensued.
City Attorney Goren confirmed the item was placed on the agenda correctly and would need a
majority vote to direct the City Attorney's Office to draft a resolution.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution Denouncing White
Supremacy. Commissioner Placko seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the
motion carried unanimously 5-0.
City Attorney Goren clarified the motion as adopted by the commission is to draft a resolution
that will come before you for review, consideration and potential adoption. It is not any one form,
but your form and your vote when you get it at the next regular meeting.
There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 12:56 p.m.
J nifer J nson, C
City Clerk
�6 ;
Michelle 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, April 22, 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.
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Clerk's Office at (954) 597-3505 of such need at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance.
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