HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-09 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes City of Tamarac
Regular City Commission Meeting - Minutes
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, Virtual City
Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Commissioner Debra Placko and Commissioner Julie
Fishman were present. Commissioner Mike Gelin joined the meeting at 7:07 p.m. and Vice
Mayor Bolton joined the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Also present were City Manager Michael C. Cernech, Assistant City Attorney Sam Goren and
City Clerk Jennifer Johnson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Fishman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. PROCEDURES FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
City Attorney, Sam Goren, provided details related to the authorization of virtual
meetings, as outlined in the Governor's Executive Order 20-62 and further extended by
Executive Order 20-193. Goren also outlined the public's right to access, and the need
for conducting a roll call vote for all items in the virtual environment.
2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Gomez read the following proclamations for the record.
a. Proclamation — Ms. Seena Kuby
Requested by Mayor Gomez
b. Proclamation — Big Brothers Big Sisters
Requested by Mayor Gomez
Chad Van Horn, Big Brother Big Sisters Board Chairman, thanked the City of
Tamarac City Commission for the proclamation. Van Horn mentioned there are 730
children currently on the waitlist and encouraged everyone to volunteer to be a Big
Brother or Big Sister.
c. Proclamation — Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Requested by Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez asked for forgiveness upon mentioning her brother passed away of
cancer when he was 13. Kim and Ray "Crazy Ray" Slapikas stated that Tommy is up
at Sloan Kettering receiving proton treatment now after his cancer returned. He is
suffering and receiving treatment year after year but stays positive. Crazy Ray also
thanked the Commission for the proclamation and encouraged everyone to spread
the word about Childhood Cancer Awareness as cancer kills more children than the
next four diseases combined.
Page 1 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
d. Proclamation —Suicide Prevention Month and Dr. Delvina Thomas of DRT
Behavioral Services
Requested by Commissioner Gelin
e. 2020 2nd Quarter— Neighborhood Beautification Program
Commercial: Red Ruby Corp. (KFC) at 7556 NW 58th Street
District 1: Velez, Leonardo & Jannette at 2719 NW 53rd Street
District 2: Silverman, Andrew & Cynthia at 5200 Avocado Drive
District 3: Nunez, Gustavo &Ana at 7051 NW 108th Avenue
District 4: Porto, Jose Ivanovio Jr. &Alves-Porto, Thalita Christina at 8011 NW 74
Terrace
Mayor Gomez presented pictures of each of the properties and thanked them for
making their properties look so nice and for making Tamarac the City for their life.
3. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Vice Mayor Bolton
Vice Mayor Bolton thanked everyone who was watching on Facebook. Bolton stated he
does not have a lot to report, because he is always active in his community and they can
find all of that wonderful work on his Facebook site, which is
www.facebook.com/commissionermarlonbolton. Bolton took a moment of silence in
honor of 9-11, which is Friday. In closing, Bolton reminded everyone to be mindful,
respectful, and kind to one another. Let us all get along. Tamarac has always been
cooking. Thank you , my number is 954-275-3850.
b. Commissioner Gelin
Commissioner Gelin provided a summary of activities and current events presentation,
which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Gelin's presentation included a newsclip about
an impending housing crisis, and upon completion of his presentation, he apologized for
ending on a sad note but is reality.
Page 2 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
c. Commissioner Fishman
Commissioner Fishman stated Friday is September 11th. Fishman continued stating 19
years ago, on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, the horrific attacks on the World Trade
Center and Pentagon shook our country to its very core. The United States was brought
to a standstill while people were riveted to the TV news stations trying to make sense of
what they were seeing as planes flew into the World Trade Center buildings. Each of us
remembers where we were at, and what we were doing, when we found out our country
was under attack from enemies unknown at the time. It is important to remember and
acknowledge those who died in those attacks, those that happened to be working in
those buildings that day, and those who gave their lives trying to save those people in
the buildings. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives and another 25,000 were injured. Of
those who died 343 were firefighters, and 72 were police officers. I want to thank the
Vice Mayor, and the rest of the Commission for taking a moment of silence now, but I
would request you take a moment of silence at 8:46 Friday morning to remember the
fallen. And may we never forget.
d. Commissioner Placko
Commissioner Placko stated it is tough to follow that, but she would try. Placko called
out BSO Capt. Cirminiello, after hearing that a Tamarac deputy was visiting local small
businesses in her district to introduce himself. He was saying hello, I am here, and I
want you to know who I am. The small businesses and patrons were impressed a police
officer would come in just to say hello. Placko continued, stating she received a notice
yesterday from Representative Hastings notifying us the Land and Water Conservation
grant program, totaling $400,000 has been sent to the City. It will be for Sunset Point
Park, the nature study observation boardwalk. She stated that was a good thing, and
that Hastings has long been a supporter of the City of Tamarac and she sent him a letter
of thanks. Placko then reminded residents of the upcoming election, important dates for
registration and voting locations.
e. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez thanked her colleagues for all the information and reiterated never forget
what happened September 11th, for us to all be one, and life is very short. Gomez stated
it has been very busy, and she is still attending local and state meetings to discuss
future plans. Gomez then called out Feeding South Florida, the local Broward Sheriffs
Office, our Public Services and Parks and Recreation departments, our volunteers,
Christine Life Center, Korean United [Methodist] Church and Community Christian
[Church] for everything they have done. In the pouring rain or boiling heat, it doesn't
matter, we are out there handing out food. Nobody expected it to last this long, it has,
and I believe we are trying to go through the end of the year with all of the organizations
for this service. When we first started, people would drive through, and have their heads
hung down. Now they are very sweet and kind when they come through. They know this
isn't something to be demeaning, it's a good time and some have made it a social
occasion. It's wonderful to see the people, they are sharing their stories, they are doing
well and trying. Everybody just stay positive. We are coming out of it, as the numbers
are looking good. We're surviving this, and we'll get through this together. So keep up
the positive, and thank everyone for participating.
Page 3 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
4. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Goren outlined details related to the CARES Act funding, and an interlocal
agreement (ILA) that will be forthcoming from the County. The ILA is a joint effort by the
Broward League of Cities, the Broward County City Managers Association for the
distribution of$103 million to the 31 municipalities in Broward County. Goren provided
updates on the actions taken by Governor DeSantis related to recent bills passed by the
legislature. One being the towing bill, which will place certain limitations on a City, and
Senate Bill 810. SB810 is the "Tobacco 21" bill, which DeSantis stated vaping is a
"reduced-risk alternative" to cigarettes and said the legislation "would almost assuredly
lead more people to resume smoking cigarettes." Finally, Goren stated the Broward
County Commission passed an Ethics Ordinance Amendment, which refers to the use of
names as an endorsement for other candidates. He continued stating, the City
Attorney's Office has provided each of you with a memorandum, and he would be happy
discuss the matter in further details if necessary.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
a. Investment Report—June 2020
Commission District(s): Citywide
City Manager Cernech stated in support of our small businesses during this ongoing
economic crisis, our Economic Development Office along with our Chamber of
Commerce have been out in the community visiting, supporting and promoting our small
businesses as part of our ongoing "Tamarac Together: Support Local Business"
campaign. We wanted to share with you tonight a video highlighting some of those
efforts. Staff streamed a video, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
The Community Development Department wants you to know that Tamarac was recently
recognized by the Florida Housing Coalition and the State Housing Initiative Partnership
(SHIP) Program as a model City for leveraging SHIP funds in support of developing
affordable housing for Florida's most vulnerable residents. The Housing Division wanted
to share one of their many successes and show how SHIP funding transforms lives. A
video of the transformation of James Robert's residence into a barrier free home was
submitted to the Florida Housing Coalition as a success story. Mr. Roberts was the star
and the Mayor and Vice Mayor were best supporting actors. Mr. Roberts is wheelchair
bound and it was difficult for him to move around in his home. In Mr. Roberts own
words, "I am now living in my home instead of just existing in it". The video was featured
at the Coalition's Annual Statewide Affordable Housing (Virtual) Conference. Kudos to
Community Development Housing Division for their hard work and serving our most
vulnerable residents. Staff streamed a video, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
The Public Services Department will temporarily return to free chlorination in the drinking
water system from Tuesday, September 22, 2020 through Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
This is a part of our water distribution preventive maintenance program.
The Building Department reports that even after being closed to the public for almost six
months, they have still exceeded their projected revenue for 2020 and are close to
issuing the same number of permits this year that were issued in 2019.
Page 4 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
From Parks and Recreation, the Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) recently
announced the winners of its annual SUNsational Awards during their annual convention
and tradeshow. The Program recognizes members' innovation, individuality, and creative
collaboration. The City received 3rd place for the Marketing Flyer/Poster category for
the ONE Tamarac Multicultural Festival and 3rd place for the Event T-shirt category for
the Turkey Trot 5K.
Nominations were judged by a blue-ribbon panel representing media outlets, printing
companies, website designers, photographers, promotional marketing professionals and
social media experts.
FFEA is a not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting and promoting more than
4,500 festivals, events, and fairs in the state of Florida through education, networking
and dissemination of information and the cultivation of high standards. Congratulations
to our Parks and Rec Staff for a job well done.
COOKING FOR KIDS - ONLINE CLASSES
The Parks and Recreation Department invites you to register your kids to learn cooking
basics online. The class will be held on Zoom on September 8th and September 22nd
from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. The fee is $20 and is for ages: 7-12.
TAMARAC SENIOR PROGRAM- ONLINE CLASSES
The Parks and Recreation Senior Program continues to offer 19 classes online with our
instructors via ZOOM while our facilities are closed. We have received great feedback
and have added 2 additional classes to help keep our seniors active.
FEEDING SOUTH FLORIDA DRIVE-THRU FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Feeding South Florida drive-thru food distribution is continuing. The next distribution will
be held at Community Christian Church on Monday, September 14th from 9:00 — 11:00
AM.
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez opened for public comment, and City Clerk Johnson read the following
into the record.
a) Warren Greene, via email, Last December, an outside counsel hired by the City to
investigate District 1 Commissioner Marlon Bolton for, among other things, creating a
hostile work environment for employees, issued his report. In it, he clearly stated that
each of the complaints had merit and that Bolton had violated City codes. The
investigator also found that Bolton's explanations in response to the allegations were
"wanting and self-serving and without merit". Rather than apologize or even
acknowledge his actions Bolton, aided by Commissioner Gelin, spent their time
assailing the qualifications and character of the investigator. At a subsequent
meeting, Bolton again refused to address his actions and, instead, whined about the
way he was treated by a former mayor. The people and employees of Tamarac
deserve better from their elected officials. What can be done to ensure this doesn't
happen again?
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Page 5 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
a. Approval of the June 17, 2020 — City Commission Budget Workshop Minutes
b. TR13474 —WTP Finished Water Meter Construction
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, awarding Bid
Number 20-14B and approving an agreement with Southern Underground Industries,
Inc. for the construction of the Water Treatment Plant Finished Water Meter Upgrade
Project in the amount of$432,010.00, a contingency of$43,201.00 (10%) will be
added to the account for a project total of$475,211.00; authorizing an additional
appropriation in the amount not to exceed $350,211.00 to be included in a future
budget amendment pursuant to F.S. 166.241(2); authorizing the appropriate City
officials to administer the contract; providing for conflicts; providing for severability;
and providing for an effective date.
Commission District(s): Citywide
c. TR13477 — Buffer Wall Phase VII Design
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving
execution of Task Authorization No. 20-19D with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to
provide professional engineering services for the Design and Permitting of the
Citywide Buffer Wall Project, Phase VII, which is generally located on the south side
of Southgate Blvd. between NW 66th Terrace and Santa Monica Avenue, and the
east side of Nob Hill Road between Southgate Blvd. and NW 81st Street, and north
side of NW 81st Street between Nob Hill Road and NW 96th Terrace, in accordance
with the City's Continuing Service Agreement as authorized by Resolution R-2016-
80; authorizing an expenditure for said purpose in an amount not to exceed
$170,104.00; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Commission District(s): District 3
District 4
d. TR13484— FMIT Insurance Renewal FY2021
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the
renewal of General Liability, Automobile Liability, Automobile Physical Damage,
Workers' Compensation, and Property Lines of Coverage including any
endorsements with the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) for a one (1) year
period beginning October 1, 2020 at a cost of$946,871 and payment of any increase
resulting from the annual premium audit; providing for severability; and providing for
an effective date.
e. TR13489 —Termination of Hampton Hills ROW Maintenance Agreement
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, terminating the
Right-of-Way Maintenance Agreement with Hampton Hills Community Association,
Inc. dated November 22, 2006, in order to facilitate the development of the Tamarac
Village Property; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for
an effective date.
f. TR13439 —Amending Charitable Entities
Page 6 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, amending
Resolution R-2019-90, by specifically adding to the list of charitable entities with
whom the City of Tamarac recognizes a formally approved relationship; providing for
an amended Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein, as may be
amended from time to time, for the expressed purpose of compliance with Section 1-
19(C)(5)(A)(4) of the Broward County Code of Ordinances; providing for conflicts;
providing for severability and providing for an effective date.
Commission District(s): Citywide
g. TR 13494—Approving the adjustment factor for Water and Sewer Rates
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, establishing the
Adjustment Factor to be applied to the Annual Water and Sewer Rate Schedule for
the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2020; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
h. TR13498 —Appointment of George Folles as Chief Building Official
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, appointing
George Folles as Chief Building Official, effective September 1, 2020 or at such date
as is mutually agreed upon; providing for severability; and providing for an effective
date.
City Manager Cemech stated there were no additions or deletions.
Commissioner Gelin mentioned he requested Feeding South Florida be added to the list
of charities and commended the CEO for turning the organization around since being in
charge.
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Commissioner Placko motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner
Fishman seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion carried unanimously (5-0) to
approve the Consent Agenda.
8. REGULAR AGENDA
a. TR13496 — Colony West Project Reallocation
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, accepting and
authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute a revision to the Colony West
Clubhouse and Cart Barn budget reallocating funds to the construction line item to
$9,512,069.00 without increasing the overall project budget of$11,128,281.00;
authorizing the appropriate City officials to take the appropriate actions to effectuate
this resolution; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Page 7 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Mayor Gomez requested a motion and second.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to approve. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Clerk Johnson confirmed there were not comments from the public on this item.
No discussion by the Commission.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve carried 3-2 with Vice
Mayor Bolton and Commissioner Gelin dissenting.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened at 8:20 p.m.
9. ORDINANCE(S) FIRST READING — NONE
10. PUBLIC HEARING(S)— NONE
11. ORDINANCE(S) SECOND READING
12. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S) — NONE
13. OTHER
a. Public Art Committee's Inspiration Way Sculpture Purchase
Recommendation
Community Development Director Maxine Calloway introduced Public Art Consultants
George Gadson and Beth Ravitz. Calloway provided a presentation, which is on file in
the City Clerk's Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the selection process and to consider
having a historical figure or event monument (ie: honoring MLK, Black history, etc.),
pursuing something [statue] that is more significant than a piece of art, having a piece
that is more meaningful and significant and represents the heritage and culture in the
City of Tamarac, money for art can only be used from the Public Art fund, and continuing
the support of the art community, what happens with the remaining pieces, and changing
out the pieces each year, and timeframe for decision and placement following a call for
artists.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve. Commissioner Fishman seconded.
Page 8 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to approve the Public Art
Committee's recommendation carried unanimously (5-0).
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 9:45 p.m. and reconvened at 9:55 p.m.
b. Nomination of member of City Commission to the Affordable Housing
Advisory Committee
Community Development Director Maxine Calloway provided a presentation, which is on
file in the City Clerk's Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to whom would represent the City on the
Board.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to nominate Vice Mayor Bolton. Commissioner Placko
seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to nominate Vice Mayor Bolton
carried unanimously (5-0).
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 9:45 p.m. and reconvened at 9:55 p.m.
c. Neighborhood Signage Update
Community Development Director Maxine Calloway provided a presentation, which is on
file in the City Clerk's Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to point system, neighborhoods with the
biggest impact, communicate expectations to the HOAs for fast approval, easement
agreements, limitations because of buffer walls or lack of a right of way, the vendor's
business location and the procurement selection process, if the City was still accepting
applications, reason for this project being pushed back, what is being done for
communities have fairly newer signs, not agreeing with the point system and how it was
structured, some communities have been asking for signs for a long time, this being a
great initiative for the City and it looks great, and sending an update of the communities
to the City Commission.
Page 9 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
d. Traffic Calming
Public Services Director Jack Strain provided a presentation, which is on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with questions related to the communities who
have applied, and received traffic calming devices since the new policy was
implemented, there are still communities that have a want or need to traffic calming
devices, increased use of arterial roadways, consider modifying the program to increase
the number of petitions (ie: 80%) if they do not meet the number of trips, etc.
Strain asked the Commission to report any community or neighborhood that has applied,
and he would research if they went through and completed the process.
e. Discussion and possible motion to an Adopt-A-Tree Program
Commissioner Fishman provided a presentation, which on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Public Services Director, Jack Strain, provided program information related to an Adopt-
A-Tree program, other cities programs and answered questions from the Commission.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with support for starting an Adopt-A-Tree
program in Tamarac, right tree right place, program creates beautification in the
neighborhoods, having a tree preservation fund, consider HOA restrictions, it being a
two-tier program, creating guidelines, and having an educational component.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to approve starting an Adopt-A-Tree program in the City of
Tamarac. Commissioner Placko seconded.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to move forward with an Adopt-
A-Tree Program carried unanimously (5-0).
Page 10 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
f. Discussion and possible motion to create a Green Tamarac Business
Certification Program
Commissioner Fishman provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the program included it being a
voluntary program versus a mandatory program, the program being a great idea but
maybe not the best time, surveying the businesses, fiscal impact of the program overall,
incentivizing the program, developing a program that has more teeth in it, and if this is a
good time to introduce to the business community.
City Attorney Goren stated it is possible to legislate such a program if you find a
municipal purpose.
City Manager Cernech stated there was no budget to incentivize a green business
program. We all think the environment is important, and we should support business
who want to be environmentally friendly, but this needs more research at this time.
Cernech stated there is some great opportunity here, but we just need to find our niche
for our business community.
No action was taken by the Commission.
Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 11:06 p.m.
Minutes respectfully transcribed and submitted by City Clerk Jennifer Johnson.
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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,
Sept. 9, 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.
Page 11 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020
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 12 of 12 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 9, 2020