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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. / - J nif Jo nM i.;,i, 6 (7 Mi elle J. Gomez, M or 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