HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-14 - City Commission Special Meeting Minutes City of Tamarac
Special City Commission Meeting - Minutes
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Tuesday, September 14, 2020, Virtual Special City
Commission Meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Michelle J. Gomez, Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Mike Gelin,
Commissioner Debra Placko and Commissioner Julie Fishman were present.
Also present were City Manager Michael C. Cernech, City Attorney Samuel Goren and City
Clerk Jennifer Johnson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PROCEDURES FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
City Attorney, Samuel 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.
1. TR13466 - FY 2021 Fire Rescue Assessment
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, relating to the
provision of Fire Rescue Services, facilities and programs in the City of Tamarac,
Florida; reimposing Fire Rescue Assessments against Assessed Property located within
the City of Tamarac for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020; approving the rate of
assessment; approving the Assessment Roll; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; providing an effective date.
City Manager Cernech stated that, the City of Tamarac has used the Fire Rescue
Assessment since 1997 to provide specific funding for the purpose of providing fire
rescue services in the City of Tamarac. As the City Commission is aware, the Fire
Rescue Assessment has been determined to be an equitable and efficient methodology
to use in apportioning the cost of Fire Rescue Services to improved properties thus
reducing the overall burden on the ad valorem tax rate. The residential rate for FY 2021
will remain at $350 per dwelling unit with no change from last year. The City conducted a
study on the Fire Rescue Assessment in 2016 and based upon calls for service and a
five- year budget forecast for the cost of providing Fire Rescue Services, Staff
recommends the City Commission approve the rates that have been proposed and
approved for publication at the July 8, 2020 Preliminary Fire Assessment Rate hearing
and subsequently advertised for public hearing on August 16, 2020. Thank you, Mayor.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Page 1 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste gave a presentation, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez asked if there were any questions from the Commission on the
presentation.
Commissioner Gelin asked how City of Tamarac rates compares to other cities? City
Manager Cernech and Interim Finance Director Cajuste responded.
Mayor Gomez opened for public comments.
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Gomez closed public comments.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion to approve TR13466. Commissioner Placko motioned
to adopt Temporary Resolution Number 13466 establishing the Fire Service Assessment
Rates for Fiscal Year 2021. Commissioner Fishman seconded.
There being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Gomez asked Clerk Johnson to take
the roll call.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously 5-0.
2. TR13467 - FY 2021 Stormwater Management Fee Assessment
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, relating to the levy
and collection of the City's Stormwater Management Utility Fee within the municipal
boundaries of the City of Tamarac for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020;
Approving, confirming, and adopting the Stormwater Management Utility Fee and
Stormwater Management Utility Fee roll; providing for other matters relating to the levy
and collection of the Stormwater Management Utility Fee on the annual property tax
bills; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
City Manager Cernech stated that the City of Tamarac has been using a special
assessment for the collection of the Stormwater Utility Management Services Fees since
2014. This assessment is an equitable and efficient method of allocating and collecting
the Stormwater Utility Management Services Fee Assessed Cost among all the parcels
in the City. The rate per equivalent residential unit (ERU) for FY 2021 is $135.53 and is
an increase of$3.93 or 3% over the previous year in accordance with our Code of
Ordinances. Staff recommends the City Commission approve the rate that has been
proposed and approved for publication at the July 8, 2020 Preliminary Stormwater Utility
Management Fee Assessment Rate hearing and subsequently advertised for public
hearing on August 16, 2020. Thank you, Madame Mayor.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste gave a presentation, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Page 2 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
Mayor Gomez asked if there were any questions from the Commission on the
presentation.
There were no questions from the Commission.
Mayor Gomez opened for public comments.
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Gomez closed public comments.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion to approve TR13467. Commissioner Fishman
motioned to adopt Temporary Resolution Number 13467 establishing the Stormwater
Utility Management Services Fee Assessment Rates for Fiscal Year 2021.
Commissioner Placko seconded.
There being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Gomez asked Clerk Johnson to take
the roll call.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, which carried 4-1, with Vice Mayor Bolton
dissenting.
3. TR13468 - FY 2021 Solid Waste Assessment
A Resolution of the City of Tamarac, Florida, relating to the provision of Residential Solid
Waste Collection Services in the City of Tamarac, Florida; approving the Assessment
Rate for Residential Solid Waste Collection Services for the fiscal year beginning on
October 1, 2020; imposing a Residential Solid Waste Collection Assessment against
Assessed Property located within the City of Tamarac for the fiscal year beginning on
October 1, 2020; providing for severability; providing for conflicts; and providing an
effective date.
City Manager Cernech stated that The City of Tamarac has been using a special
assessment for residential solid waste collection services since 2013. This assessment
is an equitable and efficient method of allocating and collecting the Residential Solid
Waste Collection Services Assessed Cost among single family residential type parcels.
The residential rate for FY 2021 is $278.75 per residential dwelling unit receiving
curbside pickup which is no change from Fiscal Year 2020 and includes the cost of
RecycleBank for recycling services approved by the City Commission. Staff
recommends the City Commission approve the rate that has been proposed and
approved for publication at the July 8, 2020 Preliminary Solid Waste Collection Services
Assessment Rate hearing and subsequently advertised for public hearing on August 16,
2020. Thank you, Mayor.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Page 3 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste gave a presentation, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez asked if there were any questions from the Commission on the
presentation. There were no questions from the Commission.
Mayor Gomez opened for public comments.
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Gomez closed public comments.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion to approve TR13468. Commissioner Placko motioned
to adopt Temporary Resolution Number 13468 establishing the Residential Solid Waste
Services Assessment Rate for Fiscal Year 2021. Commissioner Fishman seconded.
There being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Gomez asked Clerk Johnson to take
the roll call.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, which carried 4-1, with Vice Mayor Bolton
dissenting.
4. TR13469 - FY 2021 Nuisance Abatement Assessment
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, relating to the
provision of Nuisance Abatement on certain real properties by the City in accordance
with Chapter 9, Article II, Division V of the City's Code of Ordinances; approving the
collection of a Nuisance Abatement Special Assessment on real property that has been
specially benefited by the City's abatement of nuisances thereon; approving a Nuisance
Abatement Assessment roll; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
City Manager Cernech stated that The City of Tamarac has been using a special
assessment for residential solid waste collection services since 2013. This assessment
is an equitable and efficient method of allocating and collecting the Residential Solid
Waste Collection Services Assessed Cost among single family residential type parcels.
The residential rate for FY 2021 is $278.75 per residential dwelling unit receiving
curbside pickup which is no change from Fiscal Year 2020 and includes the cost of
RecycleBank for recycling services approved by the City Commission. Staff
recommends the City Commission approve the rate that has been proposed and
approved for publication at the July 8, 2020 Preliminary Solid Waste Collection Services
Assessment Rate hearing and subsequently advertised for public hearing on August 16,
2020. Thank you, Mayor.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste gave a presentation, which is on file in the
City Clerk's Office.
Page 4 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
Mayor Gomez asked if there were any questions from the Commission on the
presentation. There were no questions from the Commission.
Mayor Gomez opened for public comments.
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Gomez closed public comments.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion to approve TR13469. Commissioner Fishman
motioned to adopt Temporary Resolution Number 13469 establishing the Public
Nuisance Abatement Special Assessments for Fiscal Year 2021. Commissioner Placko
seconded.
There being no discussion on the motion, Mayor Gomez asked Clerk Johnson to take
the roll call.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 6:05 p.m. and reconvened at 6:15 p.m.
5. TO2434 - FY 2021 Millage Rate Ordinance
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida to Establish and
Levy Ad Valorem Taxes Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Tamarac, Florida, for
the Tax Year 2020; Providing for the Levy of Ad Valorem Taxes in the Amount of 7.2899
Mills ($7.2899 Per$1,000) Based Upon the Taxable Value on Non-Exempt Real and
Personal Property Located Within the City Limits of the City of Tamarac; Providing for
Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing for an Effective Date.
City Manager Cernech stated that, in accordance with the Truth in Millage requirements
of Florida Statutes, the City is required to announce the percentage difference between
the proposed millage rate and the rolled-back rate. As such, the following is read into
the record: The proposed operating millage rate of 7.2899 mills for Fiscal Year 2021 is
.4964 mills or 7.31% more than the rolled-back rate of 6.7935 mills. That concludes my
statement. Thank you, Mayor.
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste, and Budget Manager Jeff Streder, gave a
presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Mayor Gomez asked if there were any questions from the Commission on the
presentation. There were no questions from the Commission.
Mayor Gomez opened for public comments.
(a) Valerie Harper— 5103 NW 51st Terrace
Page 5 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
Ms. Harper spoke about a notice she received regarding the millage rate and taxes.
She noted that due to the pandemic many people have been affected, some may
possibly lose their homes. She asked that with everything going on with the
pandemic and the uncertainties, that the Commission reconsider not increasing
taxes for this year; that maybe the Commission should consider fifty (50) percent
increase.
(b) Luis Lopez — Mr. Lopez was contacted by telephone, but there was no audio.
Mayor Gomez asked Attorney Goren how to proceed. Goren stated that every effort was
made to contact speaker. Clerk Johnson stated she will reach out to Mr. Lopez via email.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 6:05 p.m. and reconvened at 6:15 p.m.
Clerk Johnson advised Mayor Gomez that Mr. Lopez will email his comments.
Mayor Gomez closed public comments and advised once Mr. Lopez comments are
received, they will be read in the record.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion to discuss and approve TO2435. Vice Mayor Bolton
motioned to adopt the tentative operating millage rate at 7.2899 mills which is .4964 mills
or 7.31% more than the rolled-back rate of 6.7935 mills. Commissioner Fishman
seconded.
Discussion ensued by the Commission relating to revenues generated by the millage
rate, savings for homes with taxable value, Community Development District (CDD)
fees, stimulus checks, allocations of funds to residents affected by COVID, etc....
City Manager Cernech, Attorney Goren, Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste, and
Budget Manager Jeff Streder responded to the questions from the Commission.
Mayor Gomez reopened public comments. Clerk Johnson read the following comment
into the record.
Good afternoon Mayor& Board of commissioners,
My name is Luis A. Lopez and I live in the community of North Tamarac Lakes. I wanted
to second the sentiment of Mrs. Harper. While I agree taxes and tax increases are
essential to the growth of our community this year of 2020 is not the right time to
implement such changes. We all know of the countless ways this year has affected the
lives of people all over the world however it is our responsibility locally to do what is best
for our community and to aid them. I do not believe the Increased proposed Tax budget
is effective manner to do that. I personally purchased my home about a year ago and
was looking forward to having some relief this year as I would have a homestead tax
exemption to look forward to. However, this new budget will have me paying more than I
Page 6 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
did the previous year without the exemption. I have been lucky to keep my job although
my income has decreased due to the lack of work. I can only imagine the devastation
this can cause family already on the brink. Thank you for your time and consideration.
God bless and have a wonderful rest of the week.
-Luis A. Lopez
Further discussion ensued by the Commission relating to the millage rate, core services,
CDD fees, staff cuts, Parks and Recreations events, Fire Department apparatus, home
refinancing options for residents etc.
Vice Mayor Bolton made a substitute motion to adopt the rollback rate of 6.7935 mills
which is 0.4964 mills or 7.31% less than the millage rate proposed. Commission Gelin
seconded.
There being no discussion on substitute motion, Mayor Gomez ask Clerk Johnson to
conduct roll call vote.
Motion failed 2-3 with Mayor Gomez, Commissioner Fishman, and Commissioner Placko
dissenting.
Mayor asked Johnson to call the vote for previous motion to adopt the tentative
operating millage rate at 7.2899 mills which is .4964 mills or 7.31% more than the rolled-
back rate of 6.7935 mills.
Motion to approve carried 4-1, with Commissioner Gelin dissenting.
6. TO2435 - FY 2021 Budget Ordinance
An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, adopting the
operating budget, revenues and expenditures, the capital budget, and the financial
policies for the Fiscal Year 2021; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
City Manager Cernech stated that, the tentative operating and capital budget for Fiscal
Year 2021 is $184,292,023 which is $12,688,010 less than the Adopted Budget of
$196,980,033 for Fiscal Year 2020. The tentative general fund budget, which is the
primary fund for providing governmental services such as, our contract with BSO,
general and administrative services, public services, and parks and recreation, is
$70,871,351 which is $6,176,655 less than the Adopted Budget of$77,048,006 for
Fiscal Year 2020. In addition, the financial policies are included as part of the adoption
of the annual budget. These financial policies are an integral part of our long-term
financial planning for the City. These policies set parameters for operating
management, including establishing reserves for specific purposes, establishing
accounts management and financial planning policies, and establishing policies on
economic resources. Thank you, Mayor.
Page 7 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste, and Budget Manager Jeff Streder, gave a
presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Discussion ensued, City Manager Cernech talked about the possibility of things shifting
around in the budget given these uncertain times, planning of any future city events and
state funding.
Mayor Gomez opened for public comments.
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Gomez closed public comments.
Commissioner Placko motioned to adopt the tentative operating budget, capital budget
and financial policies as proposed. Commissioner Fishman seconded.
Discussion ensued by the Commission relating to potential increases in incentives and
future changes in the budget.
There being no further discussion on the motion, Mayor Gomez asked Clerk Johnson to
conduct a roll call vote.
Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously 5-0.
There being no additional business to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at
8:27 p.m.
Minutes respectfully transcribed and submitted by Assistant City Clerk Kimberly Dillon.
Kimberly)Dillon
Mic Ile J. Gomez, May
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 Tuesday, Sept.
14, 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
Page 8 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020
hearing, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which record
includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
The City of Tamarac complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you
are a disabled person requiring any accommodations or assistance, please notify the City
Clerk's Office at (954) 597-3505 of such need at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance.
Additionally, if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance, you may contact the
Florida Relay Service at either of the following numbers: 1-800-955-8770 or 1-800-955-8771.
Page 9 of 9 CITY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 14, 2020