CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE

COMMISSION MEETING

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2007

WORKSHOP – 5:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M.

MINUTES

WORKSHOP MINUTES:

Mayor Jack Brady called the workshop to order at 5:30 p.m. in Chambers “B” at North Lauderdale City Hall.

ROLL CALL:

Mayor Jack Brady

Vice Mayor Rich Moyle

Commissioner Gary Frankel

Commissioner John Cangemi

Commissioner David Hilton

City Manager Richard Sala

City Attorney Michael Cirullo

Deputy Clerk Patricia Vancheri

SUBJECT: Proposed Comprehensive Pay and Classification Plan 2007/2008

City Manager Richard Sala and Finance Director Brian Raducci presented a Power-Point presentation of the Proposed Comprehensive Pay and Classification Plan for the Fiscal Year 2007/2008. The presentation outlined the highlights of the plan.

Mr. Sala started off the meeting by thanking the staff for their work in preparing the changes and said that the most significant thing is that they are preventing layoffs and are filling some positions with qualified people.

Mr. Raducci pointed out some of the important budget dates. He provided a budget overview. Mr. Sala said that there are two parts to the Property Tax Reform Plan. One part of the plan deals with the budget process and the request of the State for the City to roll back the millage rate to the FY 2007 level. The second part of the plan, depending on the level of growth in the City, may result in a penalty being imposed. This second part of the plan could be affected by the results of a January vote. Mr. Sala went on to outline the impact of adopting a higher rate, or lowering it in September if something comes up.

Mr. Raducci pointed out the profit and losses for the Fire Rescue Assessment and the challenges for 2008, which includes increased police costs; crossing guard control; health insurance; property insurance; neighborhood and home repair funding; capital projects; new vehicle funding; salary adjustments; and debt service for the school facility.

Mr. Sala outlined some cost saving measures which would relate to some of the departments such as Parks and Recreation; Public Works and Community Development.

One suggestion was to eliminate the holiday parade in favor of keeping North Lauderdale Days as the main City event. Another was to eliminate some of the activities at Pompano Park, which would reduce the hours at the park resulting in lower electricity costs. In the police department it was suggested to eliminate one school resource officer and maintain the current vacancy rate.

Mr. Sala said a cost saving measure in the Fire Dept. would be to reduce the overtime from 48 hour week to a 53 hour on duty work week. Also, he recommends delaying the purchase of a new fire truck and freezing three firefighter/paramedic positions. A recommendation was made to eliminate the Boys and Girls Club maintenance contribution, but it was agreed to adjust the budget to include full funding. Mr. Sala indicated that the City Clerk’s expenses have been reduced by 50% based on the new salary/benefits range for the open City Clerk position. After discussion about the City Newsletter, it was decided that the circulation would be cut from four times a year to three times a year. Two additional cost saving measures was to eliminate the holiday gift card to employees and reducing the budget of the Multi-Cultural Committee.

Mr. Brian Raducci went on to outline some of the new revenues which would be beneficial to the budget. He suggested raising the shelter fees in the Parks and Recreation Department. After discussion, it was agreed that the fees would increase to $60.00 for a small shelter and $85.00 for a large shelter. It was also agreed that the Public Works Department would increase the storm water fees from $3.00 to $6.00. The Community Development Department will institute a fast tracking permit fee and also charge for all pre-plan and plan review permits.

In the City Clerk’s office the lien search fees will be increased from $30.00 to $40.00 to offset the costs of the service and also, non-business related notary public services will be $3.00 for the execution fee.

The City Manager mentioned ways that the Human Resources Department could recover costs. He recommended getting reimbursement from employees for physicals, and also for any certification or training costs incurred by the City, if the employee leaves their position before their first year is up.

With regard to the Fire Dept., Mr. Sala and Mr. Raducci recommended getting 100% recovery of assessable costs, by increasing transport fees and improving collection of transport bills by using a collection agency. He also recommended increasing the fees and fines for alarm registration and false alarm reports.

In summary, the recommendations outlined by Mr. Sala and Mr. Raducci were to maintain the millage rate; increase fire/rescue assessment; maintain the North Lauderdale Water Control District fund; adopt the recommendations with the amendments discussed.

There being no further discussions, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:

Mayor Brady called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m.

1. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –

Commissioner Cangemi gave the invocation.

2. ROLL CALL: All present

Mayor Jack Brady

Vice Mayor Rich Moyle

Commissioner Gary Frankel

Commissioner John Cangemi

Commissioner David Hilton

City Manager Richard Sala

City Attorney Michael Cirullo

Deputy Clerk Patricia Vancheri

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

a. Workshop and Regular Meeting - June 19, 2007

Commissioner Frankel moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Cangemi. All in favor.

MINUTES APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. PRESENTATIONS

a. Chief Kevin Bowman – Executive Fire Officer Program Certificate –

Chief Lou Cavallo commended Chief Kevin Bowman on his completion of the four year program to obtain this certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. He indicated that this is a very difficult course which increases and enhances the executive level of skills, knowledge and abilities for fire chiefs. He said he is proud that our City has a Fire Chief who has attained this certificate which shows dedication and professionalism.

b. Division Chief - Rudy Neumann – Chief Fire Officer Award – (Presented by Chief Bowman)

Chief Bowman commended Division Chief Rudy Neumann on his highly impressive accomplishment for his designation as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He said the CPSE awards this designation to an individual who has demonstrated his skills and abilities required for the fire and EMS professionals through structured education, proven leadership and management skills which display requisite industry knowledge.

5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION - None

6. QUASI-JUDICIAL ITEMS

SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE SEU 07-04

NAME OF APPLICANT: Home Depot

PROJECT NAME: MMJ Hot Dogs Inc.

PROJECT LOCATION: 1195 S. State Road 7

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Special Exception Use permit request to operate a Permanent Outdoor Vendor operation (MMJ Hot Dogs, Inc.) within a General Business (B-3) Zoning District.

City Attorney Mike Cirullo swore in all interested parties.

Tammy Reed-Holguin gave a staff presentation and indicated that the item was a motion to approve the Special Exception Use permit to allow a Permanent Outdoor Vendor (MMJ Hot Dogs, Inc.) at the Cypress Lakes Plaza, in a General Business (B-3) Zoning District subject to the conditions outlined in the staff’s memorandum. Ms. Reed-Holguin said the item is a request to provide food services to the customers and employees at the Home Depot who is the applicant. Ms. Reed-Holguin said this request is in accordance with the recently adopted Ordinance No. 07-04-1185 which amended Section 106-467 of the City Code of Ordinances. On June 5, 2007, the planning and zoning board heard the item and made a motion to adopt the Special Exception Use permit.

Public Hearing opened. No comments. Public Hearing closed. No commission discussion. Commissioner Frankel made a motion to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Hilton. All in favor.

MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. BUDGET RELATED ITEMS

a. RESOLUTION: Adoption of a Tentative Millage Rate for the General Operating Budget and Debt Service For Fiscal Year 2007/2008

Commissioner Frankel made a motion to read the item. Commissioner Hilton seconded the motion. All in favor.

Attorney read:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE OF 6.4292 MILS FOR GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET PURPOSES AND A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE OF .2430 MILS FOR DEBT SERVICE FOR A TOTAL COMBINED MILLAGE RATE OF 6.6722 MILS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AND SETTING FORTH THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING TO FORMALLY ADOPT THE FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 MILLAGE RATE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 
Staff presentation was made in the workshop. Commissioner Frankel moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Cangemi. No Commission discussion. All in favor.
 

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5242 ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

b. RESOLUTION: Comprehensive Pay Plan 2007/2008

 
Commissioner Hilton made a motion to read. Seconded by Commissioner Cangemi. All in favor.
Attorney read:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, REPEALING RESOLUTION 06-07-5027 WHICH RESOLUTION DID ADOPT THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE COMPREHENSIVE PAY AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006/2007, AND AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND HEREBY ESTABLISHING A REVISED PAY AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007/08 COMMENCING ON OCTOBER 1, 2007; PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW CLASSIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Mr. Sala said they touched on some of the positions and changes in the budget in the workshop and now would like the Human Resource department, and other department heads, to share some of the efficiencies and recommendations of the comprehensive pay plan.

Mr. Ernest King addressed the Commission. He is recommending no changes to the employee’s benefits package with the exception of possibly the 401(a) defined contribution, which is driven by the Metro Broward Professional Firefighters and the 457 contribution plan for 48 employees. Mr. King indicated that personnel changes would include the elimination of the Code Compliance Supervisor position and outsourcing of the Water Plant. He also recommended additional changes effective October 1^st, 2007. Mr. King said if these changes are approved, only two people would lose their position with the City; one full time and one part time position in Pompano Park.

Mr. King also mentioned the outsourcing of the Utility Billing Department, but said no-one would lose a position as their positions will be absorbed by U.S. Water. He also outlined four Public Works position changes which include two meter readers and two customer service representatives, however, these positions will be absorbed by vacant positions. Mr. King also recommended outsourcing the city garage to Penske, who has agreed to hire the city’s current employees so their positions remain intact. Mr. King advised the Commission that if they agree to these changes they will save the City approximately $300,000.00 annually.

Mr. King also recommends reclassifying three positions. One would reclassify the Executive City Clerk position to a City Clerk Aide, possibly changing that title to City Clerk Specialist. He said they would also like to reclassify the Code Administrative Assistant to Community Development Specialist and would like to create a lead Code Officer position to function as foreman. Mr. King also would like to create two positions, based on recommendations from the Commission. One position would be a part-time Code Officer who would hit hot target areas and the other would be to allow there to be an officer for each district. Mr. Sala said the goal here is to try to get more compliance in each district. He said the Code Department has been reorganizing and upon approval, this would allow the department to be more aggressive in improving accountability from the public. Mr. Sala said the funds for this change have already been allocated by the reorganization of this department and remain the same.

Another highlight of the plan indicated by Mr. King was the recommendation of 3% salary adjustment for 2007/08 for FPE, MBPFF and general employees for a cost of living increase. He said the basic rate for Florida is 3.49%, but based on the proposed tax situation, they are happy to be able to recommend the 3% increase. Mr. Sala reminded the Commission that this was a goal that was set by the Commission three years ago which was to get the bargaining groups all together and set a rate increase across the board. Mr. Sala said the FPE contract says that, the general employees accepted that and for the MBPFF contract which is in negotiation, this is the line, going across the board.

Mr. King then asked for approval of the recommendations for the Comprehensive Pay Plan and asked the Commission if there were any questions.

Mr. Frankel commended Mr. King on a good job preparing the plan in fairness, savings and tweaking. He said only one thing he wanted to mention was not to reclassify the City Clerk’s department. He mentioned that in the workshop they agreed to cut the number of times to release a newsletter to save costs. In that light he suggested reorganizing the Public Information dept. together with the City Clerk department. Mr. Frankel distributed a former charter which highlighted that the City Clerk’s office was responsible for the public information. He suggested saving one position by combining those departments. Mr. Cirullo said there were other issues to look at with regard to contracts, and that the charter provides that the City Clerk hires a deputy. Mr. Cirullo said the City Clerk’s position is vacant and the recommendation would be to leave the Clerk’s department as is until such time as a Clerk is hired. Mr. Moyle said we need a City Clerk, and it is a real reach to say that because Public Information department used to be a City Clerk function in previous years, they should change it again, since that position was created by the former City Manager. Mr. Moyle said the Public Information Department does a good job but sees no qualifications to be put in the City Clerk’s office. After discussion, the Commission agreed to actively seek a City Clerk and leave the Public Information department as is. Vice-Mayor Moyle made a motion to approve the pay plan as recommended by administration. Commissioner Cangemi seconded. The motion was approved on a four to one vote, with Mayor Brady dissenting.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5243 PASSED AND ADOPTED (4-1 VOTE)

8. CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Hilton moved to pull item 8 c. from the consent agenda and Mayor Brady pulled item 8 b. as well. Commissioner Hilton made a motion to pull 8 b. and 8 c. from the consent agenda and to read the remainder. Commissioner Cangemi seconded the motion. All in favor.

Attorney read:

a. RESOLUTION - Coconut Creek High School Contract to use Jerry Resnick Aquatic Center

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND ENTER INTO THE ATTACHED AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY FOR COCONUT CREEK HIGH SCHOOL'S USE OF THE JERRY RESINCK AQUATIC CENTER AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5244 PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:

b. RESOLUTION- School Facility Air Conditioner Repairs

Commissioner Frankel moved to read. Seconded by Commissioner Cangemi. All yes. Attorney read:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO SPEND UP TO $50,000 TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE SCHOOL AIR CONDITIONER; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Mayor Brady wanted to know who made a bid. Mr. Sala said one of the units was hit by lightning and damaged. He said they are comparing three bids. Mr. Moyle wanted to know if the insurance covers it. Mr. King answered that it must be a named storm. Mr. Sala said they are looking into means of reimbursement, but it must be fixed since we are currently marketing the building. Commissioner Hilton made a motion to approve. Seconded by John Cangemi. All yes.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5245 PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

c. ORDINANCE- First Reading – Utility Billing Rates and

Procedures Revisions

Commissioner Hilton moved to read. Seconded by Commissioner Frankel. All yes. Attorney read:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 70 OF THE NORTH LAUDERDALE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED “UTILITIES”; AMENDING SECTION 70-4, ENTITLED “SIMULTANEOUS WATER, SEWER AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT RATES”; AMENDING SECTION 70-6, ENTITLED “BILLING PROCEDURE, DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS”, BY REVISING THE TIMEPERIOD AND FINE AMOUNTS FOR DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS; AMENDING SECTION 60 OF APPENDIX F, ENTITLED “WATER AND SEWER – GENERALLY”, BY SPECIFICALLY REVISING THE FINE AMOUNTS FOR THE DISCONTINUANCE OF WATER SERVICE FOR NONPAYMENTS OF AMOUNTS BILLED; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Mr. Sala brought up the slide as shown in the workshop and reiterated that they are trying to get compliance and cover the cost for the services. Commissioner Cangemi suggested that the cost for tampering and damaging broken straps should be increased. Vice-Mayor Moyle agreed that the charge should be increased for attempts to steal water to $80.00. Commissioner Frankel thinks the after hours fee should be reduced. Vice-Mayor Moyle suggested $50.00. Vice-Mayor Moyle suggested re-couping costs for doing bench-tests. It was also discussed to change the deposit amount to compare to the average of three months utility charges. Mr. Raducci will look into that. Mr. Sala said the second reading will reflect the changes.

Commissioner Hilton made a motion to approve the Ordinance, first reading, as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Frankel. All yes.

ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON FIRST READING WITH AMENDMENTS.

d. Computer Replacements/Surplus for FY 2007

(i.) RESOLUTION: Purchase of replacement computers

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO MAKE AN EXPENDITURE OF $25,200 FOR THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT COMPUTERS AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 1 BELOW, MADE A SPECIFIC PART OF THIS RESOLUTION FROM DELL COMPUTERS; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5246 PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

(ii.) RESOLUTION: Declaring certain computers as surplus

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA DECLARING THOSE CERTAIN COMPUTERS AS LISTED IN SECTION 1 BELOW, AS SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, DUE TO THE CONDITION OF THE EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY AND/OR THE CURRENT NEEDS OF THE CITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5247 PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

Commissioner Hilton made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as read. Seconded by Vice Mayor Moyle. All in favor.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

a. Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) 2008/2009 Grants

Commissioner Frankel moved to read. Commissioner Hilton seconded. All yes.

Attorney read:

(i.) RESOLUTION: Jack Brady Sports Complex

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE RENOVATIONS AT THE JACK BRADY SPORTS COMPLEX; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS WITH REGARD TO THE BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY ACCEPTING SUCH GRANT FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Michael Sargis presented the item. He indicated that a public hearing is required for a FDRP grant. He said they are looking to apply for two grants during the month of September. The first has to do with the Jack Brady Sports Complex. He further stated that the complex has not been renovated since the 1980’s and there are some things that are in need. Mr. Sargis said that the grant is a $400,000 grant; $200,000 would come from the State and a 50% match would be required from the City, which would be $200,000. He said the money is a part of the capital budget that the Commission approved in the first reading of the budget. If the grants are not approved and awarded, the money goes back into the city reserve. He said the money would be used to renovate the most important things first such as restrooms, fencing, sod, parking and play areas and then adding amenities as they fit the budget.

Public hearing opened. No public discussion. Public hearing closed. Commissioner Frankel moved to approve. Commissioner Hilton seconded. No Commission discussion. All in favor.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5248 PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

(ii.) RESOLUTION: Hampton Pines Park

Commissioner Hilton moved to read. Commissioner Frankel seconded. All yes.

Attorney read:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR RENOVATIONS AT THE HAMPTONS PINES PARK; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS WITH REGARD TO THE BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY ACCEPTING SUCH GRANT FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5249

Mr. Sargis presented the item. He showed an aerial photo of Hampton Pines Park taken shortly after Hurricane Wilma. He is applying for the FRDP Grant to renovate the west end of the park. He said the Community Development Department has also applied for a Community Development Block Grant which is geared strictly toward hurricane disaster from Hurricane Wilma is for $500,000. So he said the public hearing will actually cover two grants. The FRDP grant would require the City to match $200,000. The CDBG grant would require no match. If that is awarded, they would not apply for the FRDP grant.

THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS WALKED ON TO THE AGENDA:

Broward County CDBG Disaster Recovery Grant 2007/2008

Commissioner Hilton made a motion to read. Seconded by Commissioner Cangemi. All in favor. Attorney read:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE BROWARD COUNTY CDBG DISASTER RECOVERY GRANT FOR RENOVATIONS TO THE WEST END OF HAMPTON PINES PARK; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS WITH REGARD TO THE BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY ACCEPTING SUCH GRANT FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5250

Public hearing opened for both resolutions. No public discussion. Public hearing closed. No Commission discussions.

Commissioner Hilton made a motion to approve both the grant applications, with the understanding that if the CDBG grant is received, the FRDP grant will be rescinded. Commissioner Cangemi seconded the motion. All yes.

RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5249 AND RESOLUTION NO. 07-07-5250 PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

10. REPORTS

a. Vending Machine Bid - Michael Sargis indicated that they will be sending out bids for non-drink snack machines and will come back and make a recommendation at the end of the bidding session.

b. Purchase of Water Splash Area Components – Michael Sargis gave an update on the purchase of the authorized items for the water splash area and said they have started, through the engineer’s office, to contact about five or six leading vendors to obtain RFP quotes and believes that the purchase will be well under the budgeted amount for this project. He said he will be bringing the purchases back to the Commission for ratification in September.

c. Milli Dyer Public Safety Bldg. - Fire Station 34 Construction Update –

Bill Peck gave an update and said the first floor slab has been poured and the first floor walls have been done. He said March of 2008 is the targeted date for completion. He said the city is doing some utility work and the City has an interlocal agreement with the County for reimbursement of some of the funds expended to do the job. They have gotten firm prices from the contractor for the project. Mr. Sala said okay to move forward.

11. COMMISSION COMMENTS

Mayor Brady said he would like to obtain requests for proposal bids on hurricane debris each year. He said we had two companies last year but should go ahead and get bids. Mr. Sala elaborated and said this may take some time, but in the meantime, the Commission doesn’t meet again until September. So in the event of a hurricane issue, if the Mayor had to declare a state of emergency, then in that case they would have to revert back to what was approved a few months ago. After discussion about the RFP criteria and the process, it was agreed to have the City Attorney draft the documents and perhaps have a special meeting to approve it. Mayor Brady made a motion to obtain Request for Proposal on hurricane debris removal. He also indicated that it would be up to the Commission to rank and choose the vendor. Seconded by Vice-Mayor Moyle. All in favor.

MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mayor Brady went on to mention that he would like to see something rejuvenated which was previously available, which is a “vial of life” refrigerator magnet, which listed medical information in it for families in case of emergencies. He said he spoke to Chief Cavallo about it and he will look into it.

Commissioner Cangemi spoke about a meeting with Wal-Mart and the City Manager. He said he was not happy with the selections made for the types of restaurants proposed for the project. City Manager Sala received something late today from Wal-Mart and will pass on the information to Commission for review and comments.

Vice-Mayor Moyle asked about chemicals in the canals. Mr. Peck said they did not put in chemicals while the canals were low, but will resume when canal levels are back.

Commissioner Hilton said it has been two years since the lights were installed on 81st Avenue but the lights in the middle section, which is his district, are always out. He would like action taken to get the lights turned on. City Manager Sala said he will set up a meeting with FPL to get this matter addressed.

12. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

Mr. Sala thanked the Assistant City Manager and the Department Heads for working so hard on the budget and pay plan and he is happy that they were able to make ends meet and produce the level of services that the City is used to. Mr. Sala also announced that the finance director, Brian Raducci, has accepted a job with the City of Aventura and will be leaving. Mr. Sala said Mr. Raducci has done a fine job for the City of North Lauderdale and will be here through the current budget process, which he has left in fine shape. He said it is a good opportunity for him, but he will be missed.

13. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

a. Update: Property Tax Reform Lawsuit

Mr. Cirullo said there is a lawsuit still pending and just found out about the joinder of the firefighters in it. He said the lawsuit was shot back from the Supreme Court down to the lower court. He said none of the merits have been passed but it has been sent to a trial court judge for hearing. Mr. Cirullo said to his knowledge, no cities, counties or leagues have joined it. He will confirm about the firefighters and will continue to update.

14. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Vancheri

Deputy City Clerk