CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE

COMMISSION MEETING

 

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2008

 

REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM

 

 

MINUTES

 

The North Lauderdale City Commission met on May 29, 2008 at the Municipal Complex.  The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m.

 

1.                  INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Commissioner Hilton gave the invocation.

 

2.                  ROLL CALL – Clerk called roll.  All present.

 

            Mayor Jack Brady

            Vice Mayor John R. Cangemi

            Commissioner Gary Frankel

            Commissioner Rich Moyle

            Commissioner David G. Hilton

            City Manager Richard D. Sala

            City Attorney Samuel S. Goren

            Interim City Clerk Patricia Vancheri

 

 

3.                  MINUTES

 

a.      May 13, 2008 – Commissioner Frankel made a motion to approve the minutes, of the May 13, 2008 commission meeting, as submitted.  Seconded by Vice-Mayor Cangemi.  All yes.

 

 

4.                  PRESENTATIONS

 

a.      Demonstration of new election equipment – Ms. Tonya Edwards of the Supervisor of Elections Office provided a power-point presentation outlining the latest election statistics; election dates for 2008 on Tuesday, August 26th and Tuesday, November 4th; early voting starting on August 11th through August 24th; and new voting equipment.  Ms. Edwards explained who is eligible for absentee voting and that process.  She also spoke about Election Day operations and the need for poll worker recruitment.  Ms. Edwards talked about the mobile election office, called the “Election Connection” and advised to call if the City would like to have the service made available to the residents for voter registration and poll-worker recruitment.  Mayor Brady asked if the voter registration could be done at the condos where the elderly reside.  Ms. Edwards said certainly and they could bring the machines out.  Clerk advised that she has already referred persons interested in becoming poll workers to the Supervisor of Elections office, and Ms. Edwards said that poll worker training begins on June 16th.

 

 

5.                  PROCLAMATIONS

 

a.                  Code Enforcement Officers’ Appreciation Week – Clerk read the proclamation into the record.  Mayor Brady presented the proclamation to Code Enforcement Supervisor, Jesus Valdes and thanked him for their services.

 

 

6.                  PUBLIC DISCUSSION

 

            Paula Hosanic:  6268 Highland Court.  Ms. Hosanic addressed the Commission with an ongoing problem relating to the rights to the water lines.  She posed questions about the building plans, property map, easements, water pipes and drainage.  She said the problems have been ongoing for many years.  Ms. Hosanic said she does not have anything that shows the property to be private property but they want to work with the City to get the problem resolved.  Mr. Sala asked if there was a homeowners association.  Ms. Hosanic said no.  Mr. Sala said they should have a homeowner’s association because there are many issues to deal with.  He said they will look into it and address those issues.

            Andrea Kennedy:  6292 Blvd of Champions.  Ms. Kennedy addressed the Commission also regarding the same issue and said it has been ongoing since 1972.

 

7.                  ORDINANCES SECOND READING

 

a.      ORDINANCE:  Second Reading and Adoption:

City of North Lauderdale Comprehensive Plan as amended based on the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) and 10 Year Water Supply Plan

 

Commissioner Frankel made a motion to read.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.

Attorney read title:

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE ADOPTING THE AMENDED CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDED IN THE EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORT; AND APPROVING TRANSMITTAL OF THE PLAN TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 163.3189, FLORIDA STATUTES.

 

Tammy Reed Holguin presented the item.  She said last year they went through a process of reviewing the City’s Comprehensive Plan and identified areas of the plan that needed to be updated and revised and that was the Evaluation and Appraisal Report.  Ms. Reed-Holguin said based on that report they made the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and in November of last year the Commission approved, on first reading, the transmittal of the Plan to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for sufficiency review.  She said after they reviewed the plan, in February, 2008, they sent back an Objections, Recommendations and Comments Report (ORC), which listed some areas that needed to be addressed.  Ms. Reed-Holguin said that they worked with consultant, Jean Dolan, to address those topics, which were transportation; public schools element; housing element. She said the big issue was the 10 year Water Supply plan and she turned that over to Mike Shields and consultants, Jim Roberts and Fred Bloetcher of Calvin Giordano, to speak.  She also advised the Commission to replace the documents in their Comprehensive Plan with the amended pages which she provided, including the 10 Year Water Supply Plan.  Ms. Reed-Holguin further said that after the presentation of the 10 Year Water Supply plan, she is seeking adoption from the Commission on the second reading of the amended Comprehensive Plan. 

 

Mr. Shields introduced Fred Bloetcher, who said the 10 Year Water Supply Plan takes the capitol improvements and goals approved by the Commission as part of the facilities plan and incorporates it into a smaller document focused on water supply.  He said the district asks the City to look to 10 years, but at the growth rate of this City, there is no immediate need to expand water supply, unless there were a big ration of growth.

 

There were no questions.  Mayor Brady opened public discussion.  No one spoke.  Public discussion closed.   Commissioner Frankel made a motion to approve.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.  Clerk polled Commission.  All yes.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 08-05-1208  PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

 

At this time, Tammy Reed-Holguin introduced the new Neighborhood Improvement Coordinator, Kevin Pierson, who will be working on the foreclosed and abandoned homes program and will be bringing back a full report at a later date.  Mayor Brady welcomed him and said to do whatever he can to help our residents.

 

8.                  CONSENT AGENDA

 

 

a.      ORDINANCE: First Reading - Granting Florida Power and Light (FPL) a Nonexclusive Franchise Agreement

 

Commissioner Frankel made a motion to read the consent agenda.  Seconded by Commissioner Hilton.

Attorney read titles:

 

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AN ELECTRIC FRANCHISE, IMPOSING PROVISIONS AND CONDITIONS RELATING THERETO, PROVIDING FOR QUALIFIED SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

 

Mayor Brady thanked Tony Neubold from Florida Power & Light for everything he is doing for the City and its residents.

 

 

b.      ORDINANCE: First Reading – Change in Emergency Patient Transport Fee Structure

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR AMENDED SERVICE CHARGES AND ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS (TIED TO THE INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICING INDEX) FOR EMERGENCY PATIENT TRANSPORTATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Commissioner Frankel made a motion to approve.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.  All in favor.

 

CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

 

9.                  OTHER BUSINESS

 

a.      RESOLUTION:  Conversion of old Library Building into a Senior Center/Community Center and naming of the new Facility and the Park

 

Commissioner Frankel moved to read.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.

Attorney read title:

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE AUTHORIZING THE RE-NAMING OF THE OLD LIBRARY BUILDING TO THE “CHAMPIONS HALL COMMUNITY CENTER” AND THE OLD LIBRARY PARK TO THE “CHAMPIONS PARK”; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Mike Sargis said that back in November, he reported that the City had obtained a CDBG grant from the County to renovate the old library and turn it into a community center.  He said public works has begun that work and the project is expected to be completed some time in June or July.  He said the total cost was approximately $90,000.00 and said there is no match from the City since the money came from the County.  He said he is seeking approval from the Commission to rename the building and park.  Mayor Brady thanked him for the work on this project and said this is the first time that the kids on the east side of town don’t have to cross Rock Island Road to get up to the complex.  He said they can stay right there and not have to cross major roads.  He said it will be a nice place for our kids and seniors.  Mr. Sargis said the name will tie in the name of the Blvd. of Champions, with the fact that the building was the original City Hall.

 

Commissioner Moyle made a motion to approve.  Seconded by Vice Mayor Cangemi.  All yes.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 08-05-5335  PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

10.              REPORTS

 

a.      Water Plant Improvements

 

Mike Shields said they have been working with Chen & Associates to come to a closure on cost estimates received.  He said he has met several times with Jim Roberts, Gene Riley , Peter Moore from Chen & Associates and some other consultants, and it looks like they will have numbers from them next week.  Mr. Shields said he is confident that they will have a total package of costs and a contract very soon for review and approval.  Mr. Sala said they have been doing a lot of work and discovery on both sides and we should be getting a great project.

 

 

11.               COMMISSION COMMENTS

 

a.      Discussion of City Clerk Position

 

Commissioner Moyle asked if they were going to choose between the two candidates that were interviewed and said he has reviewed the applicants and would like to choose one of the two.  City Attorney Goren reminded the Commission that at their direction, the position was advertised locally and nationally, and the interviewed applicants, one, in person, from Florida and one from California, by phone, were deemed to be legally qualified.  Commissioner Moyle made a motion to select and negotiate with Daryl Betancur for the position.  Motion died for lack of second.  Commissioner Moyle made a motion to select and negotiate with Pamela Luckie-Latimore.  Motion died for lack of second.  City Attorney said after interviewing the pool of applicants, the Commission has taken no action on either one, and if there are no other recommendations, the current situation would remain status quo.  He also said the ads for the position are still being advertised and is open until filled.  Mr. Goren said if the Commission should choose, the position is still available to other applicants.  Commissioner Frankel said we would be running the City’s operation very thin, due to the mandate of legislature to cut taxes, and a year ago he would have concurred with Commissioner Moyle to hire Mr. Betancur, but that financially now, he doesn’t think he is in a position to hire anyone.  Commissioner Frankel respectfully requested to do nothing on this now, and not continue to search.  Commissioner Moyle asked Mr. Sala if the position was unfillable because of budget constraints.  Mr. Sala replied that they did budget for that position, and that the department has a savings in it because of one eliminated position.  Mayor Brady outlined the department’s current status and duties performed by the Interim City Clerk and Deputy Clerk/Public Information Officer and said the department is running very well.  Mayor Brady said the former City Clerk comes in to help from time to time. Further, he said the City and the rest of the State is in a financial difficulty, and to add a city clerk, which is not needed at this time, would show a lack of fiscal responsibility on our part.  Mayor Brady said the budget has not been completed and he doesn’t know what services will be cut, and a pay scale from $60,000.00 to $90,000.00 plus extras, for the position, could be saved and used for other services.  He further said that in November, the 1.35% cap proposal is on the ballot and he doesn’t think that people should be uprooted from the jobs they already have with so much looming in the future.  Further, he said the Interim Clerk has completed three years toward certification and is still attending educational conferences for the goal of becoming completely certified.  He said the Interim Clerk is handling the job and is loyal to her City.  Mayor Brady said that the Deputy Clerk is certified in records management and both are long term employees who know the city and the residents.  He said they should hold off on hiring a permanent City Clerk for now and see what transpires in the next few months and see what takes place in November.

 

Mayor Brady passed the gavel and made a motion to hold the matter in abeyance and pull the advertising for the position, pending further review by the Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Frankel.  Clerk polled Commission.  All yes.

 

City Attorney Goren said at the direction of the Commission, the City will advise both applicants that the Commission has taken an action to abate further review and to thank them for their efforts and suggest that their applications be looked at again at a future time.

 

Vice Mayor Cangemi commented that the State is in a little bit of a bind and even though the money may be allocated in the budget, we should hold fast on any spending, even though both applicants were more than qualified.

 

 

12.              CITY MANAGER COMMENTS

 

a.      Reminders: City Manager Sala outlined the following upcoming events:

                                            i.            Milli Romano Dyer Public Safety Building/Fire Station 34 Grand Opening – Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

                                          ii.            Workshop – Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.

 

WALKON ITEM: Re-sodding of Highland Park and Jack Brady Sports Complex

 

Mike Sargis apologized for walking on the item, but indicated that he was waiting for a quote from a second vendor and just received it after the agenda had been prepared.  He said the use of the parks continues to grow and the success of the youth athletic programs and the use the general community of the parks has put the fields in terrible condition.  He said during the summer months they need to make repairs and that it is a budgeted item.  Mr. Sargis said they had two bids and the low bid was $38,000.  He said at this time he is asking approval to replace approximately 40,000 square feet of sod

 

City Attorney read title:

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH SPORTS TURF ONE, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $38,118.69; FOR THE RE-SODDING OF THE JACK BRADY SPORTS COMPLEX AND HIGHLAND PARK; PROVIDING FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS; AND, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Commissioner Frankel moved to approve.  Seconded by Commissioner Hilton.  Clerk polled Commission.  All yes.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 08-05-5336  PASSED AND ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

13.              CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

 

City Attorney Goren said he spoke to Chief Judge Tobin regarding the traffic magistrate issue and apparently there were funds that were placed in the budget with regard to the statewide program.  Mr. Goren said there are few counties that have the program. He thanked Chief Cavallo and his colleagues from the Police Chief’s Association, who spent some dedicated time with Chief Tobin over the past several weeks, enforcing the fact that in the absence of traffic magistrates, that the potential for traffic chaos in the streets of North Lauderdale and Broward County would be very evident.  He said Judge Tobin made every possible effort to corral the funds that were in the budget and transit them into the funds in Broward County.  He said there is a deficit of about $30 or 40,000.00 dollars, but to the best of his knowledge, there will be no coming back to the cities for any payment of any kind to support the program; it will be self sustaining and funds will be reallocated within the State Court budget at the Courthouse to make sure the program is kept in tact for Broward County, which will be very meaningful in the City so that the work and efforts of police officers who provide tickets for traffic safety and public safety will be endorsed and enforced.

 

As Mayor Brady was about to adjourn the meeting, he reopened public discussion to allow a resident to speak.

 

Mr. Ronald Johnson of 6240 Highland Court addressed the Commission about the same issue at Highland Court.  Mr. Johnson said he measured a gallon of water draining in a matter of three minutes and that it has gone on since April and the water is still running.  Mr. Sala said it is the responsibility of each unit to fix the problem, since it is private property and private lines, from what the City’s research is.  Mr. Sala said they are going to have new research and new engineers and attorneys look at the documents, but up to this point it should have been corrected by the homeowners.  Mr. Sala suggested that the first thing they should do is put together a Homeowner’s Association so that everyone is on the same page together.  Mr. Johnson said he is working on that now.  Mr. Sala said all unit owners must become one entity, so that the City has an entity to deal with.  City Attorney Sam Goren offered his services to assist in helping with the homeowner’s association, on a pro bono basis, to get articles of incorporation filed and create the association so that they can speak with one voice.  Mr. Johnson also asked that their water be tested since they have had dead fish.  Mr. Shields said he will do that.

 

14.              ADJOURNMENT – There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:55 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Patricia Vancheri

Interim City Clerk