Notes of the Commission Workshop, Commission Meeting and CRA Meeting of 1/14

On January 14th, the Commission held a Workshop Meeting, CRA Meeting and a Regular Commission Meeting. The following are some points of interest:

COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING:

1) Discussion on Code Blue Emergency Call System (Requested by Mayor Kaplan). The Commission requested the City Manager to investigate and report to the Commission on if and how it could be implemented, along with how it could be paid for. The system, which is the same that is installed in many universities and hospitals around the country, is a pole that is placed in parks and commercial centers throughout the city. In case of an emergency, someone can push one button to summon assistance through 911. When the button is pushed, a blue light is activated giving notice to the surrounding area. Not only would it assist in providing help quickly, it could also serve as a crime deterrent. For more information: http://www.codeblue.com/

2) Discussion on signage for Inverrary Country Club. A request is being made for an electronic sign to be facing the Turnpike, which presently the code prohibits. The purpose of the sign would be for promotion of events at the Country Club. After significant review of the situation to try to avoid unintended consequences, the Commission asked staff to review and advise how we could implement modifications in the code to implement. The discussion included future events going on at the Country Club.

3) Discussion on financial impact of new non-ad valorem assessments. The staff advised the Commission that the County is increasing the costs of notice from 15 cents/piece to 50 cents/piece, even though they use bulk rate postage. The city will look into alternate ways to send notice. Otherwise, we will absorb the additional unbudgeted increase. This is just another example of how cities are paying more every day for the normal costs of operations required by a city.

4) Discussion of a retirement incentive program. A plan was presented showing how employees currently eligible for retirement could be given a onetime payout, assuming hiring new staff at lower salary for the balance of FY 2008. The number of employees presently eligible is 86, and the savings projected in the first year is $854,477.36. However, this could cause a brain drain, though alternately could provide new blood. The Commission agreed to allow the City Manager to proceed with his recommendations and report back to the Commission.

5) Discussion of City Flag to be flown at the Swap Shop. Since the flags are already there, and since we have not been able to obtain any cooperation from Broward County to place one at the County Park, the Commission authorized the City Manager to proceed.


CRA MEETING:

1) Discussion of reallocating of CRA funds from the Central District to the State Road 7 District, which come from the county. The funds come from development costs. Since the housing anticipated in the Central District is substantially less than originally forecasted, not all of the funds from the county would be eligible for that area, but could be applied to State Road 7 instead. This would avoid losing needed funding.

2) Passed Resolution No. 08R-01-01, providing Vice Mayor Bates, with Deputy Vice-Mayor Benson serving as her Alternate, to as an appointment to the Community Development Entity. The Entity serves as an Advisory Board to the CRA, as needed by Federal Rules.


REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING:

PRESENTATIONS:

A. Presentation by Fire Lieutenant Jeffrey Levy, to recognize voluntary service above and beyond the call of duty. Whereas, while on vacation in Southern California, the Lieutenant volunteered to assist in the fires of last summer. He provided medical triage assistance at Charger Stadium in San Diego to victims of the fire.

B. Presentation by Marie Wells and students from Smart School, concerning their recent college tour.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- FIRST READING:

1) Ordinance No. 08O-01-100, establishing guidelines for the location and relocation of public transit amenities, passed 5-0


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS --- SECOND READING:

1) ORDINANCE NO. 07O-12-159: Approved, 5-0, the ordinance to require that any modification of a site plan for city-initiated developments exceeding $30,000.00 shall require major review.


RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

1) RESOLUTION NO. 08R-01-01, tabled 5-0, the renaming of NW 34th Avenue to "Maye Frances Brooks Jenkins Blvd.," from Sunrise Blvd. to Broward Blvd. Because of the controversy on several issues, the Commission requested the 2 different Associations effected to try and work out a solution.

2) RESOLUTION NO. 08R-01-02, passed 5-0, approving the non-exclusive space usage and license agreement with the Archdiocese of Miami for the city to license and use 1.9821 acres to expand St. George Park. With a $25,000 one time payment, and an annual license fee $14,000/year, with a 3% increase/year.

3) RESOLUTION NO. 08R-01-06, passed, 5-0, urging Florida citizens to consider the consequences of the proposed constitutional amendment concerning property taxes that will appear on the Jan. 29th ballot, and opposing said proposal. Also, the Resolution supports a constitutional amendment prohibiting unfunded state mandates in order to reduce property taxes, and urging the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission to develop measures consistent with this Resolution. (Requested by Mayor Kaplan). See adjoining articles.

4) RESOLUTION NO. 08R-01-11 and 08R-01-12, passed 5-0, approving the job position of Comptroller and Assistance Comptroller.

5) RESOLUTION NO. 08R-01-16, passed 5-0, authorizing the filing of a grant application for Florida 5310 Capital Assistance Grant in the amount of $84,895, to purchase a city bus.

POLICE

6) RESOLUTION NO. 08R-01-20, passed 5-0, approving the agreement between Royal Palms at Inverrary HOA and the city to provide for local traffic control and public safety in the area known as Royal Palms at Inverrary.

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:

RESOLUTION NO. 08R-01-21, requesting to approve amending the Special Exception Use of Sembler Company, on property on Commercial Blvd. (at the old movie theatre), to allow a restaurant drive in to have extended operational hours then previously granted to them. Previously, the hours start at 10 AM, and the request was to make it 6:30 AM, with the elimination of Sunday hours altogether. The dB level without a wall is 37. With a wall it would be lower. Also, the wall presently is called for on 8' on the north side of the wall, and 9'6" to 9'10" on the south side. The NW Homeowner Association advised in an e-mail that they can accept an 8:30 AM opening if the wall is 10' wall. Residents want a 10' wall and not starting at 6:30 AM. The applicant responded that at this time they cannot commit to do a 10' wall the entire way, but maybe for part of the wall. If we do not grant the relief requested, they will leave a 8' wall and Sunday hours. Three areas of the wall were shown that a 10' wall would be beneficial, and if the hours can be worked on, maybe a solution could be found. The item was tabled to the next meeting 5-0 so that the effected parties to discuss it and come to an agreement.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

none

NEW BUSINESS:

none