Notes of Regular City Commission Workshop of September 21

On September 21, the City Commission met and the following items of interest were discussed:

1. DISCUSSION OF STATE ROAD 7/U.S.441 COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT FOR TRANSIT-FOCUSED VISION AND DIRECTION (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN) - A request from the State Road 7 Collaborative to have the city pass a resolution of support for transit-focused vision and direction of the Broward County MPO 2035 LRTP. Consensus was to move ahead on a Resolution of support

2. DISCUSSION OF HONEST SERVICES LAW (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN) - Presentation was given by City Attorney, which primarily dealt with fraud, bribes and self-dealing, which is already a violation of state law. It was requested for the City Attorney to advise the Commission further when new case law or situation come forward to help define how a violation under Federal Law can occur.

3. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO SIGN ORDINANCE (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR HAYWARD J. BENSON, JR.) - Discussion on Digital Signs, banners, flags, landscaping improvements, special promotions, and window signs.

4. MAINTENANCE OF 64TH AVENUE (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER HOWARD BERGER) - withdrew by requester.

5. REVIEW OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND PROJECTS (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER CHARLES FARANDA) - Of the $35 million, about $8 million left ($5.7 million for the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center leaving $2.3 million). There is an additional $5 million for the new Southeast area of the city. Future funding is for:

a) John E. Mullin Community Center (4000 sq. ft.) with pool and meeting rooms, at the site of the old city hall. In John E. Mullin Park. Projected completion in December 2010. $1.3 to $1.5 million.
b) Sadkin Center interior renovations. Expected completion in December 2010. The first contractor walked off the job when they submitted unapproved change orders. The second contractor is being selected and should be starting soon. $900,000.00
c) Privacy Walls on Pine Island and the construction company has been selected. $300,000 by the city, and $200,000 from the county. Expected completion by the end of the year.
d) Original City Hall on 47th Avenue. Contains meeting rooms and office space (2500-3000 square feet). A small facility for small events, and intended to be the City's Museum. Outdoor will have a small amphitheatre, playground and park. Will go out on bid for construction in by the end of September. $1.8 million, includes land purchase.
e) Jackie Gleason Park public facility. Nearly completed.
f) Westwind Park - 6000 sq. ft., including meeting rooms, exercise room, activity room. The facility will be used for after school care. Includes lighting, re-sealing surfaces, new turf, and fencing. Expected to be completed December 2010 at $1.5 to 2.2 million.
g) Broward Estates Park - a Community Center with multi-purpose meeting rooms, kitchen facility, boxing ring, and outdoor park and play area. At a cost of $1.5 - 1.7 million for 5800 sq. ft. In conceptual stage. Completion hoped to be in 2011.
h) West Ken Lark Nature Park - along 31st Avenue. Will be a passive park, heavily landscaped, at $500,000-$800,000 projected for 2011.
i) West Ken Lark Park - Installing a track and football field. Some facilities will be moved within the premises to accommodate the new amenities. Approx. $2.2 million to be completed in 2011-2012.
j) St. George Community Center and Park - expansion of Community Center to include another smaller 440 sq. ft. meeting room and expanded recreational facility. Approx. $900,000 from the city and $400,000 from the county, completion in 2011-2012.

Since there remains only about $2.3 million from the GO Bond issue, and there shows about $6.2 million in projects, some may be carried into a 5 year capital improvement program, or be modified to better meet our budget ability. The same applies to the new SE area where there is $5 million available and about $5.6 million in projects. Several capital projects have already been committed, so decisions will have to be made on uncommitted improvements.

6. COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA ITEMS AND BACKUP MATERIALS (REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER CHARLES FARANDA). Discussion on automation of this process with a reduction of paper generated. Consensus was to move in that direction, though Commissioner Berger still wanted paper and could print out the package. The City Manager will consult with Commissioners Holness and Bates on their opinion and proceed accordingly since this is an Administrative decision.

7. EVALUATION OF CITY MANAGER (REQUESTED BY CITY COMMISSION). Average score 4.3. Request was made that at next Annual Retreat, that each Charter officer go through the evaluation and recommend to the Commission modifications to the evaluation form to better reflect the tasks of their department.

8. EVALUATION OF CITY ATTORNEY (REQUESTED BY CITY COMMISSION). Average score 4.5

9. EVALUATION OF CITY CLERK (REQUESTED BY CITY COMMISSION). Average 4.7