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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-11 Regular City Commission Meeting MinutesMINUTES DANIA CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 11, 1994 INVOCATIoN BY REVERENDJEAN FRENCH OF DANIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL GALL: Present: Mayor: Vice Mayor: Commissioners: City Manager: City Attorney: City Clerk: Bobbie Grace Bob Mikes John Bertino Bill Hyde Albert Jones Robert Flatley Frank Adler Wanda Mullikin PRESENTATIONS "City Clerk, \Wanda Mullikin, presented the City's first annual report/calendar to the Mayor and Commissioners. She stated that the calendars are available in the City Administration Center for citizens to pick up. City Manager Flatley pointed out that this years calendar has been dedicated to our current City Attorney, Frank Adler. Mayor Grace stated that she was pleased that the City can now provide pertinent information about the City through the publishing of this calendar. +Mr. Don Nelson, Finance Director for Coral Gables, presented the City's fifth consecucive award for Excellence in Financial Reponing to the Mayor who in turn presented it to Marie Jabalee, Finance Direoor. Mr. Nelson also presented a Certificate to Marie Jabalee and pointed out that this is a prestigious award earned by very few cities. +Chief Farley, BSO, presented the Deputy of the Month Award to Gary Uhl for the month of December 1993. 1REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 11, 1994 ITEMS 1.4, 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8 \flERE PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: 1. CONSENTAGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Hyde, seconded by Commissioner Bertino to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of items 1.4, 1.6, 1.7 and 7.8. The motion passed on the following roll call vote Commissioner Benino - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes Mayor Grace - yes 1,.4 Vice Mayor Mikes requested a clarification of the resolution approving the amendment to the Seacoast Sanitation Agreement and the connection to their request to transfer the agreement to Industrial Waste Services. City Clerk, \(anda Mullikin, explained that this amendment is a follow up to the resolution previously adopted by the Commission in seulement of the litigation between the City and Seacoast Sanitation. City Attorney Adler stated that ever)'thing was in order and legal and that Seacoast had paid the $59,358.50 which was part ofthe seftlement. A motion was made by Commissioner Hyde, seconded by Commissioner Benino to adopt the resolution. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes 1.6 City Manager Flatley reponed to the Commission that the City was awarded a grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District to conduct a bathymetric survey of the Dania Cut-off canal to determine if there is a need to dredge the canal in the future. He requested that the Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the City to enter into contract negotiations with Coastal Technology Corp. to conduct this survey. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. 2REGUIAR MEETING JANUARY 11, 1994 The motion passed on the following roll call vote, 1.7 City Manager Flatley reminded the Commission that Hallandale, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach and Dania are in contract with the Reuter Recycling Plant and that Dania is the only City that has not entered into contract for the Residential Household Hazardous '$7aste Program with Broward County. Cliff Taylor, Public Works Coordinator, explained that the program should cost the City around $3,524 payable in four payments of $881.00. City Manager Flatley said that the fee is based on usage and that Hallandale is paying $6500, Pembroke Pines is paying $22,000 and Pompano Beach is paying $32,000. Mr. Taylor said that Broward County has four collection sites and that Dania residents can go to the Hallandale or Davie site. Vice Mayor Mikes suggested to include a notification of this program on the utility bills. Commissioner Bertino felt that the City should obtain a list of the residents who use the facility to conduct spot checks and questioned the requirements in Anicle 3.1 C. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mikes, seconded by Commissioner Hyde to adopt the resolution approving the agreement for use of the Broward County Residential Household Hazardous W'aste Program. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - yes Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes 1.8 Marie Jabalee, Finance Director, advised that Citibank resigned as Trustee for Dania's Sewer Bonds because they revised the minimum account size to $1,000,000 and Dania's assets are less than $200,000. The fee schedule also increased to an annual amount of $30,000. Marie recommended to nominate Fiduciary Trust International of the South to replace Citibank for a discounted fee of $2,000 per account which results in an annual fee of $6,000 for Dania's three accounts. Commissioner Jones suggested that other companies should have been given an opportunity to submit a proposal for these trustee services. Commissioner Benino questioned what the City paid in the past and what services are included in the $2,OOO per account. City Manager Flatley suggested to bring back a report on a comparison of fees for this service from other companies for the next meeting. REGULAR MEETING 3 ,ANUARY 11, 1994 A motion was made by Commissioner Hyde, seconded by Commissioner Bertino to defer this resolution to the January 25, 1994, regular meeting. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes Mayor Grace - yes City Attorney Adler explained that the request by South Florida Spons Committee, Inc. for a motocross operation will be addressed under special exceptions at the next regular meeting on January 25, 1994. 2. PROCLAMATIONS 2.1 Mayor Grace proclaimed Janu rry 16,7994, as "Edward D. Blatt Day". 4.1, '$(ill Allen, Growth Management Director, presented a variance request by Grampas' Bakery & Restaurant to sell beer and wine within 1,000 feet of the Dania United Methodist Church. The Planning &. Zorrir,g Board recommended approval ofthe variance with one descending vote. Mr. Allen read off several businesses in the area that are serving alcoholic beverages within 1,000 feet of a church. Mayor Grace opened the public hearing. Jean French, Dania United Methodist Church, spoke against the variance based on the fact that Grampas Bakery & Restaurant has always maintained family atmosphere without alcoholic beverages. She questioned what the variance hardship is for the business and reminded the Commission that the church also provides a school. Bob Adams commended Grampas Bakery for their family atmosphere but didn't feel there was grounds for a hardship when the parking lot is always overflowing with patrons. Carol Grampa stated that her family has been in business in Dania for 36 years and that they have no desire to change the family atmosphere. She said that the hardship is based on the fao that customers request to have beer and wine served with their dinners and Grampas loses business because tourist and local patrons go to restaurants who serve alcoholic beverage. Hugo Renda spoke in favor of the variance request. 4REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 11, 1994 3. BIDS-none 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Tommy Grimes, Manager of Grampas Bakery, said that they are trying to accommodate customers who are presently going to establishments in Hollywood and Fon Lauderdale. Hearing no more comments, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Commissioner Jones expressed his opposition to the request and Vice Mayor Mikes suggested to try and work out a compromise. Further comments were expressed on the reputation that has been established by Grampas over the years and the fact that there is a liquor store that resides near the business. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mikes, seconded by Commissioner Hyde to grant the variance 0/A40-93) for Grampas'Bakery & Restaurant, 1Z S\f 1 Street, with the conditions that beer and wine be served during regular business hours Monday through Saturday only, that the variance expires after one year or immediately upon the sale ofthe propeny. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - no Mayor Grace - no Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes MAYOR GRACE ADVISED THAT THIS MEETING MUST ADJOURN FOR A PRIVATE SESSION OF THE CITY COMMISSIONERS AND ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING THE CITY IN ITS PENDING LITIGATION AGAINST BRO\flARD COI.'NTY. CITY ATTORNEY ADLER ADVISED THAT THE PRIVATE SESSION MUST TAKE PLACE DURINGA REGULARMEETING AND THAT A COURT REPORTER TAKES ALL COMMENTS DO\7N AND THAT THE TRANSCRIPT \rILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AFTER THE LITIGATION. COMMISSIONER FTYDE REQUESTED AN EXPLANATION ON IOTHY THE SPECIAL SESSION COULD NOT BE HEARD IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC. CITY MANAGER FLATLEY SAID THAT HE NEEDS COMMISSION DIRECTION ON SOME LEGAL MATTERS AND VICE MAYOR MIKES COMMENTED ON THE NEED TO KEEP THE CITY'S LEGAL STRATEGY PRIVATE. MAYOR GRACE ADJOURNED THE MEETING FOR AN ESTIMATED 30 MINUTES. AFTER THE PRIVATE SESSION, MAYOR GRACE CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND THE COMMISSION CONTINUED \flTH THE AGENDA. 5REGULAR MEEIING ,ANUARY 11, 1994 City Attorney Adler mentioned that the variance could be granted with conditions including the condition that the variance would terminate if the propeny is sold. 4.2 r0flill Allen, Growth Management Director, advised that Berry & Calvin, petitioner for LU-37-93, has withdrawn the request until Trafalgar Associates, Inc. can accomplish a closing on the property. 5. CIIIZENS'GOMMENTS - none 6. SITE PLANS - none 7. EXPENDITUREREQUESTS 7.1 City Manager Flatley presented the December invoice for $1,583.54 from David Dubbink Associates covering partial costs for the ISIS Computer Noise Demonstration meetings that were held November 3 ard 4. A motion was made by Commissioner Benino, seconded by Commissioner Jones to continue the invoice to the next meeting until an explanation on the charges can be obtained. The motion passed unanimously. 7 .2 City Manager Flatley advised that the December invoice from M. Andrew McGarry is for appraisal work that was completed in connection with the airport. Mr. Flatley agreed that he would provide copies of the appraisal for the Commission. \(zill Allen, Growth Management Director, mentioned that property appraisals were conducted to establish a data base of properties surrounding the airport for possible future use Vice Mayor Mikes recommended to maintain an historical record of propeny values and qualifications of the company conducting the appraisals. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mikes, seconded by Commissioner Hyde to approve the December invoice from M. Andrew McGarry for $4,000. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes 7.3 A motion was made by Commissioner Hyde, seconded by Vice Mayor Mikes to approve the December invoice from Baily Hunt Jones Er Busto in the amount of $2,305.51. 6REGULAR MEEIING JANUARY 11, 1994 The motion passed on the following roll call vote: 7 .4 City Manager Flatley presented the Berry & Calvin proposal for professional engineering services for the Dania Pier/Restaurant water and sewer improvements. Mr. Flatley explained that the improvements will service the eventual restaurant and bait shop and most northern restroom at the beach. A motion was made by Commissioner Bertino, seconded by Commissioner Jones to aPProve the Berry & Calvin proposal for engineering services in the amount of $L5,000. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Benino - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes Mayor Grace - yes 7 .5 Bud Palm, Utilities Director, presented his recommendation to select Municipal Meter Reading Service to read the City's meters at a charge of $.40 per meter per month. Mr. Palm advised that efforts were made to include SDBE (Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) participants and that there were no companies that supply this service. City Manager Flatley stated that a contract will be brought back to the Commission for approval. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mikes, seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the Municipal Meter Reading Service proposal at $.40 per meter per month. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - yes Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes 7 .6 Bud Palm, Utilities Director, requested to use water reserve funds to make improvements to waterlines in the nonheast, northwest and southwest sections of the City by changing 2" lines to 6" lines. A motion was made by Commissioner Benino, seconded by Commissioner Hyde to grant the request. 7REGULAR MEETING ,ANUARY 11, 1994 The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes Mayor Grace - yes 7.7 Bud Palm requested to use sewer impact fees to upgrade Lift Station #2 by installing soft stan/soft stop starters. Discussion followed on whether the impact fees could be used for a maintenance item and Mr. Palm clarified that this is not maintenance work. There is a need to upgrade the starters to alleviate a problem that was caused when the force main was changed. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mikes, seconded by Commissioner Bertino to approve the request to use sewer impact fees for installing soft stan/soft stop starters in Lift Station #2. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes Mayor Grace - yes 8. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 8.1 Vice Mayor Mikes recommended to change the time to begin City Commission meetings to 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:00 p.m. He felt that it would be easier for the public to attend meetings and for City Staff to complete city business earlier in the evenings. Commissioner Jones suggested to have Commission Comments moved to the beginning of the meeting. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mikes, seconded by Commissioner Hyde to start the City Commission meetings at 7:30 p.m. and to officially end the meetings no later than 11:30 p.m. The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - no Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - no Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - yes 8.2 Vill Allen, Growth Management Director, advised that a meeting is scheduled on Thursday, Janurry 13 * 7:30 p.m. for Dania citizens and organizations to present their ideas for the upcoming 9fth Binhday Celebration. Mr. Allen mentioned that it looks positive that Pioneer Days will be held in Dania in L994 a,nd rh* the Pioneer Day Committee will be voting on this issue in February. 8REGULAR MEEIING JANUARY 11, 1994 8.3 A motion was made by Commissioner Benino, seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the request by the Lion's Club to sell alcohol on the beach for the One-Ton Tug on February 19,1994. The motion passed unanimously Tim Tapp, Recreation Director, said that Murphy Construction may begin the pier construction around the same time and they have agreed to cooperate with the Lion's Club in the event there is a construction conflict. 8.4 Mayor Grace mentioned that the City is unable to reduce rental fees for organizations in the City to use the I.T. Parker Community Center and that the fee schedule was reduced for Dania citizens and employees. A motion was made by Commissioner Hyde, seconded by Commissioner Bertino to deny the request by Hugo Renda, Rotary Auction Committee, to reduce rental fees for the use of LT. Parker Center for the annual Rotary Auction. The motion passed unanimously. 8.6 A motion was made by Commissioner Bertino, seconded by Commissioner Hyde to bring Bud Palm, Utilities Director, up to the salary of a Department Head and pay him retroactive back to the date that he was doing an adequate job. Commissioner Jones clarified that there are funds budgeted for this increase and that the budget will not be impacted. Vice Mayor Mikes commended Mr. Palm performance as Utilities Director. There was concern about the affect on other welldeserving employees if Mr. Palm is singled out for a raise and the fact that Mr. Palm was provided a vehicle as pan of a perk in the position. Commissioner Bertino's understanding was that Mr. Palm was going to be raised to a Department Head salary once his work performance was deemed adequate and that the City is just living up to their obligation. Commissioner Jones questioned what the yetly s ary amount is for a Department Head. City Attorney Adler thought that the amount in question is $45,000 without longevity and City Manager Flatley concurred that $45,000 was the amount discussed rn 7991. It was noted that Mr. Palm is currently at $43,000. Mayor Grace, Commissioner Hyde and Commissioner Bertino thought that the amount for Department Heads is around $49,000. The motion was amended to pay Mr. Palm based on the Department Head scale used by Personnel. REGULAR MEETING ,ANUARY 11, 1994 8.5 City Manager Flatley presented the RFP for a Restaurant and Bait Shop Concession at the Pier. The Commission continued discussion to the next workshop meeting. 9 The motion passed on the following roll call vote: Commissioner Bertino - yes Commissioner Jones - yes Mayor Grace - yes Commissioner Hyde - yes Vice Mayor Mikes - no 9. APPOIilTMENTS 9.1 Vice Mayor Mikes continued his Memorials Committee appointment to the next regular meeting. 9.2 Mayor Grace and Commissioner Bertino continued their Airport Advisory Board appointments to the next regular meeting. 10. ADMINISTRATIVEREPORTS 10.1 City Manager Flatley gave a summary of the items to be addressed at the workshop meeting on January 18 and reminded the Commission that the meeting will begin at7:30 p.m The formal dedication of the Patrick J. Meli Park will take place on February 12 at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Flatley mentioned that he would keep the Commission updated on the latest developments of the Pon Everglades transition over to the County. lO.2 City Manager Flatley presented a schedule of events for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. City Attorney Adler reponed that Dania y/on the lawsuit regarding the Trails End Trailer Park and distributed a copy ofthe recent attorney general opinion on theJai Alai issue. Mr Adler advised that he is currently trying to find an attorney to review the Seafair Lease and Mr. Flatley said that Mr. Snyder is expected to present a report on Seafair in the next few weeks. 11. COMMISSIONCOMMENTS 11.1 CommissionerBertino Commissioner Bertino mentioned the success of the recent Manin Luther King Banquet last Saturday. He suggested review of the Sign Ordinance because sandwich board signs are being used in the City against code. Commissioner Benino reponed that the new Olsen Middle REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 11, 1994 CITYMANAGER CITY ATTORNEY - 10 School is expected to be open in March and that another elementary school will be using the old Olsen Middle School Building while their school is being built. Commissioner Bertino requested City Manager Flatley to look into the trash problem at the Lion's Club. 17.2 Commissioner Hyde Commissioner Hyde expressed his dissatisfaction with the construction progress on the I.T. Parker dock. Mr. Flatley said that the contractor is having a problem finding galvanized nails. 11.3 CommissionerJones Commissioner Jones commented on the success of the Martin Luther King Banquet and advised that Reverend Randall Barr is being installed as pastor of St. Ruth Baptist Church. Nightly services will be held at St. Ruth Baptist Church from January 11 through 16. He advised that Men Against Destruction Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder Q{ADDADS) held their second meeting and mentioned that anyone who is interested in this organization can contact Pastor Meyers, Church of God or Rob McCoy. The Religion Education Positive Attitude Creates Success (REPACS) program is also held at St. Ruth Baptist Church. Commissioner Jones asked Ciry Manager Flatley to look into the following concerns: *Street lights are out at NW 8th Avenue near Saratoga Apts. near Church of God Church and Phippen Road. +Cleanup needed at NW 3 Street where it dead ends behind Competition Cycle. *Garbage container needed at Bus Stop at 5th Avenue and Old Griffin Road. The City or the bus company should be responsible for putting the container there and making sure that it is emptied regularly. *IJnsafe strudure at N'W 5 Avenue (225 or 228) and there are discarded mattresses which could cause a possible rodent problem. City Manager Flatley requested the Commission to inform him of lighting and debris problems prior to the meetings so that he can take care of the problems when they happen. +Commissioner Jones requested a written update on the plans to clean up the Public STorks facility. Mr. Flatley advised that bushes have been planted, trees have been trimmed, the parking lot has been paved and that a E rage sale/auction is planned. Commissioner Jones expressed his willingness to assist in the organization of the cleanup. REGULAR MEETING 11 JANUARY 11, 1994 11.4 Vice Mayor Mikes Vice Mayor Mikes complimented the Dania Activity Committee on their effons in the Martin Luther King Banquet. He questioned whether Checkers may need to be required to build a wall due to the noise impact to residenm in the area. City Manager Flatley reminded the Commission that Checkers built a wall in the beginning and then the Planning & Zoning Board recommended to change it to a fence. Mr. Flatley felt that a wall would be better and that he would communicate with Checkers. Vice Mayor Mikes concurred with Commissioner Hyde's comments on the slow construction ofthe I.T. Parker dock and asked City Manager Flatley to stay on the constructior progress. Vice Mayor Mikes mentioned that a letter was received from the President of the Davis Isles Association expressing concern for the placement of the FPL bridge in the west area. He suggested to reque$ the Coast Guard to notice Dania on any constmction or projects that are being considered {or the Dania canal area. Commissioner Hyde advised that Dania was not given notice on the bridge because the area is not in Dania. 11.5 Mayor Grace Mayor Grace requested to include discussion of the request by the Dania Economic Development Corporation to waive liens on some properties located on NW' 8 Avenue to the next workshop meeting. Mayor Grace extended her appreciation to the Commission, on behalf of the Dania Activity Committee, for attending the Martin Luther King Banquet and commented on funher events scheduled on January 17. On January 14 at7:30 p.m., LES (Liberia Economic and Social Development, Inc.) and the City o{ Hollywood will have a banquet at Washington Park in'!(est Holly,wood. Mayor Grace advised that she would be speaking for the Church of God the first Sunday in February for Black History Month. fhis regular meetinci aqiourned. N,t^ *-\ MayorGommissionel City Clerk Auditor t2 JANUARY 11, 1994REGULAR MEETING