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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-08 Virtual Regular Meeting City Commission Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021 - 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Mayor James called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor: Vice -Mayor: Commissioners: City Manager: City Attorney: City Clerk: Tamara James Marco A. Salvino, Sr. Joyce L. Davis Lori Lewellen Lauren Odman Ana M. Garcia, ICMA-CM Thomas Ansbro Thomas Schneider 2. Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor James called for a moment of silence, particularly for Coach Washington who passed away this morning, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag. 3. Presentations and Special Event Approvals 3.1 Presentation by Chamber of Commerce - requested by Mayor James Mayor James noted this presentation has been withdrawn and the Chamber will not be requesting funds from the City. Commissioner Odman asked if we are going to put it on the next agenda to discuss our next step. City Manager Garcia noted staff needs to have guidance because the budget would be provided to the Commission by the third week of July. Her recommendation would be to put the $40- 45,000 in Commission contingency as the Commission starts to get into its budget discussions. Commissioner Odman requested the City Manager place an item on the next agenda regarding the next steps for what we are going to do so that the Commission can make those decisions. 3.2 Juneteenth preamble - Commissioner Lori Lewellen/ Presentation - Mr. Emmanuel George Commissioner Lewellen noted monies were not budgeted for community events so she reached out for someone to do a presentation to honor Juneteenth and Mr. George accepted. Mr. George gave a presentation on black history and particularly his work in Lake Wales. His goal is to do oral interviews and collect photographs; with Juneteenth here, he feels we need transformative measures to archive the records and complete oral histories. We need a cultural tourism economy to inject economic growth into our community and preserve our history. He noted this month is also Black Music Month and Caribbean Heritage Month. He would like Dania Beach to spearhead a black archive, as our elders are getting older, and look at ways we can be transformative in this City. He described how the Lake Wales Museum was funded through the Florida Humanities Council, which has to be matched. Commissioner Lewellen noted Mr. George is looking for funding to do the preservation of oral history interviews and artifacts. Mr. George addressed what his mission is. Commissioner Davis felt this is an exciting project and described her touring the City with Rodney Collins. Mayor James thanked Mr. George for speaking about the project. She felt this needs to be discussed in a budget meeting. If this is a project the Commission wants to move forward with, we need to discuss this in a budget meeting. Commissioner Lewellen noted she would like to put this matter on the next agenda as a discussion item. Mayor James questioned if it could be put on for discussion at the budget workshop. City Manager Garcia noted she would be recommending a certain amount of Commission contingency be allocated to each Commissioner. Things like this could be paid from an individual Commissioner's budget and she recommends these things be discussed in a budget workshop. Commissioner Odman said there was $5,000 earmarked for the Historical Society which has not been used and perhaps this could go toward Mr. George's program. City Manager Garcia felt that we could start with an initial phase with the $5,000 and discuss more funding at the budget workshop. Commissioner Lewellen felt we could discuss this with an item on the next agenda. Discussion ensued regarding the Historical Society and the funding. Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 2 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Lewellen suggested the City Attorney and Finance determine if it is feasible to use the $5,000 and if so, place a discussion item on the next agenda. If not, each Commissioner should be emailed. Mr. George said he would like to see $7,500 funding and then a developer or someone else match it. He addressed the connectivity in south Broward and noted he wants to make this happen. Mayor James recommended we discuss this at a budget workshop. Commissioner Lewellen repeated if using the $5,000 is feasible, she would like an item on the next agenda. Mayor James felt we should leave this for a budget workshop and roll over the $5,000 to next year. Commissioner Davis asked if the $5,000 would allow Mr. George to get started right away and noted she does not have a problem with putting an item on the next agenda. Vice -Mayor Salvino felt this matter should be discussed at a budget workshop. Commissioner Odman felt we should do this more appropriately at a budget workshop. 4. Proclamations 4.1 Juneteenth - Commissioner Lewellen Commissioner Lewellen read the proclamation for Juneteenth 4.2 LGBTQ+ Pride Month - Mayor James Mayor James read the proclamation for LGBTQ+ Pride Month 4.3 Code Enforcement Officers' Appreciation Week (added at meeting) Mayor James read the proclamation for Code Enforcement Officers' Appreciation Week. 5. Citizen Comments There were no comments at this meeting. 6. Public Safety Reports Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 3 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021— 7:00 p.m. Captain Daniel Marks, BSO Chief of Police, reported on recent criminal activity in the City, traffic enforcement, commercial vehicle enforcement, homeless outreach, and the Shred-a-thon scheduled for September 1 lth at 10:00 a.m. at Bass Pro Shop. Captain Sergio Pellecer, BSO District Fire Chief, reported on Stations 1 and 17 call volumes and the CEMP Hurricane Preparedness Plan. Inspectors are ensuring all nursing homes in the area are prepared and an assessment of schools after the school year ends will be performed. 7. Consent Agenda Items removed from Consent Agenda: #7.5 7.1 Minutes: Approve Minutes of May 25, 2021 Virtual City Commission Meeting 7.2 Travel Requests: None Resolutions 7.3 RESOLUTION #2021-078 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO RETROACTIVELY EXECUTE A FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR THE 2018 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) 7.4 RESOLUTION #2021-079 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING ADVANCE APPROVAL FROM THE CITY COMMISSION TO PROCEED WITH THE BID ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE CITY HALL WEST WING REMODELING PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) 7.6 RESOLUTION 42021-081 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING ADVANCE APPROVAL FROM THE CITY COMMISSION TO PROCEED WITH THE BID ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE NW 1ST STREET IMPROVEMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT CROSSWALK INSTALLATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Public Services) Commissioner Odman motioned to adopt the Consent Agenda, with the exception of Item #7.5; seconded by Commissioner Lewellen. The motion carried unanimously. 7.5 RESOLUTION #2021-080 Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 4 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING ADVANCE APPROVAL FROM THE CITY COMMISSION FOR ADVERTISEMENT TO CONTRACT FINANCIAL AUDITING SERVICES FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 AND 2025 WITH THREE (3) ONE (1) YEAR CITY OPTIONAL RENEWALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Finance) City Attorney Ansbro read the title of Resolution #2021-080. Mayor James noted she has had conversations with staff and Mr. Harvey, our current auditor, and she is not in favor of going out to bid since there are extensions left on his contract. She asked that Mr. Harvey be given an additional year. Commissioner Lewellen noted her concerns with best practices and asked how long Mr. Harvey has been with the City. Frank DiPaolo, Director of Finance, responded that we have had this firm for eight years; best practices is every five years. Right now, we are ready and willing to conduct the RFP. Commissioner Lewellen noted the firm was ranked eighth out of eight during the last RFP process. Mayor James addressed the selection of HCT after that ranking. Commissioner Davis said she was not aware of the history and would like to hear from the firm first prior to making comments. Roderick Harvey, HCT, addressed the issues in the past and asked the Commission to give them the opportunity to continue serving as the City's auditor. Commissioner Davis noted from her discussions with staff, responsiveness to certain requests was an issue. Finance Director DiPaolo said this is a single -partner audit firm and we do not have an opportunity to have the audit switched up. He noted he was on the last audit committee and ranked the responses professionally. He recommended we go out for RFP and Mr. Harvey's firm is welcome to bid. Commissioner Davis confirmed Mr. Harvey could bid if this is put out for RFP. Commissioner Odman questioned the primary concerns, whether it was lack of reachability or the work that was turned out. Finance Director DiPaolo responded it was both of those things which was discussed during one - on -ones with the Commissioners. The track record does not indicate things will be different. Commissioner Odman asked if there is a benefit to retaining a firm in excess of five years. Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 5 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021— 7:00 p.m. Finance Director DiPaolo said the benefits of continuity are there; however, it takes a new firm a year to get familiar with the City. If we keep the same firm and staff is switched out, that would work but we would not get this with the current firm. Mr. Harvey addressed responsiveness and structure of his firm. Commissioner Lewellen noted this is not personal and there is a reason Florida law requires that this be put out for bid after a certain time. This may be the time we need to go out for bid. She is more concerned with best practices and that we are getting what is best for our City. Finance Director DiPaolo further described the first issue and the OIG request for records. He felt the lack of responsiveness was not justified due to the circumstances. He again recommended going out for RFP. Commissioner Odman questioned the Florida statutes and the time interval for going out to bid. Mr. Harvey confirmed he is not expecting any prolonged absences. Commissioner Odman explained how things in the City have expanded and ramped up. Mr. Harvey said he felt his firm could perform at the level desired. Mayor James motioned to extend the HCT contract for one year; seconded by Commissioner Odman. The motion failed on the following 2-3 Roll Call vote: Commissioner Davis No Commissioner Lewellen No Commissioner Odman Yes Vice -Mayor Salvino No Mayor James Yes Commissioner Lewellen motioned to adopt Resolution #2021-080; seconded by Commissioner Davis. The motion carried on the following 4-1 Roll Call vote: Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Lewellen Yes Commissioner Odman Yes 8. Bids and Requests for Proposals There were no proposals on this agenda. 9. Public Hearings and Site Plans 9.1 ORDINANCE #2021-017 Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. Vice -Mayor Salvino Yes Mayor James No AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA GRANTING TO PEOPLES GAS SYSTEM, A DIVISION OF TAMPA ELECTRIC COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A NON-EXCLUSIVE NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, AND PRESCRIBING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE FRANCHISE MAY BE EXERCISED; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SECOND READING) (City Attorney) City Attorney Ansbro read the title of Ordinance #2021-017. Mayor James opened the Public Hearing. Seeing as there was no one to speak in favor or opposition, she closed the Public Hearing. Vice -Mayor Salvino motioned to adopt Ordinance #2021-017, on second reading; seconded by Mayor James. The motion carried on the following 5-0 Roll Call vote: Commissioner Davis Yes Commissioner Lewellen Yes Commissioner Odman Yes 10. Discussion and Possible Action There were no items on this agenda. 11. Commission Comments 11.1 Commissioner Davis Vice -Mayor Salvino Yes Mayor James Yes Commissioner Davis spoke of attending the Florida League of Cities IEMO Conference. 11.2 Commissioner Lewellen Commissioner Lewellen noted she attended the Port Everglades luncheon and was pleased to see in the initial presentation the Dania Beach Hotel Dello landmark was a visual center piece. Commissioner Lewellen thanked Commissioner Odman for the 1000 Mermaids project and spoke of the ribbon cutting and the interest that has been generated by it. Commissioner Lewellen spoke of Memorial Day events at American Legion Post 209 and 304; Post 304 voted to become non-smoking. Commissioner Lewellen noted it is great to see movement on the improvements to NW 1st Street. 11.3 Commissioner Odman Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 7 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Odman thanked everyone who attended the mermaid ribbon cutting. She may be coming back at the next meeting with a specific date when they deploy the mermaid in the water. Assistant City Manager Sosa-Cruz noted the mermaid deployment and pier event would both take place in August. Commissioner Odman asked him to email her. 11.4 Vice -Mayor Salvino Vice -Mayor Salvino noted he attended the American Legion post event for Memorial Day and the Mermaid Project ribbon cutting. 11.5 Mayor James Mayor James spoke of the Mayors' call with Broward County Mayor Steven Geller and questioned if the City would like to do something to boost incentives to get people vaccinated. Mayor James felt we are ready to move forward with in -person Commission meetings. Mayor James congratulated Vice -Mayor Beverly Williams of Lauderdale Lakes on her becoming the President of the Broward League of Cities. Mayor James noted she attended the Avery Pointe grand opening and 1000 Mermaids ribbon cutting. This is the time of hashtag; with social media views, we can boost notoriety by creating a contest. Assistant City Manager Sosa-Cruz clarified the deployment will be in July; no one will be participating. The actual going in the water will be in August. Mayor James noted South Broward, Hollywood Hills, and McArthur High Schools had their drive -through celebration at the Eula Johnson and Mizel Park. She congratulated all of the graduates of 2021 during this COVID pandemic. Mayor James spoke of attending a sisterhood circle brunch at the home of Debbie Wasserman - Schultz. There was already an infrastructure project and now we have the CW Thomas Park funding project thanks to her being such a big advocate for Dania Beach. Mayor James reminded everyone the Oaklawn Cemetery ribbon cutting would be held Thursday, June 10t' at 5:30 p.m. and thanked the Commission for moving projects forward. 12. Appointments 12.1 Airport Advisory Board — no appointments Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 8 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. 12.2 Education Advisory Board — no appointments 12.3 General Employees Pension Board — no appointments 12.4 Green Advisory Board — no appointments 12.5 Marine Advisory Board Commissioner Davis appointed: Stacy Brown Commissioner Lewellen motioned to approve the appointments; seconded by Commissioner Odman. The motion carried unanimously. 13. Administrative Reports 13.1 City Manager City Manager Garcia noted she needed Commission direction on a traffic calming study for JA Ely Boulevard between Stirling Road and Sheridan Street. The budget would be $17,030; staff will be proposing to the City of Hollywood a possible sharing in the expense for traffic calming measures. The funding for the study would come from Commission contingency. The Commission consensus was to move forward with the traffic calming assessment for JA Ely Boulevard to be funded from Commission contingency. City Manager Garcia stated we would be setting the proposed mileage rate on July 13u'. On July 20th, the draft budget will be sent out, and noted possible budget workshop dates in August. Discussion ensued regarding workshop dates. The Commission agreed to hold a budget workshop on Tuesday, August 3`d from 5:00 — 9:00 p.m. City Manager Garcia noted an additional workshop could be held on August 24"', but likely would not be needed. City Manager Garcia asked for Commission support to hold the first in -person Commission meeting on July 13ch Vice -Mayor Salvino suggested waiting until we come back from vacation. Commissioner Lewellen noted she is fine going back at the next meeting. City Manager Garcia said we will be ready to go the second meeting in June. Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 9 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. City Manager Garcia noted the official release of the RFP for the Dania Beach Grill was June I" and the bid opening is July 13th at 11:00 a.m. She will keep the Commission updated on the bid. City Manager Garcia reminded everyone the ribbon cutting for the Westlawn Cemetery beautification project would be held Thursday, June 10ffi, at 5:30 p.m. City Manager Garcia noted hurricane season began June 1 St and we were proactively ready to go. We have perfected the drive -through sand giveaway. City Manager Garcia also noted the 1000 Mermaids on the beach was revealed on June Yd and thanked the Commission for the unique things they are doing in the Community. City Manager Garcia reported the road milling of the NW 1st Street project has already been done; the RFP was approved tonight. City Manager Garcia noted at the next meeting, Finance Director DiPaolo would give a presentation on the funding that will be going into the Parks Master Plan projects. City Manager Garcia reported the stairwell at the beach dunes crossing was demolished and the project was completed on June 7t'. The next project for restrooms renovation will be completed by July 2nd City Manager Garcia said we are ready for summer camp that starts on June 14th. Frost Park and the lifeguard swimming camps are at full capacity but there is still availability at the CW Thomas and PJ Meli locations. City Manager Garcia reported the unofficial numbers received from the Property Appraisers office indicates a 6.3% increase which equates to approximately a $1.4 million increase; the official numbers will be coming the first week of July. City Manager Garcia thanked Mayor James and Commissioner Lewellen for working with Congresswoman Wasserman -Schultz. She acknowledged our lobbyist Josh Gaboton for assisting us and noted we want to maximize every opportunity for our City. 13.2 City Attorney City Attorney Ansbro had no comments. 13.3 City Clerk - Reminders Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 10 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. City Commission Meeting CRA Board Meeting City Commission Meeting 14. Adjournment Mayor James adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m. ATTEST: THOMAS SCHNEIDER, CMC CITY CLERK �/SHED// Approved: June 22, 2021 Minutes of Virtual Regular Meeting 11 Dania Beach City Commission Tuesday, June 8, 2021 — 7:00 p.m. CITY OF DANIA BEACH TAMARA JA MAYOR