Regular City Commission Meeting

City of Hollywood Hollywood City Hall 2600 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, FL 33020 http://www.hollywoodfl.org Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 5, 2014 1:00 PM Commission Chambers Room 219 Regular City Commission Meeting CITY COMMISSION Peter Bober, Mayor Patricia Asseff, Vice Mayor - District 1 Peter Hernandez, Commissioner - District 2 Traci Callari, Commissioner - District 3 Kevin Biederman, Commissioner - District 5 Richard Blattner, Commissioner - District 4 Linda Sherwood, Commissioner - District 6 Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager Jeffrey P. Sheffel, City Attorney Patricia A. Cerny, City Clerk Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 The Regular City Commission Meeting of the City of Hollywood, Florida, was called to order by Mayor Bober on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 1:06 PM in the City Commission Room, Room 219, Joseph W. Watson Circle, Hollywood, Florida. 1. Moment of Silence 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Recognition of Veterans, Active Service Personnel & Their Families 4. Roll Call Present: Vice Mayor Patricia Asseff, Commissioner Peter Hernandez, Commissioner Traci Callari, Commissioner Richard Blattner, Commissioner Kevin D. Biederman, Commissioner Linda Sherwood and Mayor Peter Bober 5. R-2014-315 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The City Attorney To File A Civil Action To Enforce The City’s Rights Under A Utility Easement On Property Owned By BV Collazo at 1301 N. 70 Ave To Facilitate Installation Of Lift Station A-9. ACTION: Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager, withdrew the resolution from consideration. Approval of the Consent Agenda ACTION: A motion was made by Commissioner Blattner, seconded by Commissioner Biederman, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 6. R-2014-316 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Approving And Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Process A Final Quarterly Payment For A Not To Exceed Amount Of $14,762.44 Including Fees To The Florida Department Of Financial Services For Self-Insurer Assessments. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 7. R-2014-317 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Issue The City of Hollywood Page 1 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 Attached Blanket Purchase Order Between Mackay Meters, Inc And The City Of Hollywood For Master Parking Meter Parts And Repairs In An Annual Amount Not To Exceed $100,000.00 Per Year For A Three Year Term. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 8. R-2014-318 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Issue The Attached Blanket Purchase Order Renewing The Agreement Between Gold Coast Publishing D/B/A Tribune Direct/Sun-Sentinel And The City Of Hollywood For The New Horizons Quarterly Newsletter For An Estimated Annual Expenditure Of $60,000.00. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 13. R-2014-323 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Ranking And Appointing Two (2) Special Magistrates Pursuant To Chapter 36 Of The City Of Hollywood Code Of Ordinances And Authorizing The Execution Of The Attached Retainer Agreements Between The Two (2) Highest Ranked Special Magistrates And The City Of Hollywood, Florida For An Estimated Annual Expenditure Of $10,000.00. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 14. R-2014-324 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Issue The Attached Authorization To Proceed For Work Order Number LH15-01 Between Lighthouse Utility Consulting And The City Of Hollywood For The Development Of FY 2014 Large User True-Up Reports And FY 2016 Large User Rate Estimate And FY 2014 Large User Year End Accrual, For A Not To Exceed Amount Of $63,000.00. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 17. R-2014-327 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Increase The Attached Blanket Purchase Order, B002566, Between Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP And The City Of Hollywood For The Emergency City of Hollywood Page 2 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 Supply Of Liquid Oxygen By An Estimated Additional Annual Expenditure Of $300,000.00 For Total Estimated Annual Expenditure Of $454,620.00. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 18. R-2014-328 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Execute The Attached Right Of Way License Agreement Between The City Of Hollywood And South Broward Hospital District D/B/A Memorial Healthcare System (Memorial Hospital), For Use Of Public Right Of Way To Facilitate One (1) Parking Space For A Loading/Unloading Zone To The Medical Office Building Located At The Southwest Corner Of Garfield Street And North 35th Avenue. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 19. R-2014-329 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Execute The Attached Contract Between JMS Construction Services, Inc. And The City Of Hollywood In The Amount Of $206,983.00, For The 64th Avenue Neighborhood Accessway And Roadway Improvements Provided In The FY2014 Capital Improvement Plan. ACTION: This Resolution was moved by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, and adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). 20. P-2014-071 A Proclamation In Recognition Of National Hunger And Homelessness Awareness Month - November 2014. Commissioner Callari read the proclamation in recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month - November 2014. Commissioner Biederman left the meeting at 1:17 PM. Chuck Ellis, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts; Michael Wright, Kiwanis; and Laurie Waldon, Homeless Coordinator, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Commission for the recognition. 21. P-2014-072 Presentation By Tammie L. Hechler, Director Of Human Resources, Of Employees Hired September 1 Through October 31, 2014. Tami Thorton, Human Resources, presented the employees hired City of Hollywood Page 3 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 between September 1 thru October 31, 2014. 9. R-2014-319 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Repealing R-2014-023, R-2014-026 and R-2014-028 Which Authorized The Sale Of Three City Owned Vacant Parcels To Robert Fautz As Surplus Property Pursuant To Sealed Bid Sale No. S-201. Discussion ensued among members of the Commission. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez, which was seconded by Commissioner Callari, to adopt the Resolution with an amendment to award the sale to the second highest bidder instead of re-bidding, with Mr. Graham needing to meet all the terms of the bid. Frederick Hopkins, Director of Real Estate, responded to questions raised by the Commission. Commissioner Biederman returned to the meeting at 1:26 PM. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Asseff, to continue the Resolution until the next meeting. On a voice vote the motion failed 3-4. Commissioner Hernandez, Commissioner Callari, Commissioner Biederman and Commissioner Sherwood were opposed. Discussion ensued among staff ane members of the Commission. ACTION: On voice vote the Motion which was made by Commissioner Hernandez and seconded by Commissioner Callari, to adopt the Resolution with an amendment to award the sale to the second highest bidder instead of re-bidding, with conditions that Mr. Graham needs to meet all the terms of the bid and the closing must occur within 45 days of the day the City provides notice to Mr. Graham, passed 5-2. Vice Mayor Asseff and Commissioner Blattner were opposed. 10. R-2014-320 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Execute The Attached Boat Dock Lease Agreements Between The City Of Hollywood (Lessor) And Various Property Owners (Lessees), For Use Of Public Lands For A Boat Dock For A Four (4) Year Term And First Year Annual Lease Fee Of $585.27 Including Rental Tax. Discussion ensued among members of the Commission. Renee Richards, Grants and Special Projects Mananger, responded to questions raised by the Commission. City of Hollywood Page 4 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Asseff, to adopt the Resolution with an amendment that those boat dock leases with respect to which the insurance was not adequate, after 30 days if they are unable to obtain adequate insurance, the boat dock lease terminates. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. (7-0) 11. R-2014-321 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Execute The Attached Boat Dock Lease Agreements Between The City Of Hollywood (Lessor) And Various Property Owners (Lessees), For Use Of Public Lands For A Boat Dock For A Four (4) Year Term And First Year Annual Lease Fee Of $585.27 Including Rental Tax. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez, which was seconded by Commissioner Callari, to adopt the Resolution with an amendment that those boat dock leases with respect to which the insurance was not adequate, after 30 days if they are unable to obtain adequate insurance, the boat dock lease terminates. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. (7-0) 12. R-2014-322 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Negotiate And Execute Agreements With Four Qualified Shortlisted Vendors To Provide General Planning Services And Technical Resources To Assist City Staff For A Total Estimated Annual Expenditure Of $150,000.00. Discussion ensued among members of the Commission. Jaye Epstein, Director of Planning, explained the intent of the resolution and responded to questions raised by the Commission. Discussion ensued among staff and members of the Commission. Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager, provided additional information. Discussion ensued among staff and members of the Commission. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Blattner, which was seconded by Commissioner Biederman, to adopt the Resolution. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. (7-0) 15. R-2014-325 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Execute The Attached Contract Between All Liquid Environmental Services, LLC City of Hollywood Page 5 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 d/b/a Johnson Environmental Services And The City Of Hollywood For Construction Services Related To The North Lake Stormwater Outfall Cleaning And Video Inspection Project, Located At The Stormwater Outfalls Along The Perimeter Of North Lake, In The Lump Sum Amount Of $137,889.00 (Project No. 14-11030). Discussion ensued among members of the Commission. Steve Joseph, Director of Public Utilities, responded to questions raised by the Commission. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Callari, which was seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, to adopt the Resolution. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. (7-0) 16. R-2014-326 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Issue An Emergency Purchase Order Without Formal Bidding Procedures To Airsep Process And Controls, LLC. To Perform The Initial Troubleshooting, And To Perform Emergency Repairs To The Coldbox, A Main Component Of The Cryogenic Plant At The City Of Hollywood, Southern Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, In A Combined Amount Of $146,806.00; And To Approve Contingency Expenditures Related To Potential Unforeseen Miscellaneous Repairs In An Estimated Amount No To Exceed $50,000.00. Steve Joseph, Director of Public Utilites, explained the intent of the resolution. Discussion ensued among staff and members of the Commission. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Sherwood, which was seconded by Commissioner Blattner, to adopt the Resolution. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. (7-0) 22. P-2014-073 Presentation By Rick Carpani, Director, Office Of Communications Technology For Broward County, Regarding The Transition Of The City Of Hollywood To The E-911 Regional Consolidated Dispatch System. Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Mananger, introduced Rick Carpani, Director, Office of Communications Technology for Broward County. Rick Carpani, Director, Office of Communications Technology for Broward County, provided a presentation regarding the transition of the City of Hollywood to the E-911 regional consolidated dispatch system. Discussion ensued among members of the Commission. City of Hollywood Page 6 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 Commissioner Sherwood left the meeting at 2:12 PM. 23. PO-2014-20 An Ordinance Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Creating Chapter 111 Of The Code Of Ordinances Entitled "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries" To Establish Regulations And Guidelines For Such Uses; And Providing For A Repealer Provision, A Severability Clause, And An Effective Date. (14-T-74) ACTION: Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager, withdrew the ordinance from consideration. 24. P-2014-074 Presentation By Broward County Planning Council And The Broward County Department Of Environmental Protection And Growth Management, Will Provide An Update On The Broward County Land Use Plan (Broward Next). (14-INFO-89) Jaye Epstein, Director of Planning, introduced the Chair of the MPO and the President of the League of Cities; Henry Sniezek, Broward County Planning and Redevelopment Director and Barbara Blake Boy, Broward County Planning Council Executive Director. Commissioner Sherwood returned to the meeting at 2:15 PM. Barbara Blake Boy, Broward County Planning Council Executive Director, provided a presentation on the Broward Next plan. Discussion ensued among members of the Commission. Henry Sniezek, Broward County Planning and Redevelopment Director, provided additional information. 25. PO-2014-21 An Ordinance Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Changing The Zoning Designation Of The Property Generally Located South Of Stirling Road And Adjacent To North 31st Terrace, From Low/Medium Intensity Commercial (C-2) To Low-Medium Multiple Family District (RM-9); And Amending The City's Zoning Map To Reflect The Change In Zoning Designation (13-Z-11). The City Attorney explained waiving the quasi-judicial procedures and Mayor Bober questioned if there were any objections to waiving them . There were no objections, and the quasi-judicial procedures were waived. Commissioner Blattner left the meeting at 2:29 PM and returned at 2:31 PM. Leslie Del Monte, Department of Planning, explained the intent of the City of Hollywood Page 7 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 ordinance. Discussion ensued among staff and members of the Commission. Jaye Epstein, Director of Planning, provided additional information. Discussion ensued among staff and members of the Commission. The City Clerk read the ordinance title on first reading. ACTION: Motion was made by Vice Mayor Asseff, which was seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, to adopt on first reading the Quasi-Judicial Ordinance. The motion on roll call vote carried: Aye: Vice Mayor Asseff Commissioner Hernandez Commissioner Callari Commissioner Blattner Commissioner Biederman Commissioner Sherwood Mayor Bober Enactment No: O-2014-19 26. PO-2014-22 An Ordinance Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Amending Chapter 127 Of The Code Of Ordinances Entitled “Other Businesses” To Amend The Requirements For Firearms And Ammunition Dealers To Obtain A Local Business Tax Receipt; Providing For A Repealer Provision; A Severability Clause; And An Effective Date. The City Clerk read the ordinance title on first reading. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Sherwood, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Asseff, to adopt on first reading the Ordinance. The motion on roll call vote carried: Aye: Vice Mayor Asseff Commissioner Hernandez Commissioner Callari Commissioner Blattner Commissioner Biederman Commissioner Sherwood Mayor Bober Enactment No: O-2014-18 27. R-2014-330 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Issuance Of The City’s Water And Sewer Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2014, In An Aggregate Principal Amount Not To Exceed $56,000,000.00; Providing For The Determination Of Certain Details Of Such Bonds Within Parameters City of Hollywood Page 8 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 Set Forth Herein; Appointing A Bond Registrar With Respect Thereto; Authorizing The Negotiated Sale Of Such Bonds To The Underwriters Mentioned Herein; Determining That The Issuance Of Such Bonds And The Refunding Of Certain Prior Bonds Are In The Best Interests Of The City And The Users Of The Utility; Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Bond Purchase Agreement With Respect To Such Bonds; Approving The Distribution Of A Preliminary Official Statement; Approving The Form And Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Final Official Statement; Appointing An Escrow Agent And Authorizing The Execution Of An Escrow Deposit Agreement; Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of A Continuing Disclosure Certificate; Authorizing The Procurement Of Credit Enhancement And A Reserve Account Insurance Policy To Further Secure Such Bonds; Providing For The Application Of Bond Proceeds; Approving The Redemption Of Such Certain Prior Bonds Of The City From Proceeds Of Such Bonds; Approving The Application Of Certain Moneys Held In Respect Of Such Certain Prior Bonds To Effect Such Redemption; Establishing A 2014 Reserve Subaccount And A Means For Determination Of The Reserve Account Requirement With Respect Thereto And Providing For The Funding Thereof; Authorizing Proper Officials To Do All Things Deemed Necessary In Connection With The Issuance, Sale And Delivery Of Such Bonds; And Providing An Effective Date. Matthew Lalla, Director of Financial Services, explained the intent of the resolution. Discussion ensued among staff and members of the Commission. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Sherwood, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Asseff, to adopt the Resolution. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. (7-0) 28. R-2014-331 A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Authorizing The Appropriate City Officials To Utilize The Qualified Contractors Shortlisted Below To Provide Housing Rehabilitation/Repair Services For Participants In The City Of Hollywood’s Housing Rehabilitation Program In An Estimated Amount Of $600,000.00. Davon Barbour, Director of Economic and Community Development, provided an introduction of the item. Clay Milan, Special Projects Director, provided a presentation on the intent of the resolution. Commissioner Callari left the meeting at 2:43 PM and returned at 2:45 PM. City of Hollywood Page 9 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 Discussion ensued among staff and members of the Commission. ACTION: Motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez, which was seconded by Commissioner Callari, to adopt the Resolution. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. (7-0) 29. Commissioner Sherwood, District 6 Water Rates Commissioner Sherwood stated residents of the low income areas of the City are very upset about the water rates. She requested staff research the water rate program implemented in Detroit, Michigan to use as a comparison to the water rates of the City as a best practice . She requested a copy of the City’s five and ten year plan with costs to the City, resident rates, and how the rates were calculated. 30. Vice Mayor Asseff, District 1 Election Vice Mayor Asseff congratulated Governor Rick Scott on his re election and complimented all the candidates who ran for office for their leadership and initiative. Broward League of Cities Vice Mayor Asseff announced the Broward League of Cities holiday party will be at the Marriott Hotel in Hollywood, on December 4, 2014 at 6:00 PM. She requested that everyone attending bring toys for donation to the Salvation Army Toys for Tots drive. Hollywood Library Voting Site Vice Mayor Asseff stated there were several problems that arose with the early election voting at the Hollywood library. She explained signs were being carried around City Hall in accordance with the sign ordinance which should not be the case and recommended the sign ordinance be reviewed. She received calls on Sunday due to the library being closed and people were unable to utilize the restroom . She wants to bring this issue to the attention of Dr. Brenda Snipes. 31. Commissioner Hernandez, District 2 Hollywood Library Voting Site Commissioner Hernandez received the same complaints about the early election voting site at the Hollywood library related to the bathrooms being closed on Sunday. Homeless Population Commissioner Hernandez stated there have been recent situations City of Hollywood Page 10 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 with the homeless congregating in the Royal Poinciana area. Services are being provided to them by a Broward County agency from a van for which they wait in the middle of the street. He stated a designated area should be used to provide the services. He suggested the City provide a building as the designated area for the homeless to receive services. Illegal Drugs and Crime Rate Commissioner Hernandez stated drugs and crime have increased on the west side of State Road 7. A Laundromat on Johnson Street and 63rd Street has a drug house behind it on Lincoln Street. The fence on Johnson Street has been broken in order for the drug dealers to have access to the drug house. The trailer park on 62nd Avenue has been cleaned up. He complimented the Chief of Police, Police Officers and the property owner for cleaning up the code enforcement issues . Federal Highway has the same illegal drug issues. Some people have complimented the efforts of the City to clean up the area and others have said it is increasing in other areas. Commissioner Hernandez stated he met with Dr. Wazir Ishmael, Assistant City Manager for Sustainable Development, and Frank Fernandez, Chief of Police and Assistant City Manager for Public Safety, to discuss these issues. He stated there is a sober house located on Sherman Street which now has 60-70 people. 32. Commissioner Callari, District 3 Residential Neighborhood Speeding Commissioner Callari stated residents have reached out to her about speeding on Buchanan Street and Fillmore Street between East Sheridan Street and the intersection of 46th Avenue. A resident requested that a four-way stop sign be placed on 48th Avenue. Students and parents are abusing the speed limit. Property Improvement Commissioner Callari thanked the property owner of the shopping plaza across the street from the new Wal-Mart for the improvements being made to the property. Stan Goldman Park Commissioner Callari stated Stan Goldman Park improvements are moving forward and have gone out for bid. Police Promotions Commissioner Callari congratulated Tom Sanchez on his promotion to Assistant Chief of Police and all of the other Police Officers who were promoted. City of Hollywood Page 11 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 Hollywood Boulevard Landscaping Commissioner Callari stated she has received an email regarding the road improvements that have been made on Hollywood Boulevard. She questioned which entity is responsible for replacing the landscaping and the City should follow up with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) if they are responsible. Broward League of Cities Commissioner Callari announced she has joined the Broward League of Cities Scholarship for Government Studies Committee. She stated the Scholarship Committee awards five $1,000.00 scholarships annually to students interested in government studies. She stated there are no recipients from the South Broward area, and explained how the scholarships are funded and requested members of the Commission consider the City to fund donations. Homeless Program Commissioner Callari stated she had a ride-along with Laurie-Ann Walton, Homeless Coordinator, and shared her experience which she felt changed her life. She stated there are people who are one paycheck away from being homeless. She stated the addition of this position has been a great investment by the City and Laurie-Ann Walton is an amazing individual with a big heart. 33. Commissioner Blattner, District 4 Homeless Program Commissioner Blattner requested the Chief of Police arrange for Laurie-Ann Walton, Homeless Coordinator, to give a presentation to the Commission in November or December to learn about the Homeless Program. Observation Commissioner Blattner requested that when a member of the Commission moves to continue an item that there should be a yes or no answer rather than to re visit the discussion on the item. Staff Turnover Commissioner Blattner stated he is concerned with the high turnover in the Department of Planning and possibly the Building Department. The department is busy due to the economy improving. Staff has been resigning to accept positions for higher compensation. He stated the results of the compensation studies will take several months. He challenged the City Manager to devise a short term plan to address the compensation issue in order to hire and retain staff, as the Departments need to function efficiently. City of Hollywood Page 12 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 South Broward High School Students Commissioner Blattner announced the South Broward High School government class students will be attending the Commission meeting on November 17, 2014. He thanked their teacher, Adam Cohen, for his continued efforts to give his students the opportunity to learn what is involved with city government. He thanked members of the Commission for their assistance in welcoming the students. 34. Commissioner Biederman, District 5 Police Officers Promotion Commissioner Biederman congratulated the Police Officers who were promoted. Driftwood Pool Commissioner Biederman stated he received e-mails announcing the Driftwood pool was closed as of Monday. He explained that the pool is an important asset and it is the only community pool maintained year round. He requested that the City invests funding to have it opened year round with staff and was seeking support from members of the Commission. Commissioner Asseff, Commissioner Hernandez, and Commissioner Callari supported the request. Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager, explained staff understands and they are reviewing the situation on how the pool may remain opened year round. The expense would be $46,000.00 per year. Advisory Boards Commissioner Biederman announced he attended the Crime Watch Advisory Board meeting last night. He appreciated the Chief of Police attempting to turn the group around to be more positive. He stated every advisory board has its own agenda. Commissioner Biederman stated Lorie Mertens-Black, Director of Parking & Intergovernmental Affairs, is an excellent Board Liaison and suggested she instruct other Liaisons how to manage their Boards. Civic Associations Commissioner Biederman encouraged everyone to participate in their civic association meetings. He announced Boulevard Heights will not have a meeting this month; Driftwood is the third Tuesday of the month and the free concerts at the Boulevard Heights Amphitheater are the second Saturday of the month. Garden Club Building Commissioner Biederman stated today he observed that the City’s Garden Club building has a blue tarp on the roof and that it is City of Hollywood Page 13 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 deplorable that a City building is in that condition. He stated that if the same situation was a residential property Code Enforcement would fine the homeowner several hundred dollars per day. He would like to know what measures are being taken to resolve this issue. License Plate Ordinance Commissioner Biederman stated he is impressed with the license plate trailers with LPR’s on them. He questioned whether the LPR’s can capture speed and requested support from members of the Commission for the City Attorney to develop an Ordinance to permit the capture of license plates and how fast they were going and to send a warning letter. Jeffrey P. Sheffel, City Attorney, explained warnings could be done by Resolution instead of an Ordinance. An Ordinance would be required to issue a violation subject to a penalty . Frank Fernandez, Chief of Police, stated he needs to check on the availability of the technology to see if the speeders could be pulled off the LPR’s. Commissioner Biederman stated the IT Department advised him that a software upgrade is needed. Thanksgiving Holiday Commissioner Biederman wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Commissioner Blattner Driftwood Pool Commissioner Blattner had an idea in order to justify the cost of the pool to remain open through the winter. He suggested that the first thing that would come out of the midyear adjustments is replacement of those funds so that it comes to a zero fund transaction. 35. Mayor Bober Graffiti Mayor Bober stated the graffiti at the old concrete plant off Sheridan Street that was removed is back. He suggested various types of inexpensive technology that could be utilized to capture the culprits and requested that this issue be addressed. Homeless Population Mayor Bober agreed with Commissioner Callari in regard to the increase of people who are one pay check away from being homeless . He stated there is a tremendous gap at the lower end of the wage scale which is not keeping pace with the increased cost of living. He explained people are stretching themselves too thin at all levels of income which has resulted in a different face to the homeless population. City of Hollywood Page 14 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 Staff Turnover Mayor Bober stated he does not agree with the statement of Commissioner Blattner that the Department of Planning is a revolving door. He stated the issues in the department are similar to other departments going through turmoil and pay cuts. Turnover has been an issue in multiple departments throughout the City as staff are planning their future and seeking to have some certainty in their lives . He stated the restoration of benefits will reduce turnover. Mayor Bober stated he met with the new owners of the Diplomat Hotel recently. He explained they have major plans for the site that will generate many permits in the coming months and the increased activity must be planned for. Police Officers Promotions Mayor Bober stated he attended the Police Officers promotion ceremony which was excellent. He congratulated Assistant Chief Sanchez and the Police Officers. He had a fantastic three hour tour of the Police Station. Many of the Police Officers had unsolicited very positive comments about the Chief of Police and the changes that have been made. He encouraged all of his colleagues to take the same tour. Driftwood Pool Mayor Bober stated he supports considering funding in order for the pool to be open year round. He explained there are many competing issues for parks. He requested staff provide him with the other competing issues in all of the districts and where the funding is coming from. Veterans Day Barbeque Mayor Bober announced the free Veterans Day Barbeque at TY Park on November 9, 2014 at noon in the corporate pavilion. He invited all veterans and stated the veterans are very appreciative. Police Non-Emergency Telephone Number Mayor Bober announced the Police and Fire non emergency number has changed to 954 764-HELP (4357). 36. City Attorney Red Light Camera Update Jeffrey P. Sheffel, City Attorney, presented the Commission with a red light camera update. Approximately two years ago a defendant was before the Broward County Court Judge represented by an attorney from the Ticket Clinic who raised several issues that he believed there City of Hollywood Page 15 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 were problems with the red light camera. The Judge felt the issues had merit and dismissed the case. The City appealed the decision to the 4th District Court of Appeals and the City was successful. The Attorney for the individual charged filed a motion for rehearing and convinced the 4th District Court of Appeals to reverse the decision completely, finding the process the City was using was flawed. The court added that citations issued that followed the process were invalid. Jeffrey P. Sheffel, City Attorney, stated there are substantial implications to a decision of that nature. The City initially filed for an extension of time which was granted, with the intent that a motion for rehearing would be filed by November 14, 2014 in an attempt to have the entire matter reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court. The order of the 4th District Court of Appeals is a nonfinal order, since the State of Florida law has not changed as of the moment. The law remains in place until the 4th District Court of Appeals rules on the motion and the City decides whether to move forward with further appeals. American Traffic Solutions has agreed to assume the financial responsibility for furthering the appeal. They are paying the outside counsel the City retained and brought in additional counsel to work as co-counsel with the City’s outside counsel. We intend to bring forward a workshop to the City Commission on the red light program where the implications of the current situation will be discussed and the attorneys will seek advice from members of the Commission on how to proceed. 37. City Manager Ambassador Program Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager, acknowledged the question members of the Commission raised during the CRA meeting on how the vendor Block-by-Block security side will liaise with Park Rangers and Police Officers. She requested Frank Fernandez, Chief of Police, respond. He explained the Ambassador Program purpose and operation. He stated Block by Block will be working closely with Police Officers in support of the new Ambassador program for the Downtown area which is targeted to launch on November 20, 2014. Veterans Day Barbeque Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, City Manager, announced the Veterans Day Barbeque at TY Park on November 9, 2014. She stated the entry fee will be waived for veterans and the event is free to all attending . She explained 169 City employees are veterans and three of them are on active duty. City of Hollywood Page 16 Regular City Commission Meeting Meeting Minutes November 5, 2014 38. The meeting adjourned at 3:30 PM. ______________________________ Patricia A. Cerny, MMC City Clerk Hollywood, Florida Approved on: ______________________ City of Hollywood Page 17