MINUTES OFREGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION, CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015 AT 6:30 P.M., CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 400 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, HALLANDALE BEACH, FL 33009

  1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Cooper called the Meeting to Order at 6:34 P.M.

  1. ROLL CALL

Commissioners Lazarow, London, Sanders, Vice Mayor Julian and Mayor Cooper, City Manager Miller, and City Attorney Whitfield – All Present

  1. CITY BUSINESS
  1. PRESENTATIONS
  1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - (To be heard at 6:45 P.M.)(Speakers must sign-in with the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting)

Charles Bonamy, 615 NW 3rd Avenue, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, appeared before the City Commission. Mr. Bonamy inquired as to why he is paying for services such as sewer, garbage, and water when the property is vacant.

Addressing owners of vacant properties that have a building on the site for certain utility services, Mayor Cooper and City Manager Miller clarified the purpose of the base fee is to maintain the infrastructure.

Answering a question posed by Commissioner London, City Manager Miller indicated half of the sanitation fee is removed at the time the property owner disconnects the service.

Chuck Kulin, 600 NW 14th Avenue #220, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, appeared before the City Commission. Mr. Kulin shared his comments and concerns regarding the pump stations located on NE 14th Avenue and the recent flood in the neighboring area.

City Manager Miller reminded the Commission and audience of the accessibility of the Project Manager and the availability of the monthly NE 14th Avenue Drainage Project status reports, which are available on the City’s website.

City Engineer, Mariana Pitiriciu, shared the latest updates regarding the NE 14th Avenue Drainage Project and answered questions posed by the City Commission.

Answering a question posed by Commissioner London, City Manager Miller provided information regarding the functionality of the temporary pumps during the recent flooding incident.

Commissioner Lazarow commended City Engineer Mariana Pitiriciu for her dedication and service during the most recent flooding incident.

Vice Mayor Julian commended staff for their responsiveness during the recent flooding incident.

Joe Fiero, 201-205 NW 5th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009, appeared before the City Commission. Mr. Fiero raised concerns regarding cleaning up some of the older French drains and lighting in the NW section of the City. Lastly, Mr. Fiero shared his concerns regarding the handling of delinquent utility accounts for business owners.

Runette Byrd, 720 NW 3rd Street, Hallandale Beach, FL, appeared before the City Commission. Ms. Byrd raised concerns regarding fowl odorsemanating from a neighboring building near her property.

City Manager Miller indicated Development Services will look into the issues raised by Ms. Byrd.

  1. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATIONS – Items not on the Agenda
  1. COMMISSIONER LAZAROW

Commissioner Lazarow commended staff on the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of South Beach Park.

MOTION: BY COMMISSIONER LAZAROW, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LONDON TO APPOINT JUDITH SELZ TO THE GOLDEN ISLES SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD. The Motion was approved by a 5/0 voice vote.

Commissioner Lazarow spoke on House Bill 661 and Senate Bill 966 which were proposed during the 2015 Legislative Session.

Consensus:

-To bring back a Resolution for the March 18, 2015 supporting House Bill 661 and Senate Bill 966 with regards tothe pilot program regulating the usage of plastic bags.

City Manager Miller indicated the legislation regarding plastic bags will be placed on the City’s legislative watch list.

  1. COMMISSIONER LONDON

Commissioner London proposed placing an item on the agenda regarding a Styrofoam Ban in City’s facilities.

MOTION:BY COMMISSIONER LONDON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LAZAROW, TO PLACE AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA TO PROPOSE BANNING THE USE OF STYROFOAM IN CITY FACILITIES. The Motion was approved by a 5/0 voice vote.

Commissioner London requested staff look into whether the 2080 Building/Parker Towers has the proper address affixed on the building.

Answering a question posed by Commissioner London, City Manager Miller updated the Commission on steps to be taken with regards to proposing legislation regarding LEED Certification.

Answering a question posed by Commissioner London, Police Chief Flournoy shared the Police Department’s Economics Crime Unit’s ability to monitor criminal activity among Home Owner Associations.

Commissioner London suggested additional funding for an additional position to the Economics Crime Unit to address criminal activity among Home Owner Associations.

Commissioner London shared his comments regarding the most recent Let’s Talk Police Department Community Meeting.

Chief Flournoy indicated there is a plan to host a follow up meeting in the future.

Answering a question posed by Commissioner London, City Manager Miller indicated City staff will regularly invite the Commission to make remarks during City events.

MOTION:BY COMMISSIONER LONDON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LAZAROW, TO APPOINT ROBERT SELZ TO THE FLOOD MITIGATION ADVISORY BOARD. The motion was approved by a 5/0 voice vote.

MOTION:BY COMMISSIONER LONDON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LAZAROW TO APPOINT LESLIE WYNN TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. This motion was approved by a 5/0 voice vote. Note: Mayor Cooper amended her vote at the March 18, 2015 Regular City Commission Meeting.

Answering a question posed by Commissioner London, City Manager Miller provided an update on beach re-nourishment and off-shore reef mitigation.

  1. COMMISSIONER SANDERS

Commissioner Sanders commended staff for their efforts on the South Beach Ribbon Cutting, Fourth Friday’s on Foster, and the Police Department’s Let’s Talk forum.

Commissioner Sanders commended staff for the Smart Growth Award and indicated he would like to see the CRA partner with the Broward Housing Community Task Force.

  1. VICE MAYOR JULIAN

Vice Mayor Julian commended staff for diligently working on the South Beach Ribbon Cutting event.

Answering a question posed by Vice Mayor Julian, City Manager Miller indicated the concession agreements for both North and South Beach Park will be brought before the Commission for approval.

  1. MAYOR COOPER

Mayor Cooper raised concerns regarding beach chair rentals along the beach.

City Manager Miller indicated staff will research options and provide recommendations as a future agenda item that address beach rental regulations.

Answering a question posed by Mayor Cooper, City Manager Miller stated an item addressing parking will be forthcoming.

Mayor Cooper shared a letter from the Florida Department of Environmental Project regarding their Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Consensus:

-To direct staff to work with Mr. Scott Sheckman to determine whether the Coral Reef Conservation Program is beneficial to the City and how the City can assist with the program.

Commissioner London suggested inviting Mr. Sheckman for a presentation on the project.

Mayor Cooper suggested implementing a communication tool to engage the young residents of the City.

  1. CITY ATTORNEY COMMUNICATIONS

City Attorney Whitfield provided Certificates of Attendance to the Commission Members and staff who attended the fifth installment of the Ethics Training hosted by the City Attorney’s Office.

  1. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS – Items not on the Agenda

City Manager Miller provided an update on the Aventura Medical Center conditional use approval to allow the helipad at the Hospital. Ms. Miller noted the City has received a revised letter of agreement from the Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Miller provided details on the letter and recommended approval of the agreement.

Consensus:

-To direct the City Manager to execute the letter of agreement with Aventura Medical Center based on the City Manager’s recommendation.

City Manager Miller notified the City Commission she received a request from Commissioner London to retain legal representation for the pending hostile work environment investigation.

Commissioner London recused himself from the discussion due to the appearance of a voting conflict. Form 8B Memorandum of Voting Conflict attached as “Exhibit A”

Mayor Cooper suggested paying for legal counsel only when Commissioner London appears before the City’s special counsel during his interviews.

Commissioner Sanders agreed with Mayor Cooper.

After continued discussion by the City Commission, the following action was taken:

MOTION:BY COMMISSIONER SANDERS, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, FOR THE SCOPE OF SERVICES ON LEGAL COUNSEL FOR COMMISSIONER LONDON IN CONNECTION WITH THE PENDING HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT INVESTIGATION BE LIMITED TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION ONLY DURING INTERVIEWS WITH THE CITY’S SPECIAL COUNSEL LEADING THE INVESTIGATION; THERE SHOULD BE A CAP OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT NO MORE THAN $400.00 PER HOUR AND NOT TO EXCEED 8 HOURS OF SERVICES; COMMISSIONER LONDON WOULD HAVE TO REIMBURSE THE CITY SHOULD HE BE FOUND LIABLE FOR ACTIONS OUSIDE OF HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY, AND THE ATTORNEY WILL DIRECT BILL THE CITY. The Motion passed on a 4/0 voice vote.Commissioner London abstained from voting due to a Conflict of Interest.

  1. MINUTES
  1. JANUARY 12, 2015 CITY COMMISSION/CITY MANAGER WORKSHOP SPECIAL MEETING

MOTION:BY COMMISSIONER SANDERS, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 12, 2015 CITY COMMISSION/CITY MANAGER WORKSHOP SPECIAL MEETING. The Motion was approved by a 5/0 voice vote.

  1. CONSENT AGENDA

NONE

  1. ORDINANCES ON FIRST READING

NONE

  1. ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

NONE

  1. RESOLUTIONS/PUBLIC HEARING

NONE

  1. RESOLUTION/CITY BUSINESS
  1. DISCUSSION ON THE CITY COMMISSION'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROCUREMENT/SELECTION PROCESS. (DEFERRED FROM THE FEBRUARY 23, 2014 CITY COMMISSION/CITY MANAGER WORKSHOP SPECIAL MEETING)(STAFF: ANDREA LUES, PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR)

City Manager Miller and Procurement Director Andrea Lues provided a presentation before the City Commission regarding the current procurement/selection process and answered questions posed by the City Commission.

Commissioner London suggested receiving the complete vendor package of the top firms one week prior with the agenda item and oral presentations before the City Commission if there are instances when there is a small spread amongst the proposers.

Commissioner Lazarow spoke in support of changing the Cone of Silence to allow for discussion with staff and receiving the complete bid package of the top 3 firms at release of the agenda item.

MOTION:BY MAYOR COOPER TO HAVE A LIMITED CONE OF SILENCE AT THE RELEASE OF THE AGENDA ITEM REGARDING THE PROCURMENT/SELECTION PROCESS TO ALLOW DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE CITY COMMISSION AND STAFF WITH ACCESS TO THE COMPLETE VENDOR PACKAGE (PROPOSALS) OF THE TOP 3 RANDKED FIRMS.

The Motion was seconded by Commissioner London.

After further discussion by the Commission, Mayor Cooper called the question.

MOTION:BY MAYOR COOPER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LONDON, TO HAVE A LIMITED CONE OF SILENCE AT THE RELEASE OF THE AGENDA ITEM REGARDING THE PROCURMENT/SELECTION PROCESS TO ALLOW DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE CITY COMMISSION AND STAFF WITH ACCESS TO THE COMPLETE VENDOR PACKAGE (PROPOSALS) OF THE TOP 3 RANKED FIRMS. The Motion passed by a 5/0 voice vote.

  1. DISCUSSION REGARDING FEASIBILITY OF REDUCING CITY MARINA FEES AND AN INCREASE IN BOATER PARTICIPATION. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR JOY F. COOPER)

Mayor Cooper spoke on reducing the City marina fees for a trial period in order to increase boater participation.

MOTION:BY MAYOR COOPER TO REDUCE THE MARINA FEES FOR A 6 MONTH TRIAL OF $7.50 PER FOOT.

The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lazarow.

After further discussion by the Commission, Mayor Cooper called the question.

MOTION:BY MAYOR COOPER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LAZAROW, TO REDUCE THE MARINA FEES FOR A 6 MONTH TRIAL OF $7.50 PER FOOT. The Motion passed by a 5/0 voice vote.

  1. ADJOURN

There being no further business before the City Commission,Mayor Cooper adjourned the Meeting at 10:30 P.M.

SUBMITTED BY:Mayor Joy F. Cooper

RECORDING SECRETARY:Mario Bataille, City Clerk

APPROVED BY COMMISSION:May 20, 2015

Exhibit A

1

MARCH 04, 2015 – REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION