MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION, CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2012 AT 1:00 P.M. AND 7:00 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 1:18PM

  1. ROLL CALL

Commissioners Lewy and Ross, Vice Mayor Sanders and Mayor Cooper, City Manager Crichton and City Attorney Whitfield – All Present.

Note: Pursuant to F.S.99.012, Commissioner Keith London’s resignation from the Office of Commissioner in order to run for Mayor became effective on November 6, 2012.

  1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  1. PRESENTATIONS
  1. STUDENT CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AND SCHOOL ACTIVITY UPDATE

Carol Teran was recognized as the October 2012 Student Citizen of the Month for Hallandale Elementary School.

Silvia Rivas was recognized as the September 2012 Student Citizen of the Month for Gulfstream Middle School.

Ricardo Dorval was recognized as the October 2012 Student Citizen of the Month for Gulfstream Middle School.

Jasmine Romero was recognized as the October 2012 Student Citizen of the Month for Hallandale Magnet High School.

Yomaira Zapata was recognized as the October 2012 Student Citizen of the Month for Hallandale Adult Community Center.

Rosanne L. Bagdasarian, Hallandale Adult Community Center, provided an update on the activities at Hallandale Adult Community Center.

Marilyn Santiago, Magnet Coordinator, Hallandale Magnet High School, provided an update on the activities at Hallandale High School.

Principal Brian Kingsley, Gulfstream Middle School, provided an update on the activities at Gulfstream Middle School.

Principal Sharon Ludwig, Hallandale Elementary, provided an update on the activities at Hallandale Elementary School.

  1. RECOGNITION OF HALLANDALE BEACH VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICES IN THE ARMED FORCES

The City Commission recognized the following individuals for their service in the Armed Forces:

Eddie Pickett, United States Navy

William “Bill” Julian, United States Air Force Reserves

Joe Johnson, United States Army Corps

Daniel P. Sullivan, Fire Chief, United States Navy

Dwayne S. Flournoy, Police Chief, United States Army

  1. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER 2012 AS "TAKE 5 TO STAY ALIVE" DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE MONTH (STAFF: FIRE CHIEF) (SEE BACKUP)

The Mayor and City Commission presented the Proclamation to Daniel P. Sullivan, Fire Chief, Mark Ellis, EMS Division Chief, and Sheryl Foreman, Chair, Subcommittee, Broward County EMS Planning Council, working with the Florida League of Cities to adopt legislation related to the subject.

  1. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER 7, 2012 AS, 'DOROTHY "DOTTY" ROSS DAY' IN HONOR OF COMMISSIONER ROSS' RETIREMENT (STAFF: CITY CLERK) (SEE BACKUP)

Mayor Cooper spoke highly of Commissioner Ross and commended her for her hard work and dedication to public service.

Staff presented a video montage of pictures taken during Commissioner Ross’ tenure with the City.

Mayor Cooper read the Proclamationand Proclaimed November 7, 2012, as ‘Dorothy “Dotty” Ross Day’ in honor of Commissioner Ross’ retirement.

Additionally, Mayor Cooper presented her with a ‘Years of Service Award,’ from the City of Hallandale Beach in recognition of her terms on the City Commission which spanned from March 1995 to November 2012.

Commissioner Ross expressed gratitude to the residents, City Commission and City staff and noted that she will miss her work as a City Commissioner.

  1. PRESENTATION REGARDING ACTIVITIES AT THE VILLAGE AT GULFSTREAM PARK (REPRESENTATIVE, VILLAGE AT GULFSTREAM PARK) CAD#029/04

Jan Hansen, Vice President, Gulfstream Racing & Casino, Inc., presented the update and noted that he looks forward to the exciting events planned for the Holiday Season at the Village at Gulfstream Park.

  1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Items not on the Agenda (To be heard at 1:30 P.M.)

Representative JosephA. Gibbons, District 100, State Representative, Florida House of Representatives, spoke highly of Commissioner Dorothy Ross’ and congratulated her on her retirement. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude for her guidance throughout his career.

  1. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATIONS - Items not on the Agenda
  1. COMMISSIONER LEWY

Commissioner Lewy had No Communications.

  1. COMMISSIONER ROSS

Commissioner Ross had No communications.

  1. VICE MAYOR SANDERS

Vice Mayor Sanders had No Communications.

  1. MAYOR COOPER

Mayor Cooper requested staff follow-up regarding increased Community Partnerships with the local schools, and to place an Item on the Agenda regarding leveraging community resources in order to decrease bureaucracy and improve efficiency.

City Manager Crichton spoke in support of leveraging school and City assets and ensuring that access to resources, such as parks and/or school buildings is streamlined with the Broward County School Board.

Mayor Cooper expressed concern with the use of the basketball Court at OB Johnson Park for ‘Teen-Only’ programming, stating that this use will inconvenience older residents who may wish to utilize the facility. She suggested staff look at ways to utilize different facilities by researching the feasibility of connecting OB Johnson Park and the Austin Hepburn Center in order to use shared resources as a cost-effective measure that will also expand usage to the residents.

City Manager Crichton noted that staff was researching alternatives within the community to facilitateadult play during “teen-only” programming hours, such an intramural league and looking at the costs of making changes to B.F. James Park in order to install canopies at the basketball courts.

  1. CITY ATTORNEY COMMUNICATIONS - Items not on the Agenda

City Attorney Whitfield congratulated Mayor Cooper and Vice Mayor Sanders on their re-election at the November 6, 2012 Municipal General Election, and congratulated Commissioner Ross on her retirement.

City Attorney Whitfield noted that the six (6) Charter Amendments which were proposed to the Electorate for consideration at the November 6, 2012 Municipal general Election have all passed. She added that staff will be working with the City Clerk to ensure any necessary enabling legislation is brought forth for City Commission consideration.

  1. CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS - Items not on the Agenda

City Manager Crichtoncongratulated Mayor Cooper and Vice Mayor Sanders on their re-election at the November 6, 2012 Municipal general Election, and congratulated Commissioner Ross on her retirement.

City Manager Crichton briefed theCity Commission on the g installation of a monopole by the Florida East Coast Corridor(FEC) Railroad, which will be located between NW 8th Street and NW 7th Street, on the eastside of the railroad. Furthermore, City Manager Crichton stated that the installation will also include a landscape buffer, that the City does not have jurisdiction on the proposed monopole, and that an agreement was reached on its location ensuring that the new monopole will not interfere with the City’s plans to install its monopole at Peter Bluesten Park.

City Manager Crichton informed that staff will be hosting a Newly Elected Officials Orientation on November 13, 2012 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, which will include introductions to staff and an overview each department’s functions and major projects, as well as an Ethics Training Course by the City Attorney. She added that the Ethics Training will count towards the Broward County Ethics Training Hours requirement for elected officials.

City Manager Crichton briefed the City Commission on the meeting calendar for the months of November 2012 and December 2012, and the 1stRegular Meeting in January 2013. She noted that the City Commission may want to consider changes to the schedule as a result of the Holiday Season.

Answering questions posed by Mayor Cooper, City Manager Crichton clarified that there will not be aHallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors Meeting as regularly scheduled on November 19th, 2012 at 6:00 PM; but rather the City Commission will swear in their Newly Elected officials during the City Commission/City Manager Workshop Special Meeting on the same date and time.

The City Commission discussed additional changes to the meeting schedule for December 2012.

MOTIONVICE MAYOR SANDERS, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS, TO CANCEL THE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2012; AND TO RESCHEDULE THE FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY 2013 TO JANUARY 9, 2013. The Motion carried on a 4/0 Voice vote.

  1. CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEWY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS, TO APPROVE THE CONSET AGENDA. The Motion carried on a 4/0 Voice vote.

  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RENEW THE HARDWARE, SOFTWARE LICENSES, MAINTENANCE, AND CONSULTING SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH SUNGARD PUBLIC SECTOR, INC., AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) (SEE BACKUP)
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A THREE (3) YEAR AGREEMENT WITH AT&T BUSINESS NETWORK FOR PRI DIGITAL PHONE LINES, INTERNET SERVICE, LONG DISTANCE SERVICE, AND CENTREX ANALOG PHONE SERVICE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) (SEE BACKUP)
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP HISTORICAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION GRANT AGREEMENTS FOR THE COMMUNITY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, THE HALLANDALE SYMPHONIC POPS ORCHESTRA AND A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP GRANT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTATING FOR THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF:HUMAN SERVICES) (SEE BACKUP)
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS FOR FY 2013 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP GRANT MONITORING SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,000.00; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES) (SEE BACKUP)
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE PIGGY-BACK OF A CITY OF PEMBROKE PINES RFP # PD-08-08 FOR THE PURCHASE OF CAR RENTAL SERVICES FROM BUDGET RENT A CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000.00; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: POLICE CHIEF) (SEE BACKUP)
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACT FOR SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES FROM STAFFING CONNECTION/ACTION LABOR MANAGEMENT, LLC IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $ 130,000.00; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE CONTRACT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: POLICE CHIEF) (SEE BACKUP)
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE A CHANGE ORDER FOR ADDITIONAL DESIGN SURVEY SERVICES FOR THE SW DRAINAGE PROJECT, UTILIZING THE SERVICES OF GIBBS LAND SURVEYORS PURSUANT TO THE CONSULTANT CONTINUING SERVICES RFP # FY 2007-2008-004, FOR AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $10,050.00 AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES & ENGINEERING) (SEE BACKUP) CAD #06/038
  1. RESOLUTIONS/CITY BUSINESS
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH UTILITY SERVICE PARTNERS PRIVATE LABEL, INC., D/B/A SERVICE LINE WARRANTIES OF AMERICA (SLWA) WHEREBY SLWA OFFERS WATER AND SEWER UTILITY SERVICE LINE WARRANTIES TO HALLANDALE BEACH HOMEOWNERS IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME FORM AS ATTACHED IN EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE TO SLWA FOR THE USE OF THE CITY'S NAME AND LOGO IN ADVERTISING MATERIAL; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES & ENGINEERING) CR #003/12

Mayor Cooper introduced the Item and turned the presentation over to staff. Earl King, Acting Director of Public Works/Utilities & Engineering, gave an overview of the program noting that it will assist homeowners in need of repairing sewer lineson their property by providing insurance to cover most repair costs,and turned the presentation over toMike Madden, General Manager, Utility Service Partners Private Label, Inc.

Mr. Maddenstated that the program will not include telephone solicitations,and that it will be promoted through a letter sent to the residents offering participation in the program; furthermore, Mr. Madden noted that the program is voluntary, and that the company will manage the billing processes.

City Manager Crichton noted that the City will be sharing in the revenues generated from the program.

MOTIONBY COMMISSIONER LEWY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS, TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH UTILITY SERVICE PARTNERS PRIVATE LABEL, INC., D/B/A SERVICE LINE WARRANTIES OF AMERICA (SLWA) WHEREBY SLWA OFFERS WATER AND SEWER UTILITY SERVICE LINE WARRANTIES TO HALLANDALE BEACH HOMEOWNERS IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME FORM AS ATTACHED IN EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE TO SLWA FOR THE USE OF THE CITY'S NAME AND LOGO IN ADVERTISING MATERIAL; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Motion carried on a 4/0 Voice vote.

  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING MARRIAGE EQUALITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE . (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR JOY F. COOPER) (SEE BACKUP)

ITEM #10.B. WILL BE HEARD AT 2:15 P.M.

Mayor Cooper provided background information concerning the Item and spoke regarding civil liberties and in support of freedom and equal rights for all residents. She encouraged the City Commission to support the Item.

Mayor Cooper opened the floor to public comments.

StrattonPollitzer, Deputy Director, Equality Florida, stated that he is thrilled that the Resolution is being considered and stated that a number of other municipalities have supported marriage equality.

Michael Rajner, P.O. Box 2133, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, spoke in support of the Item and stated that the City of Hallandale Beach stands to benefit positively in the area of economic developmentby adopting the proposed Resolution.

Tim Ross, Representative,Dolphin Democrats, Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transgender (LGBT) Community, Fort Lauderdale, Florida spoke in support of the Item and commended the City Commission for this initiative.

Mayor Cooper closed the floor to Public Comments.

Answering questions posed by Vice Mayor Sanders, City Attorney Whitfield stated that the City’s definition of domestic partnership also includes heterosexual partnerships.

City Manager Crichton noted that the resolution being considered was intended to encourage the legislature to recognize the right same sex couples have to marriage.

MOTIONBY COMMISSIONER LEWY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS, TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING MARRIAGE EQUALITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Motion carried on a 4/0 Voice vote.

  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A TAX EQUITY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTION TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY: COMMISSIONER ALEXANDER LEWY) (SEE BACKUP)

ITEM #10.C. WILL BE HEARD AT 2:15 P.M.

Commissioner Lewy provided background information on the Item. He noted that this Resolution will allow City Employees to be treated fairly by offering a tax equity reimbursement to domestic partners. He added that the City of Hallandale Beach will potentially be the first in the Stateto adopt this policy. Furthermore, he encouraged the City Commission to support the Item.

Mayor Cooper opened the floor to public comments.

State Representative Joseph A. “Joe” Gibbons, District 100, , Florida House of Representatives, spoke in support of the Resolution and suggested that the District’s State Congresswoman may be interested in promoting this initiative at a federal level.

Daniel Sohn, Committeeman, Democratic Party of Broward County, Florida, 10310 NW 24th Street, Sunrise, Florida, spoke in support of the Item and questioned the reason for such disparity in the Federal Tax Code.

City Manager Crichton noted that the Federal Tax Code does not recognize domestic partnerships for benefits, and as such the portion of the benefit is rolled into the earned income of the beneficiary, whom is then taxed at a higher rate.

Stratton Pollitzer, Deputy Director, Equality Florida, Inc. spoke in support of the Resolution. He added that this initiative will set the City of Hallandale Beach apart from other municipalities, and that this initiativecan potentially boost the City’s economy.

Michael Rajner,P.O. Box 2133, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, spoke in support of the Item and encouraged the City Commission to approve the Resolution.

Joe Johnson, 220 SW 5th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, spoke of the importance of utilizing Best Practice Models when considering policy decisions.

Commissioner Lewy stated that the Resolution, if passed, will cost the City approximately $2,500 annually.

Julia Rogers, 404 NW 3rd Avenue, Hallandale Beach, spoke concerning the potential fiscal impact to the City if the Resolution is passed.

Mayor Cooper recommended staff review allemployee update as necessary.

City Manager Crichton noted that staff is updating the Employee Handbook and will ensure all policy revisions are included.

Mayor Cooper closed the floor to public comments.

MOTIONBY COMMISSIONER LEWY, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS, TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A TAX EQUITY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTION TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Motion carried on a 4/0 Voice vote.

Commissioner Lewy left the dais at 2:53 P.M.

Mayor Cooper recessed the meeting at 3:01 P.M.

Mayor Cooper reconvened the meeting at 7:06 P.M.

  1. RECESS

(All items listed below will be heard at or after 7:00 PM)

  1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Items not on the Agenda (To be heard at 7:00 P.M.)

Phillip Berkovich, 212 Holiday Drive, Hallandale Beach, gave a presentation and spoke in support of installing signage throughout the City to indicate “No Texting and Driving,” and requested the City Commission enact a City Ordinance that would prohibit texting and driving.