Mayor Cooper Called the Meeting to Order at 10:16 A.M

Mayor Cooper Called the Meeting to Order at 10:16 A.M

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION, CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007 AT 10:00 AM

  1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Cooper called the meeting to order at 10:16 A.M.

Mayor Cooper noted Fifth Grade students from Hallandale Elementary School were “shadowing” the Commission during the meeting. The five students each sat on the dais next to their commissioner.

  1. ROLL CALL

Mayor Cooper, Vice Mayor Julian, Commissioners London, Ross and Schiller, City Manager Good, City Attorney Jove, City Clerk McGough – All Present

Mayor Cooper read a prepared statement pertaining to concerns about Commission Meeting Protocol and interference with City administration by a particular commissioner.

Mayor Cooper announced the veterans attending the Commission Meeting as follows: George Posnansky, Arthur Osprey, and Dominic Polli.

  1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The three veterans, George Posnansky, Arthur Osprey and Dominic Polli, lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

  1. PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
  1. Presentation of Certificates to the Student Citizens of the Month

Alleya Williams was recognized as Student Citizen of the Month from Hallandale Elementary School.

Makdalaine Maitre was recognized as Student Citizen of the Month from Gulfstream Middle School.

Gloria Salamanca and Andrea Palmer were recognized as Student Citizens of the Month from Hallandale High School.

Dimario Wilson was recognized as Student Citizen of the Month from Hallandale Adult Community Center.

NOTE:THE FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS “SHADOWING” THE COMMISSION READ THE CERTIFICATES FOR THE STUDENT CITIZENS OF THE MONTH

Principal Ludwig, Hallandale Elementary School, announced an upcoming school boundary meeting (a Focus Forum) to discuss the new Elementary School “C”. A flyer regarding the Focus Forum was distributed. She thanked the Kiwanis for their donation and the City for ongoing support. She noted Mary Delborrello had been named the Teacher of the Year.

Assistant Principal Susan Kincaid, Gulfstream Middle School, advised the school is over projected enrollment by 30 – 40 students. She noted this is the first year of 8th grade. She advised the boys soccer team is 3-0. She noted the school would be holding an FCAT camp for 120 students during break and offering FCAT camps in January on Saturday.

Mayor Cooper spoke about boundary changes and the City’s concern about those changes. City Manager Good advised another letter would be sent to the School Board outlining the City’s concerns: Boundaries, Year-round School and School Advisory Committee.

Mayor Cooper noted the City is continuing to work with the School Board on establishing a kindergarten through 8th grade campus which would change the Adult Center facility into a Middle School.

  1. Proclamation Proclaiming Florida City Government Week

Each of the students from Hallandale Elementary School introduced themselves and received certificates of recognition. Their name and the elected official they shadowed are as follows:

Simone Powell – Mayor Cooper

Tomas Gimenez Beron – Vice Mayor Julian

Jamie Perez – Commissioner Ross

Alleya Williams – Commissioner Schiller

Angelica Lozada – Commissioner London

Mayor Cooper read the Proclamation into the record and presented it to the representatives from the schools.

  1. Recognition of the "Teachers of the Year" from Hallandale Beach Schools

Mary Delborrello from Hallandale Elementary School, Lisa Bonk from Gulfstream Middle School, Cathy Athy Hoffman from Hallandale Adult Community Center and Davien Fernandes Jones received certificates of recognition as Teachers of the Year. (Davien Fernandes Jones not present – received by Mr. Perlman, Guidance Director, Hallandale High School).

  1. Presentation of Check to Gulfstream Middle School (Vice Mayor Julian and the Tri-City Lions Club)

Vice Mayor Julian noted his pleasure to host the fund-raising dinner for Gulfstream Middle School and Hallandale High School.

President Nina Loaiza, Vice President Emily Scavo as well as Julie Sweeten and Lorraine Albaugh from the Tri-City Lion’s Club, presented an $800 check to Assistant Principal Kincaid.

Ms. Loaiza introduced the three Peace Poster Contest Winners; Andre Agulara first place, Max Ousmanou second place and Amesha Person third place. Each student explained their poster and each poster was displayed. This is an international contest and the selected posters will be displayed at the United Nations.

  1. Presentation of Check to Hallandale High School (Vice Mayor Julian and the Hallandale Beach Kiwanis Club)

Becky Wright, Steve Cummings, and Jonathan Carrillo presented a $1,000 check to Hallandale High School. Mr. Perlman, Guidance Director, Hallandale High School, received the check on behalf of Hallandale High School.

  1. Recognition of Frankie Hannon, Edwin Ponton and Austin Albert from the Hallandale Beach Police Athletic League (PAL) Track Club as Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics Medalist Winners

Plaques were presented to Frankie Hammond (corrected spelling), Edwin Ponton and Austin Albert in recognition of their accomplishments as part of the PAL Track Club and Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics Medalist Winners.

City Manager Good was presented with a soccer ball autographed by members of the PAL soccer team in recognition for the City’s efforts to expand and improve the soccer program. City Manager Good noted the Commission approved the funding and endorsed the plan and they should receive recognition for their efforts.

The contributions of Jonathan Carrillo and Alan Clare to the PAL Program were noted.

Chief Magill was presented with a clock in recognition of his contributions to PAL.

  1. Recognition of Dr. Joseph Amunategui, Grace Amunategui and Susan Collins for contributions to the Police Athletic League

Dr. Joseph Amunatequi, Grace Amunategui and Susan Collins were recognized for their ongoing support of the Police Athletic League.

  1. Recognition of Hallandale Beach Veterans for Service in the Armed Forces

George Posnansky, Arthur Osprey, and Dominic Polli were recognized for their service to the United States as Veterans of the Armed Forces.

  1. Recognition of the Promotion of Sergeant Thomas P. Honan, Sergeant Dermot A. Mangan, Jr. and Executive Assistant Miguel Martinez to the Rank of Captain

Chief Magill stated why these individuals were promoted.

Sgt. Honan thanked the Commission for the opportunity and his family for their support.

Sgt. Mangan thanked his family for their support and Chief Magill, City Manager Good and the Commissioner for the opportunity to serve the Community.

Captain Martinez thanked his family for their support and the Commission for the opportunity to serve the City.

Chief Magill noted the passing of long term retired Police employee George Davis on October 26, 2007. A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on November 17, 2007.

  1. Discussion of Public Works Construction Projects

Earl King, Acting Director of Public Works/Utilities/Engineering presented report.

Mayor Cooper noted that the Golden Isles Neighborhood Association expressed concerns about Golden Isles Drive being very bumpy and areas are uneven. She stated they are interested in considering undergrounding of utilities in the area. City Manager Good noted a meeting on November 20, 2007 is scheduled with the Association to discuss all issues.

Mayor Cooper asked about the flooring in the renovated Curci House and the cost for the security system. City Manager Good noted the oak flooring is the same as before and the cost for the security system will be lower by going direct to an alarm company.

Commissioner London asked about the color coding of utilities which is important during construction. City Manager Good advised that telephone is orange, cable is red, power is yellow, water is blue and sewer is green. He noted permits are required to be pulled when companies work in the right-of-way and all the utilities are marked.

Commissioner London asked about the scope of work on Golden Isles Drive. City Manager Good advised it is to replace the water lines and upgrade the system.

Acting Director King noted the Flood Plan Management Plan meeting for the Community was held November 16, 2007 (last night) and advised the proposed Action Plan was well received. He stated the goal is to increase the Community Rating System (CRS) score for the City to class 6. If the City is successful with improvement to class 6 there will be a 20% reduction in flood insurance premiums for those properties within the flood zone and 10% for those outside the flood zone.

NOTE:COMMISSION TO RECEIVE THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND

HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN REPORT

Commissioner London noted he needed to follow-up with his insurance company in order to receive his deduction. Acting Director King and City Manager Good advised it should be an automatic deduction but recommended following up to ensure the proper deductions are applied.

NOTE: COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM INSURANCE RATE REDUCTION

INFORMATION TO BE PLACED ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE AS A MEANS TO BETTER INFORM THE COMMUNITY

  1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (to be heard at 10:15 A.M.)

No Speakers

  1. CITY BUSINESS
  1. Presentation by Principal Financial Group of the Quarterly Results of the General Employees and Professional/Management Pension Plans for the Period July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007.

Steve Geadelmann made the presentation. He emphasized the market is returning to a sense of normality and there has been strong international growth. He noted Principal does not directly invest in countries that support terrorism.

He noted the General Employees Plan is about equally divided between equities and bonds and there was almost a 12% return in the General Employees Plan in 2006-07 and over an 8% average annual return over a five year period. The Management/Professional Pension Plan is invested in 60% equities and 40% bonds and an average annual return of over 10% has been achieved over a five year period. He stated asset balancing is ongoing to improve performance in both funds and the Plans have not experienced non payments with companies involved in sub prime loans.

  1. Presentation of Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award.

City Manager Good provided background on the item and Mayor Cooper commended the Human Services Board for their participation.

Marian McCann Colliee, Human Services Director, explained why the board recommends Eric S. George for the award. He is a longtime resident, attended school in Hallandale Beach, and as a local business owner sponsors PAL and every year holds a luncheon for the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration and for seniors.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO APPROVE THE NOMINEE ERIC S. GEORGE AS THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 2007 HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

  1. A Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Authorizing a Grant Application for the Purpose of Receiving Funds for the Implementation of Storm Water Quality and Drainage Improvements on Atlantic Shores Boulevard through the Broward Storm water Initiatives Program.

City Manager Good provided an overview of this item and how drainage would be enhanced through the implementation of the grant program. Commissioner London asked how the drainage technology would work and a discussion of the process was provided.

Mayor Cooper spoke about the new technologies in asphalt to make it pervious and better handle storm runoff. She noted the U.S. Conference of Mayors had entered into a compact with the Clinton Foundation to start a purchasing partnership. City Manager Good noted Florida has different temperatures, therefore testing is required concerning conditions and efficiency before considering applying the technology Citywide.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ROSS, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR JULIANTO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF STORMWATER QUALITY AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS ON ATLANTIC SHORES BOULEVARD THROUGH THE BROWARD STORMWATER INITIATIVES PROGRAM. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

  1. Discussion of the City's Code Compliance Program

Mayor Cooper provided background on the Code Compliance process and recommended once a property is in compliance a letter should be sent thanking the owner for coming into compliance. City Manager Good stated a letter is currently sent pertaining to mitigating the violation or deficiency and the letter would include the requested thank you.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SCHILLER, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN TO APPROVE THE LETTER SENT TO OWNERS REGARDING MITIGATION OF A CODE VIOLATION OR DEFICIENCY TO INCLUDE THANKS FROM CITY FOR COMING INTO COMPLIANCE. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

NOTE:ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY TO BE REVISED DIRECTING THAT LETTER SENT TO OWNERS REGARDING MITIGATION OF A CODE VIOLATION OR DEFICIENCY TO INCLUDE THANKS FROM CITY FOR COMING INTO COMPLIANCE

Mayor Cooper recessed the meeting at 12:56 P.M.

Mayor Cooper reconvened the meeting in the Commission Chambers at 3:05 P.M.

  1. EVENTS REPORT

Mayor Cooper noted there is an upcoming meeting regarding transportation issues. City Manager Good noted the meeting is regarding the City partnering with Broward County regarding a transportation pilot program. He noted a report would be presented to the Commission when ready.

NOTE:SUMMARY OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING MEETING TO BE PROVIDED TO THE CITY COMMISSION

Mayor Cooper discussed the U.S. Conference of Mayors and global warming initiatives that were discussed at the recent conference. The Clinton Foundation is involved in working with cities regarding global warming issues.

Mayor Cooper noted there is a Broward League of Cities Board Meeting upcoming and the change in the way members of the Broward County Planning Council (per the Broward County Charter) are appointed will be discussed. Mayor Cooper noted Ms. Seltzer, President, Children’s Services Council, made a presentation regarding the Earned Income Tax Credit Program. Information about this program should be included when the City presents information to residents about assistance programs.

Commissioner Ross advised she attended the 2007 CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) Volunteer Award Luncheon. She noted Janet Neuschatz received the Hallandale Beach award for CERT volunteer of the year and Robin Burns received the County Award.

Commissioner Ross advised she has been appointed to the Broward County Water Advisory Committee.

Vice Mayor Julian stated the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Cultural Center was very successful. He also noted he presented a proclamation honoring the 87th year of the Hallandale Church of God.

City Manager Good noted the next Commission Meeting is on November 21, 2007, which is the day before Thanksgiving. The Commission discussed changing the 7:00 P.M. meeting time to 10:00 A.M.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SCHILLER TO CHANGE THE TIME FOR THE NOVEMBER 21, 2007 COMMISSION MEETING FROM 7:00 P.M. TO 10:00 A.M. IN CONSIDERATION OF THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. The motion carried by voice vote, 4/1 (Commissioner London voted no).

City Manager Good noted December 5, 2007 is Hanukkah. The Commission discussed changing the meeting date.

MOTION BY VICE MAYOR JULIAN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROSS TO CHANGE THE DECEMBER 5, 2007 COMMISSION MEETING TO DECEMBER 4, 2007 WITH NO CHANGE IN THE TIME (10:00 A.M.) IN CONSIDERATION OF HANUKKAH. The motion carried by voice vote, 5/0.

City Manager Good noted November 17, 2007 is the holiday lighting ceremony with the actual lighting scheduled at 7:00 P.M.

City Manager Good noted the City’s Veteran’s Day observance is scheduled for Sunday, November 11, 2007 although the holiday falls on Monday, November 12, 2007. Consensus was reached that the City’s Veteran’s Day observance would take place on Sunday, November 11, 2007.

Commissioner London advised he attended a Police and Fire Pension Trustee Convention in St. Petersburg, Florida and discussed various topics.

Commissioner London advised he has met with Diplomat Country Club’s Attorney regarding a proposed land use plan amendment.

Commissioner London advised he attended a trash transfer (waste) to energy plant tour and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is looking for ways to handle the trash of cities involved with the waste to energy plant when their interlocal agreements expire in 2011 and 2012.

  1. OTHER

City Manager Good noted the U.S. Department of the Interior has imposed a November 15, 2007 deadline for the State of Florida to conclude an agreement with the Seminole Indians regarding the gaming industry. He noted the City needs to utilize any resources necessary to support the City’s gaming position and to ensure fairness. The Commission concurred that the City should utilize legal and any other resources in its best interest regarding gaming.

City Manager Good stated the 10 acre parcel across the canal from Gulfstream Park was sold by Magna to Don Cameron and the City will continue negotiations regarding acquisition of this property.