The Tamarac City Commission on April 23 approved a series of staff-recommended purchases and program updates, adopted a restrictive covenant preserving the Colony West Golf Course, and rejected a proposed change to allow routine alcohol sales at city events.

The commission unanimously approved a fiber network expansion contract for $111,319.69 with an added $50,000 contingency (total project authorization $161,319.69) and authorized staff to execute change orders as needed. Commissioners also approved a purchase of turnout “bunker” gear from Bennett Fire Products not to exceed $383,932 and a resolution updating the city’s public-information program for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community rating system. Those three items passed 5–0.

On a separate motion, the commission voted 4–1 to adopt a restrictive covenant requiring the 6850 NW 80th Ave property (Colony West Golf Courses) be maintained and used as an 18‑hole golf course, open space or recreational use in perpetuity. Mayor Michelle J. Gomez voted no; Commissioners Marlon Bolton, Wright, Patterson and Vice Mayor Keisha Daniel voted yes.

A proposed amendment to city code to allow the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in city parks and facilities (first reading) failed on a voice/roll call vote recorded as 5–0 against the ordinance after public comment and commissioner discussion. The commission also considered a budget amendment on second reading; that amendment was recorded in roll call as 3–2 (see Votes at a glance below for outcomes).

Also during the meeting commissioners moved to bar further discussion of school‑zone automated speed/detection camera systems: a motion that the topic not be brought for discussion again passed 4–1.

Votes at a glance
- TR14220: Fiber network expansion contract to Board Tech Utilities — motion to award contract and authorize expenditures (contract $111,319.69; contingency $50,000) — outcome: approved 5–0.
- 6A TR14228: Purchase 100 new turnout gear sets and 16 replacement custom sets from Bennett Fire Products — cost not to exceed $383,932 — outcome: approved 5–0.
- 6B TR14229: Update public information program for NFIP/community rating system — outcome: approved 5–0.
- 6C TR14258: Adopt restrictive covenant to preserve Colony West Golf Courses (6850 NW 80th Ave) as golf/open space/recreation in perpetuity; release or amendment requires unanimous commission vote and written consent of 100% of property owners within 400 feet — outcome: approved 4–1 (Mayor Michelle J. Gomez opposed).
- Ordinance 7A (first reading): Amend Chapter 15 (Parks and Recreation) to allow sale/serving of alcoholic beverages in city parks and facilities — outcome: failed (roll calls recorded as unanimous against, 5–0).
- Ordinance 8A (second reading): First budget amendment for FY2025 (as shown in materials) — outcome: recorded 3–2 (passed per roll call tally).
- Commission motion regarding school‑zone speed/detection camera systems: motion to not bring the item for discussion again — outcome: approved 4–1.

How this matters: The approvals fund infrastructure (fiber), public safety equipment (turnout gear) and flood‑insurance outreach; the Colony West covenant legally restricts future use of a large municipal parcel. The failed alcohol ordinance preserves existing limitations on alcohol sales at city events. The commission’s directive to avoid further debate on speed‑camera systems ends further study unless a future commission reopens the topic.

What’s next: Contract administration and implementation steps for awarded projects are handled by staff; the restrictive covenant is recorded with authority for city staff to execute required documents. The City Clerk recorded roll calls for final votes.