HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.08.2020 Special City Council Meeting (2)City of Miami Gardens
Virtual Special City Council Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in virtual special
meeting, Sep 08 2020, beginning at 5:45 PM, via the Zoom meeting platform.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Oliver Gilbert,
Vice Mayor Rodney Harris, Councilwoman Lillie Odom, Councilman Reggie
Leon, Councilman David Williams Jr., and Councilwoman Katrina Wilson.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja
Dickens, and City Clerk Mario Bataille.
2. INVOCATION
Mayor Gilbert delivered the Invocation.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. RESOLUTION(S)
4.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, CONFIRMING MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT’S
NOMINATION OF ____________ TO FILL AT-LARGE SEAT 6;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Gilbert relinquished the gavel to Vice Mayor Harris.
Mayor Gilbert provided an overview of the item where presented the
nomination of Mr. Robert Stephens to fill at-large Seat 6.
A motion was made by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor
Harris, to approve the Resolution including the name of Robert
Stephens.
Answering questions posed by Councilwoman Odom, Mayor Gilbert
responded Mr. Stephens would submit an "oath of withdrawal" in order to
withdraw from the upcoming Seat 1 Run-Off Election. Therefore, his
opponent would become elected. In addition, Mayor Gilbert indicated 29
individuals applied for the appointment and he interviewed 5.
Answering a question posed by Councilman Williams, Mayor Gilbert
indicated he interviewed Miguel Murphy, Lakesha Wilson-Rochelle,
Lanette R. Jones, Robert Stephens, and Thera Johnson-Jones.
Answering questions posed by Councilwoman Wilson, Mayor Gilbert
made it known the term of this appointment will begin upon being sworn
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Special City Council Meeting –
September 8, 2020
into office by the City Clerk and the other candidate in the seat 1 run-off
would be elected once the City Clerk receives the oath of withdrawal from
Mr. Stephens.
Vice Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment.
Lanette Jones, 18611 NW 8th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and shared concerns that this appointment is with
someone who is currently in a run-off election.
Lynette Hickenbottom appeared before the City Council and question the
term of office for the appointment.
Mayor Gilbert indicated he will serve the remainder of the term (until 2022
election).
There being no more public comments, Vice Mayor Harris closed the
floor.
There being no further discussion, Vice Mayor Harris called the question.
A motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Harris,
to approve the Resolution as amended to include Robert Stephens
passed and carried by a 5 to 1 vote of the City Council.
Mayor Gilbert Yes
Vice Mayor Harris Yes
Councilwoman Odom No
Councilman Leon Yes
Councilman Williams Jr. Yes
Councilwoman Wilson Yes
5. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting
adjourned without objection at 6:01p.m.
Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
Mario Bataille, City Clerk