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Home My WebLink About03.24.2021 Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes March 24, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, March 24 2021, beginning at 7:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Rodney Harris, Councilwoman Shannon Campbell, Vice Mayor Reggie Leon, Councilwoman Shannan Ighodaro, Councilwoman Katrina Wilson, Councilwoman Linda Julien, and Councilman Robert Stephens. Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja Dickens, and City Clerk Mario Bataille. 2. INVOCATION Councilman Robert Stephens delivered the Invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited in unison. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – March 10, 2021 City Clerk Bataille withdrew the minutes from the Agenda. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS Items 11.2 and 11.3 was pulled from the Consent Agenda. A motion made by Vice Mayor Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Agenda as amended passed and carried by unanimous voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS City Clerk Bataille read into the record written communication from Geneva Dean, 16220 NW 28th Court, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. 8. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067 Page 2 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2021 9. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 10. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 11. CONSENT AGENDA: 11.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY ATTORNEY TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO VACATE A RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED AT NW 156TH STREET & NW 30TH AVENUE, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Vice Mayor Leon Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes 12. RESOLUTION(S) 12.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING STATE HOUSING INITIATIVE PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) PROGRAM FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST RESPECTIVELY, SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENTS FOR THIS PURPOSE IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM AS THAT AGREEMENT, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilwoman Wilson spoke on the item and recommended including specialty loan or funding to seniors who are on fixed incomes and have lived in their homes for more than 30 years to assist in maintaining their homes. DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067 Page 3 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2021 City Manager Benson indicated it would be more appropriate to make that amendment in Item 12.4. Additional, Mr. Benson made it known this concern would be addressed in the local housing plan moving forward. A motion was made by Councilman Stephens, seconded by Vice Mayor Leon, to approve the Resolution. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilman Stephens, seconded by Vice Mayor Leon, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Vice Mayor Leon Yes Councilman Stephens Yes Mayor Harris Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 12.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING A PROTOCOL MANUAL ESTABLISHING RULES FOR COUNCIL CONDUCT, INTERACTIONS WITH CITY ADMINISTRATION, AND MEETING PROCEDURES, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilwoman Ighodaro shared her concerns on the legality, level of redundancy, and staff censorship of Councilmembers. She continued to share concerns that her authority as an independent legislative body is being eroded by the executive branch. Councilwoman Ighodaro reiterated that she is duly elected and cannot be restrained by anyone. Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Ighodaro, referencing the City Clerk and the policy brought forward before the City Council, City Attorney Dickens indicted during the most recent City Council Retreat the City Council collectively requested the City Clerk to develop a draft protocol policy with the understanding that it is a policy of the City Council. DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067 Page 4 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2021 Referencing the use of the City Logo, Attorney Dickens indicated use of the City Logo can be authorized by the City Council as an Agenda Item or by the City Manager. Referencing the hiring and supervision of the legislative analysts assigned to Councilmembers, Attorney Dickens made it known that the City charter does not allow for the City Council to hire or fire employees. In fact, a ballot question was posed to the voters of the City to provide this authorization and the voters voted no therefore any employee hired by the City can only be hired by one of three of the charter officers. Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Ighodaro, City Attorney made it known the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney can sponsor the items for approval by the City Council. Councilwoman Ighodaro indicated based on her concerns on the legality, level of redundancy, and staff censorship of Councilmembers she will not support this item. A motion was made by Councilman Stephens, seconded by Vice Mayor Leon, to approve the Resolution. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilman Stephens, seconded by Vice Mayor Leon, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 1 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Vice Mayor Leon Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro No Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes 12.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING INVITATION TO BID NO. 20-21-001 TO PRIMARY VENDOR, METRO EXPRESS INC., AND TWO SECONDARY VENDORS ATC ENGINEERING INC. AND NATIONAL CONCRETE AND PAVING LLC, FOR CITYWIDE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AGREEMENTS FOR THIS PURPOSE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE BUDGETED DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067 Page 5 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2021 AMOUNT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Procurement Director Peter Parker provided an overview on the item. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Resolution. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Vice Mayor Leon Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes 12.4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLANS (LHAP); PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Manager Benson provided an overview on the item and confirmed they will make the necessary changes to program in order to provide assistance to seniors who are on fixed incomes. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Resolution. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067 Page 6 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2021 Councilwoman Campbell Yes Vice Mayor Leon Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes 13. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS DISCLOSURE: 13.1 ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S): 13.2 ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 14. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK (3 MINUTES EACH) City Attorney Dickens introduced Assistant City Attorney Jonell Murphy. 14.1. GOB QUARTERLY REPORT 14.2. CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE QUARTERLY REPORT 15. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS (3 MINUTES EACH) Councilman Stephens announced the Miami Gardens Higher Education Scholarship applications are now being accepted. Councilman Stephens announced the "Lunch on Us" event taking place on April 3, 2021 at Caribbean Kitchen 305. Councilwoman Ighodaro announced the upcoming 2021 Virtual Women's Conference taking place on March 26th and 27th. Councilwoman Ighodaro thanked staff for their assistance on this event. Councilwoman Julien recognized the innocent lives that was lost in the tragic event that took place in Boulder, Colorado. She continued to thank all first responders for their services. Councilwoman Julien announced the upcoming Virtual Women in Business panel discussion that will take place on March 30, 2021. DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067 Page 7 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2021 Councilwoman Campbell thanked all that participated in the community clean up that took place on March 20, 2021. Councilwoman Campbell announced her upcoming Virtual Town Hall that will take place on April 20, 2021. Councilwoman Campbell reported on the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Conference she has recently attended. Councilwoman Wilson share her passion and the benefits on maintaining the beautification of the City. Councilwoman Wilson announced that Attorney Dickens will join the next meet Monday to speak on City ordinance, the process of code enforcement procedures and the intentions of code compliance. Councilwoman Wilson commended the Charter Officers for their services to the City. Vice Mayor Leon reported on the City's vaccination program. Vice Mayor Leon announced that he, along with Mayor Harris and Councilman Stephens, will be honoring all the women employees of the City of Miami Gardens with lunch on March 25, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Mayor Harris recognized that the Federal Government has recognized today as Women Equal Pay Day. Mayor Harris continued to recognize the women employees of the City of Miami Gardens for their commitment, dedication, and hard work. Mayor Harris asked everyone to keep the family of Deputy City Manager Craig Clay in their prayers. 16. WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC 17. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without objection at 7:40 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067 Page 8 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2021 Mario Bataille, City Clerk DocuSign Envelope ID: 913808C3-4182-45BA-BF23-E7F7F1CB8067