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Home My WebLink About04.26.2023 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes April 26, 2023 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Apr 26 2023, beginning at 05:30:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Rodney Harris, Councilman Reggie Leon, Councilwoman Shannon Campbell, Councilwoman Shannan Ighodaro, Councilwoman Linda Julien, Councilman Robert Stephens, and Vice Mayor Katrina Wilson. Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja Dickens, and City Clerk Mario Bataille. 2. INVOCATION Councilman Robert Stephens, III delivered the Invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited in unison. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – April 12, 2023 A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the minutes passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS Vice Mayor Wilson requested Item 11.6 be pulled from the Consent Agenda. A motion made by Councilman Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Agenda as amended passed and carried by unanimous voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION Councilwoman Julien was joined by the City Council in recognizing the winners of the Black History Month Essay Scholarship Mayor Harris relinquished the gavel to Vice Mayor Wilson. Mayor Harris left the meeting at 5:45 PM. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF Page 2 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting April 26, 2023 6.2. VETERANS AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE QUARTERLY REPORT City Clerk Bataille introduced Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Chair John Zeigler who presented the committee's quarterly report. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Yaxley Jamison, 2261 NW 196th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and recommended the establishment of sandbag sites ahead of Hurricane Season. 8. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 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, WAIVING ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT FOR CHIEF HALL PICNIC HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2023, NUN PRO TUNC; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RECONIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN'S SPECIAL EVENTS ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00), FOR THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS (NAREB) FOR NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS SENATE CONCURRENT BILL 1208, HOUSE CONCURRENT BILL 1037, OR SIMILAR LEGISLATION TO EXPAND PROTECTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS IN COURT PROCEEDINGS; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.5. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE SECOND AND FINAL DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF Page 3 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting April 26, 2023 RENEWAL OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NUMBER 18- 19-008, CONTINUING ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PROFESSIONAL FEES $10,000- $200,000; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS NOT TO EXCEED THE ANNUAL BUDGETED AMOUNT TO THOSE FIRMS LISTED HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.6. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING CONTRACT SOLICITED UNDER INVITATION TO BID (ITB) NUMBER 22-23-014 LITTER CONTROL AND COLLECTION SERVICES TO SFM SERVICES, INC. AS THE PRIMARY VENDOR AND BE GREEN TREE SERVICE AND LANDSCAPING, INC. AS THE SECONDARY VENDOR; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. This Item was pulled from the Consent Agenda. 11.7. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THOSE CERTAIN LEASE AGREEMENTS WITH HARLEY-DAVIDSON LEASING INC. FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT MOTORCYCLES FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE BUDGETED TOTAL AMOUNT OF THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN DOLLARS AND FIFTEEN CENTS ($3,618.15) PER MONTH; COPIES OF WHICH ARE ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A”; EXHIBIT “B,” EXHIBIT “C,” EXHIBIT “D,”AND EXHIBIT “E”; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 6 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Absent Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes Vice Mayor Wilson Yes 12. RESOLUTION(S) DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF Page 4 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting April 26, 2023 12.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING CONTRACT SOLICITED UNDER INVITATION TO BID (ITB) NUMBER 22-23-014 LITTER CONTROL AND COLLECTION SERVICES TO SFM SERVICES, INC. AS THE PRIMARY VENDOR AND BE GREEN TREE SERVICE AND LANDSCAPING, INC. AS THE SECONDARY VENDOR; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Vice Mayor Wilson stated keeping the City clean is a huge and extensive priority for her. Therefore she spoke in support of the item. However, Vice Mayor Wilson shared her concerns regarding how businesses are keeping their commercial sites clean and their obligation to code compliance. Vice Mayor Wilson questioned what is it that City can do to ensure that these commercial properties are clean, free of debris, and in compliance. City Manager Benson stated this item does assure the City is doing proper clean up from a City perspective. City Manager Benson conquered with the concerns raised by Vice Mayor Wilson. He confirmed the limitation of the City code as it relates to enforcement. Therefore, Mr. Benson recommended reviewing code enforcement process as it relates to timing process and possibly refining the code. In addition, Manager Benson stated the City Council needs to make a determination if their policy direction is "code compliance" or "code enforcement." Manager Benson continued to explain the difference between the two philosophies. Manager Benson suggested holding a workshop to discuss this matter in detail. Councilwoman Campbell opined on possibly having a hybrid enforcement policy direction which includes code compliance and code enforcement. Nonetheless, Councilwoman Campbell conquered with Vice Mayor Wilson concerns. Councilman Stephens agreed with the concerns raised by Vice Mayor Wilson and the recommendation of a workshop. He continued to opine the City should be focusing on enforcing the code toward the businesses as the City is doing a great job as it related to code compliance within the residential areas. Vice Mayor Wilson spoke on the possibility of establishing enforcement categories and immediate attention. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF Page 5 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting April 26, 2023 Attorney Dickens referred to a draft Ordinance she was working with Vice Mayor Wilson and recommended moving forward without providing warning notices but reasonable notice to businesses as it relates to enforcing the cleanliness portion of the code. Vice Mayor Wilson recommended moving forward with the draft Ordinance and meeting with City Manager to review the proposed in Ordinance prior to bringing it forward to the City Council. Councilwoman Campbell spoke in support of drafting a more stringent Ordinance as recommended by the City Attorney and not moving forward with the Workshop. Councilman Stephens spoke in support of holding a Workshop to address the concern holistically from a code and budgetary standpoint to ensure we are addressing this accordingly. Councilwoman Julien stated she believed the Code Compliance Department is well equipe to enforce the City's Code and it comes down to the City changing the format on how we enhance code enforcement. After further deliberation, there was consensus to direct the City Attorney and City Manager to work with Vice Mayor Wilson to draft an Ordinance to address the concerns raised with regards to code enforcement towards commercial properties. At the request of Councilman Stephens and Vice Mayor Wilson, City Clerk Bataille will poll the City Council on their availability to hold a Workshop or Sunshine Meeting to discuss code enforcement of commercial properties. Vice Mayor Wilson requested the City Manager have Code Enforcement, Public Works, and other staff members that are deemed necessary attend this Workshop or Sunshine Meeting to answer technical questions. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Absent Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF Page 6 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting April 26, 2023 Vice Mayor Wilson Yes 12.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, NAMING THE ARCH STRUCTURE LOCATED AT NW 167TH ST. AND NW 13TH AVE. AS "THE MAYOR OLIVER G. GILBERT III ARCH"; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Campbell, Attorney Dickens confirmed the Arch is a registered the United States registry of historical structure but not a historical structure under Florida Statutes. Therefore, the City is not prohibited from renaming or tearing down the structure. Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Campbell, Attorney Dickens confirmed the City owns the Arch. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Absent Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes Vice Mayor Wilson 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 Manager Benson recognized Public Works Director Tom Ruiz who was voted member of the year for the Public Works Association for the State of Florida. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF Page 7 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting April 26, 2023 15. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS (3 MINUTES EACH) Councilman Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Miami Gardens Higher Education Scholarship  Table Talk Tuesday  Pre-Formula Paint and Vibe Networking Event  Miami Gardens Summer Melt Down Fitness Challenge  Annual Hurricane Supply Giveaway (Partnership with Vice Mayor Wilson and Councilman Leon) Councilwoman Ighodaro reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Wall Cast of New World Symphony Orchestra  "Lady" Cares Program Smoke Detector Distribution  U.N.I.T.Y. Townhall Meeting Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Visit to Tallahassee to meet with State Legislative Leaders and Officials Councilwoman Julien reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Earth Day Tree Distribution  Bunche Park Elementary visit of City Hall Councilwoman Campbell reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Bingo with a Twist - Monthly Senior Bingo & Pokeno  Black Music Month at Bahas Annual Reunion Vice Mayor Wilson reported on the follow sponsored initiatives:  Leslie Estates #4 Residents Meeting  Juneteenth Celebration  HBCU Scholastic and Sports Combine 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 6:42 p.m. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF Page 8 of 8 Regular City Council Meeting April 26, 2023 Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk DocuSign Envelope ID: B7087861-9CB0-47DA-81B5-10E57983D2DF