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Home My WebLink About01.08.2025 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes January 8, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Jan 08 2025, beginning at 5:39 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 Katrina Wilson, Vice Mayor Robert Stephens, Councilwoman Katrina L. Baskin, Councilman Reggie Leon, Councilwoman Michelle C. Powell, D.O., MPH, and Councilwoman Linda Julien. Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja Dickens, and City Clerk Mario Bataille. 2. INVOCATION Vice Mayor Stephens delivered the Invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – December 11, 2024 The City Clerk withdrew the minutes from the Agenda. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS The following items were added to the Agenda: 6.1 SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS Councilwoman Wilson requested item 12.3 be pulled from the Consent Agenda. Councilwoman Baskin withdrew Item 12.1 from the Agenda. Motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144 Page 2 of 8 January 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Harris, alongside the City Council, honored Deputy Police Chief Audrey Coney-Brown, who is retiring, for her outstanding service and dedication to the Miami Gardens Police Department. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Patricia Carr, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and shared her concerns regarding the City of Miami Gardens Code of Ordinances, Section 34-445(e), and her inability to obtain a permit to renovate her front yard. Mamon Tisdol, 17031 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and expressed concerns regarding a resolution approved by the City Council. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and recognized the following departments for their responsiveness to constituents' concerns: Public Works, Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning, Building, and Police Departments. Jennifer Nijhove, 1731 NW 206th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council, referencing Item 12.3, and requested that the City Council consider not raising the millage rate. Regarding Item 13.1, she inquired whether the City has considered hosting a town hall meeting to educate the community. Lastly, she shared information concerning the school zone flashing light at Robert Renick Educational Center and provided details on the upcoming meeting of the Lake Lucerne Crime Watch. Christine Malcom, 18910 NW 31st Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and spoke in support of the street co-designation for Joann E. Cox Rolle and Bessie Stringfield. Connie Rolle Taylor, 19101 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and spoke in support of the street co- designation for Joann E. Cox Rolle. Saunnie V. Bell, 4375 SW 129th Avenue, Miramar, FL, appeared before the City Council and spoke in support of the street co-designation for Bessie Stringfield. Steven Leflore, 19010 NW 10th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and spoke in support of the street co-designation for Bessie Stringfield. Sanford Perkins, 1833 8th Avenue E, Bradenton, FL, appeared before the City Council and spoke in support of the street co-designation for Bessie Stringfield. Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144 Page 3 of 8 January 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 8. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS (3 MINUTES EACH) Councilwoman Julien reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  School Zone Camera Safety Program  Seat 5 Newsletter Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Community Collaboration Meeting  Broadway in the Gardens Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  City Clean-Up  Walt Frazier and Myrtle Grove Park Improvements  Meet Me Monday Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Healthy U Facebook Livestream  Doc Talk Community Meeting  Healthy Tip – "Eat for Health" Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Miami Gardens Fitness Challenge  Table Talk Tuesday  Satellite Office Hours at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Center  Next GEN Coding  Faith Brunch for Sickle Cell Awareness Mayor Harris provided general comments regarding the City’s future progression in 2025. 9. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 10. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 10.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE XVII, SECTIONS 34-656, 34-666, 34-671, AND 34-674 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO SIGN REGULATIONS TO AMEND REGULATIONS RELATING TO BILLBOARD SIGNS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO “A”; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144 Page 4 of 8 January 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Attorney Dickens provided an overview of the item and recommended approval on second reading. A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the ordinance on second reading. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comments. There being no public comments, Mayor Harris closed the floor. Mayor Harris called the question on the motion. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Vice Mayor Stephens Yes Councilwoman Baskin Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes 11. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 12. CONSENT AGENDA: 12.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA CREATING THE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION TEMPORARY AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR A SUNSET DATE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 12.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS ($4,000) FROM RESIDENTIAL SEAT 1 COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT TO SUPPORT THE 5000 ROLE MODELS 32ND ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144 Page 5 of 8 January 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 12.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PRESENT TWO DISTINCT PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE TO THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THE “NOT TO EXCEED” MILLAGE RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. This Item was pulled from the Consent Agenda. 12.4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NO. 23-24-022 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS PARKS OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR YOUTH AND ADULT SPORTS TO WJPE GROUP LLC D/B/A SOCCER STARS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 12.5. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. FOR THE LEASE TO PURCHASE OF PORTABLE POLICE RADIOS (DETAILED ON QUOTE #2848837) FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED AND NINETY-ONE THOUSAND, SIX HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT DOLLARS AND FIFTY-TWO CENTS ($2,791,698.52) TO BE PAID IN ANNUAL INSTALLMENTS FOR SEVEN YEARS, BY RELYING ON THAT CERTAIN COOPERATIVE PURCHASING MASTER AGREEMENT #00318, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “4”; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Councilwoman Wilson, seconded by Councilman Leon, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 13. RESOLUTION(S) 13.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PRESENT TWO DISTINCT PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE TO THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THE “NOT TO EXCEED” MILLAGE RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144 Page 6 of 8 January 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Wilson, Councilman Leon provided an overview of the item along with its intent. Councilwoman Wilson shared her concerns regarding the item, noting that the City has not raised its millage rate in twelve years. Therefore, any increase in property taxes has not been due to the City. However, she spoke in support of the item, agreeing that this proposal will bring a level of transparency to the budgetary process. She also expressed concerns about the potential impact of cutting services on residents due to a drop in the millage rate. Councilman Leon reiterated that it is the Council's responsibility to explore options for reducing property taxes, especially as property values increase organically due to the positive economic development the City is experiencing. Mayor Harris spoke in support of the item. A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the item. Vice Mayor Stephens also spoke in support of the item. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 13.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE CITY’S RED LIGHT CAMERA (“RLC”) ANNUAL REPORT FOR SUBMISSION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES, TO COMPLY WITH FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 316.0083(4)(a), ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A” PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Manager Benson provided an overview of the item and recommended approval. Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144 Page 7 of 8 January 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the resolution. Councilwoman Julien thanked staff for compiling the report. Mayor Harris recommended that the Council continue to keep residents informed about the progress of the red-light camera program. Vice Mayor Stephens noted that 80% of violators in the City's camera safety program are non-residents. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 14. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS DISCLOSURE: 14.1 ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S): 14.2 ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 14.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 15. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK (3 MINUTES EACH) 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 6:44 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144 Page 8 of 8 January 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 2AD1C2BF-44A7-4B17-933C-5A481079A144