HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.09.2025 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens
City Council Minutes
April 9, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Apr 09 2025, 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,
Vice Mayor Robert Stephens, Councilwoman Katrina L. Baskin, Councilwoman
Michelle C. Powell, D.O., MPH, Councilman Reggie Leon, Councilwoman
Katrina Wilson, and Councilwoman Linda Julien.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja
Dickens, and City Clerk Mario Bataille.
2. INVOCATION
Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert delivered the Invocation.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – March 26, 2025
The minutes where withdrawn.
5. ORDER OF BUSINESS
Item 6.3 Special Presentation by Councilwoman Wilson has been added to the
Agenda.
There being no public comment on any item on the Consent Agenda, the
Consent Agenda was moved to be considered after the order of business.
A motion made by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Vice Mayor
Stephens, to approve the Agenda passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
Mayor Harris took a point of privilege to address the Council regarding the
decorum at the previous Council Meeting and its impact on the City's image. He
emphasized that during his absence in Tallahassee lobbying to resolve the water
surcharge issue, he was concerned about the conduct displayed at the last
meeting. Mayor Harris stressed that such behavior cannot be repeated and
highlighted the standards of meeting decorum that both the public and the
Council will be expected to adhere to.
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Additionally, Mayor Harris clarified that there is no current item for consideration
regarding the extension of the City Council's term, nor does he anticipate such
an item being brought forward for Council consideration in the future.
Mayor Harris introduced Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, who
appeared before the City Council to provide a briefing on civic engagement
initiatives spearheaded by his office.
He also reported on proposed State legislation aimed at resolving the
longstanding water surcharge issue, outlining key provisions and the anticipated
impact on the City and its residents. Commissioner Gilbert thanked the City
Council for their support of State Representative Robinson, who has sponsored
the bill, and affirmed his commitment to advocating for a fair and equitable
resolution in partnership with the City.
6. CONSENT AGENDA:
6.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF SEVEN
HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DOLLARS FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS'
COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT TO COVER COST FOR FOOD
SERVICES PROVIDED BY KANIN CATERING FOR MAYOR RODNEY
HARRIS' UNVEILING OF PLAQUES FOR THE LATE FLORA BELLE
MATCHETT JOHNSON AND FANNIE MAE GILBERT HELD AT
ROLLING OAKS REGIONAL PARK ON SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025,
FROM 10AM TO 12PM, NUN PRO TUNC. PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
6.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS'
COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT FOR DONATION TO SUPPORT
THE 4TH ANNUAL MIAMI GARDENS ARBOR DAY SENIOR'S HOME
BEAUTIFICATION COMMUNITY PROJECT. THE EVENT WILL BE
HELD ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025, FROM 8AM TO 4PM. PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
6.3.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THAT CERTAIN COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF
STATE, COUNTY & MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES ("AFSCME")
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A", AUTHORIZING CITY
MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST THE SAME;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
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A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by
Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, to approve the Consent Agenda
passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council.
7. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH)
7.1. A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY VICE MAYOR STEPHENS.
Vice Mayor Stephens was joined by the City Council in recognizing the
Miami Gardens PAL Flag Football Team for their accomplishments.
7.2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY
CONTEST WINNER BY COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN.
Councilwoman Julien recognized the following winners of the Black
History Month Essay Contest:
1st Place - Cling John, Norland Middle School
2nd Place - Adane Behailu, Miami Norland Senior High School
3rd Place - Jayla Williams, Miami Norland Senior High School
7.3. SPECIAL PRESENATION BY COUNCILWOMAN WILSON.
Councilwoman Wilson introduced members of the Miami Carol City
Alumni Association, who appeared before the City Council to provide an
overview of the upcoming Miami Carol City Alumni Picnic. The
representatives shared details about the event’s purpose, planned
activities, and its importance in bringing together alumni and the broader
community.
Following the presentation, Councilwoman Wilson was joined by Mayor
Harris and members of the City Council in presenting a proclamation
proclaiming Chief Hall Week in recognition of the upcoming Miami Carol
City Alumni Picnic. The proclamation celebrated the legacy and spirit of
the alumni community and acknowledged the significance of the event in
fostering unity and pride.
The Alumni Association also expressed their gratitude to Councilwoman
Wilson for her ongoing support and advocacy over the years.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Floyd, 15920 NW 20th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the
City Council and shared concerns regarding a neighbor who is selling cars out
of his residential property.
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Pauline King, 99 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City
Council and invited the City Council to partner with her organization, Love Seed
Inc., in support of their Love Seed Community Care Day: Soles of Love Initiative.
Margret Kendrick, 2724 NW 199th Lane, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and requested information on who to contact to ensure
Homeowners Associations are following State regulation.
Jason Morris, 2490 NW 207th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the
City Council and thanked the City for their assistance in opening his business
and requested further assistance in expediting his business tax receipt process.
Vanessa Wilcox, 2000 NW 186th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and shared concerns regarding her experience with the City's
Code Enforcement Department.
Francis Ragoo, 889 NW 219th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the
City Council and requested support of the Miami Gardens Neighborhood Watch
Group's Arbor Day Senior Project.
Christine Malcolm, 18910 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and thanked Vice Mayor Stephens, Senator Jones, and State
Representative Robinson for sponsoring the Day on the Hill civic engagement.
She continued to speak on the resident's ability to speak at public meetings while
not feeling disrespected or dismissed. She continued to share her displeasure
with what transpired at the last Council Meeting.
Lynette Hickenbottom, 20832 NW 28th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and was thankful for the Day on the Hill civic
engagement.
Sharon Mathis, 17211 NW 10th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the
City Council and shared appreciation for participating with the Day on the Hill
civic engagement sponsored by Vice Mayor Stephens.
Dr. James Davis, 1500 NW 154th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and shared concerns regarding the decorum that took place at
the last Council Meeting.
Gale Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and spoke on the past item regarding calling a Special
Election to extend the term limit of the Council. In addition, she continued to
speak in opposition of such Special Election.
Juanda Conner, 3051 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and urged the City Council to move forward with the Myrtle
Grove Park improvement.
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Lola Evans, 194410 NW 7th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the
City Council and shared speeding concerns along 7th Avenue and spoke in
opposition of extending the term of the City Council.
Karen Hunter-Jackson, 1420 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and spoke on the meeting decorum. She continued to
emphasize members of the City Council should be held to the same standard.
Rea Hughes, 335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the
City Council and spoke on the planned improvement of Myrtle Grove Park along
with the importance it will bring to the community. She continued to share
concerns of the decorum of the City Council.
Mamon Tisdol, 17031 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and shared concerns of the experience he had with a staff
member of the City.
Sardebra Wright, 20062 NW 36th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and spoke in opposition of extending the term limits of the City
Council.
Theophilus Williams, 1391 NW 95th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and spoke on the state of local and federal government and how
they deal with people.
Brenda Providence, 2021 NW 154th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and spoke on the image of the City along with how the
lack of decorum from the last Council Meeting can affect the City.
Kale Benton, 2741 NW 202 Lane, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City
Council and requested information on who to contact to hold Homeowner
Associations accountable.
Deborah McKissick, 3380 NW 195th Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and shared concerns regarding City Council meeting
decorum.
Janice Coakley, 19631 NW 33rd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and requested the City Council invest in public outreach to the
residents regarding the North Miami Beach Class Action Lawsuit settlement. In
addition, she spoke in opposition of extending the term limit of the City Council.
9. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
R.O.A.R. Fest
Free Dental Clinic
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Councilwoman Wilson expressed a sincere apology to the Mayor, City Council,
and residents regarding her decorum at the last Council Meeting. She pledged
that such negative decorum would not be displayed in the future.
Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
Carol City Alumni Association
Meet Me Monday
The Divine Nine Showcase
Juneteenth Park and Play
Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
Health Fair and 5K Walk/Run
Disability Mixer at Bunche Park
Mental Health Symposium
Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
Day on the Hill Tallahassee Trip
Table Talk Tuesday
Office Hours
Mayor Harris concluded by continuing to urge everyone to work together in unity
and cooperation for the betterment of the community.
10. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
11. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
12. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
13. RESOLUTION(S)
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)
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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 7:15 p.m.
Rodney Harris, Mayor
Mario Bataille, City Clerk
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1
Mario Bataille
From:Mario Bataille
Sent:Thursday, April 10, 2025 4:32 PM
Cc:Cameron Benson; Sonja Dickens
Subject:Written Communication - Online Public Comments
Good Afternoon Honorable Mayor and City Council,
As an FYI, please see the below written communication received by my office.
Best Regards,
Mario Bataille, CMC
City Clerk
City of Miami Gardens
Office of the City Clerk
18605 NW 27th Avenue | Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Phone: 305‐622‐8000 ext. 2830 | Fax: 305‐622‐8001
mbataille@miamigardens‐fl.gov
www.miamigardens‐fl.gov
From: Ron Harris <ronharris982@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 4:43 PM
To: Mario Bataille <mbataille@miamigardens‐fl.gov>
Subject: Online Public Comments
Ronald Harris 17730 NW 14th Ct. 1) Where are the plans that residents can see, for Frazier Park. At this year's College Orange Bowl game. The commentators announced that they were told, that there was going to be a $2‐3 Million dollar renovation ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart
This Message Is From an External Sender
This message came from outside your organization. Report Suspicious
ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd Ronald Harris
17730 NW 14th Ct.
1) Where are the plans that residents can see, for Frazier Park.
At this year's College Orange Bowl game. The commentators
announced that they were told, that there was going to be a $2-3
Million dollar renovation to Frazier Park. But to date, nothing has
been done.
EXHIBIT - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
2
But there should be plans available for residents to view. Please let
us know.
2)There was an organization who wanted to hold an event at
Rolling Oaks Park. But deferred because it was too far to get to the
Restrooms and too little of parking for visitors.
3) Few of the parks that have been renovated are "Family Friendly".
There is nothing or very little that encourages families to utilize the
parks.
4) The flyers that inform residents how to get their Water Bill
Refund. Needs to be made more conveniently available to
residents.
5) Please consider replacing the event sign that the Council uses to
announce events. It is far too little, to be effective at letting
residents know what is happening.
6) RV's are still a problem