HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.23.2025 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens
City Council Minutes
April 23, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Apr 23 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
Vice Mayor Stephens delivered the Invocation.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited in unison.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – March 26, 2025
4.2. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – April 9, 2025
A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman
Julien, to approve the minutes passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice
vote of the City Council.
5. ORDER OF BUSINESS
Councilman Leon withdrew Item 12.2 from the Agenda.
City Manager Benson added Item 6.3 to the Agenda.
A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens,
to approve the agenda as amended passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH)
6.1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS.
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Mayor Harris was joined by the City Council in recognizing Pre-Arrest
Diversion Coordinator Rhea Leverity and Officer Doretha Hall on their
retirement.
In addition, the Mayor also recognized the accomplishment of the Miami
Gardens Police Explorers.
6.2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL SMALL
BUSINESS WEEK
Councilwoman Julien was joined by the Mayor and Council in presenting
a proclamation acknowledging May 4-10, 2025, as National Small
Business Week.
6.3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE CITY MANAGER.
City Manager Benson introduced Yvena Muselaire, Strategic
Communications and Training Specialist, who announced Assistant City
Manager Tamara Wadley as Employee of the Quarter for her work with
the Strategic Plan.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Theophius Williams, 1391 NW 95th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and shared concerns regarding senior citizens being
responsible for buffering their own sidewalks.
Sekena McCloud, 2601 NW 166th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and invited the Mayor and Council to the Miami Norland
Alumnae Picnic being held on May 31st.
Sophia Henderson, 3450 NW 169th Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and shared concerns about the lack of support for senior
home repair assistance.
Jada Jefferson, 13840 NW 23rd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and invited the Mayor and Council to the Remarkable Youth
Center Disability Mix and Mingle. She also thanked Mayor Harris, Councilwoman
Powell, State Representative Robinson, and the State Attorney's Office for their
support.
Alexander Hughes, 600 NW 210th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and shared concerns regarding the City's School Zone Speed
Camera Enforcement.
Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the
City Council referencing recent parks openings and inquired about the
groundbreaking for the Myrtle Grove Park Improvement Project. She also
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questioned if there are any policies in place for Council Members who violate
decorum rules.
Mamon Tisdol, 17031 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before
the City Council and expressed concerns that his previous issues regarding the
use of public funds for recreational purposes have not been addressed.
Additionally, he mentioned issues with communication received from the Mayor's
Chief of Staff.
Gale Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared
before the City Council and expressed concern regarding the decorum of Council
Members. She continued to speak on the importance of respect between the
Council and citizens.
8. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS (3 MINUTES
EACH)
Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
Quarter 3 Teacher Recognition Program
Dental Clinic
Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
Meet Me Monday
Divine 9 Showcase Meeting
5th Annual Juneteenth Park and Party
Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
Residents' Choice Award
Mental Awareness Month Symposium
Healthy U Podcast
Healthy Tip of the Month: Breath
In response to a question posed by Councilman Leon, Manager Benson
confirmed that the City has a Senior Pressure Cleaning Program.
Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiative:
Food Drive Distribution and Community Outreach
Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives:
4th Annual Changing the Narrative Celebration and Resource Expo
Open Office Hours
Table Talk Tuesday
Miami Gardens Summer Meltdown Fitness Challenge
Street Renaming Celebration for Joane E. Cox Rolle
City Impact Tour
Annual Hurricane Supply Giveaway
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Vice Mayor Stephens also reported on the State Water Utility Bill currently being
considered in the State House and Senate. He noted that the bill has passed on
the Senate floor and will return to the House for consideration of an amendment.
Once approved by the House, it will be sent to the Governor’s desk for signature.
He urged residents to continue advocating and encouraging their state officials
to support this legislation.
A motion was made by Councilman Stephens, seconded by Councilman
Leon, to grant the City Manager all necessary authority to assist with
lobbying for the adoption of the state bill regarding water utility. The
motion passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Vice Mayor Stephens requested if the Police Department can provide a brief
report on the City's crime stats.
Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Powell, City Manager Benson
made it known the City's Crime Stats Report is in the weekly "In the Know" report
and quarterly report.
Manager Benson introduced Chief Pratt who provide a brief crime stats report.
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 6 “BUSINESSES”,
ARTICLE V - “SALE OF MERCHANDISE”; SECTION 6-195 “SELLING,
SERVING, VENDING, SOLICITING IN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY
GENERALLY” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE
ESTABLISHED TIME FOR THE CLEAN ZONE DURING STADIUM
EVENTS TO ESTABLISH A RESTRICTED STADIUM ZONE TO
PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF PEDICABS, GOLF CARTS AND LOW
SPEED VEHICLES IN SAID ZONE; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Mayor
Harris, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading.
A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by
Councilwoman Powell, to amend the Ordinance by omitting the
word "imprisonment" in subsection 16 passed and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Councilwoman Julien commended Councilman Leon for bringing this item
forward.
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Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment.
There being no further comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question.
A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Mayor Harris,
to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading as amended 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
Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes
Councilman Leon Yes
Councilwoman Wilson Yes
Councilwoman Julien 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, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND COMMUNITY ROOM FOR A PRESS
CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY MAY 21ST, 2025
REGARDING THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC; 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, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE
ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO TERMINATE THE GROUND LEASE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND NEW
URBAN DEVELOPMENT, LLC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
SENIOR HOUSING AT THE SENIOR CENTER PARK AND TO
NEGOTIATE A NEW LEASE AGREEMENT WITH SERENITY GROVE
VENTURE, LLC FOR REVIEW BY THE CITY COUNCIL; PROVIDING
FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
This item was withdrawn.
12.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM
COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA L. BASKIN’S PUBLIC AFFAIRS
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ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SEVEN THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($7,000) IN SUPPORT OF ONGOING COMMUNITY
INITIATIVES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE FIRST RENEWAL OF
INVITATION TO BID (ITB) 22-23-009—CHEERLEADING UNIFORMS—
WITH VARSITY SPIRIT FASHION AND SUPPLIES, LLC; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.5. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT
CERTAIN AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE
CITY FOR WATER SAFETY EDUCATION AND INSTRUCTION
SERVICES AS PART OF THE ZERO DROWNINGS MIAMI-DADE
PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.6. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE FIRST RENEWAL OF
INVITATION TO BID (ITB) NO. 22-23-008 TO BSN SPORTS, LLC.,
HOLLA ATHLETICS LLC., PYRAMID SCHOOL PRODUCTS AND
DESIGN FOR PURCHASE & DELIVERY OF SPORT EQUIPMENT;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE BUDGETED AMOUNT;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.7. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, RENEWING THE AWARD OF INVITATION TO
BID (ITB) NO. 21-22-037 FOR MONUMENT SIGNS, TO MULTIPLE
MEDIA NETWORK INC., D/B/A BEST SIGN MONUMENTS;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE BUDGETED AMOUNT;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.8. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY
CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN
ROAD JURISDICTION TRANSFER (RJT) AGREEMENT WITH THE
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT);
PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.9. 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 A
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LANDSCAPE, HARDSCAPE, IRRIGATION AND TURF MAINTENANCE
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE SEGMENT OF
STATE ROAD 817/NW 27 AVENUE FROM NW 151 STREET TO NW
165 STREET; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY
CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.10. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
RELY UPON STATE OF UTAH MASTER AGREEMENT AR3227 AND
STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
PARTICIPATING ADDENDUM #43220000-NASPO-19-ACS TO
EXECUTE THAT CERTAIN LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT,
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "7," IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM,
WITH AIP US, LLC FOR THE TWO YEAR LEASE WITH OPTIONAL
$1.00 BUYOUT AT THE END FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CISCO
NETWORK EQUIPMENT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO
HUNDRED NINE THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED THIRTY TWO
DOLLARS AND THIRTY EIGHT CENTS ($209,132.38); PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
12.11. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING ALTHEA M. CAMPBELL, ESQ.,
TO SERVE AS LOCAL HEARING OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS REDLIGHT CAMERA AND SCHOOL SPEEDZONES
HEARINGS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO DESIGNATE AN
EXISTING STAFF MEMBER(S) TO SERVE AS CLERK TO THE
LOCAL HEARING OFFICER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by
Councilwoman Wilson, to approve the Consent Agenda passed
and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council.
13. RESOLUTION(S)
14. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS
DISCLOSURE:
Nakeischea Smith, Planning and Zoning Director, provided the rules for the
Quasi-Judicial Zoning Hearing item.
City Clerk Bataille administered the oath of truthfulness to all interested parties.
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City Clerk Bataille then polled the City Council in accordance with the Jennings
Disclosure, to which all members affirmed they had not engaged in any ex parte
communication and confirmed that their decision would be based solely on the
evidence presented during the hearing.
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)
14.3.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE VARIANCE
APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY EXTRA SPACE PROPERTIES
FOR THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 20240 NW 2ND
AVE, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT “A”
ATTACHED HERETO, PERMITTING AN INCREASE IN THE
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) OF AN EXISTING SELF-STORAGE
BUSINESS TO 0.83 WHERE 0.75 IS THE MAXIMUM FAR FOR
COMMERCIAL PROJECTS; AS PERMITTED BY SECTION 34-47
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS CODE OF ORDINANCES;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Director Smith provided an overview of the item and indicated staff's
recommendation of approval.
Councilman Leon acknowledge City staff for their work in improving
the 441 corridors.
Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment.
There being no comments, Mayor Harris closed the floor.
A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor
Stephens, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6
to 0 roll call vote of the City Council.
Mayor Harris Yes
Vice Mayor Stephens Yes
Councilwoman Baskin Yes
Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes
Councilman Leon Yes
Councilwoman Wilson Yes
Councilwoman Julien Absent
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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 6:36 p.m.
Rodney Harris, Mayor
Mario Bataille, City Clerk
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From:Mario Bataille
Cc:Cameron Benson; Sonja Dickens
Bcc:City Council1; Lashara Bostic; Michelle McKenzie
Subject:Written Communication: April 23 but Council Meeting Public Comments
Date:Thursday, April 24, 2025 7:37:00 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Good Morning Honorable Mayor and City Council,
Please see the written communication received by my office for last night’s City Council meeting.
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
Name: Ronald Harris
Address: 17730 NW 14th Court
MG- Public Comments
April 23, 2025Council Meeting
1. My first comment is about the Fine Arts Center, talked about by
Councilwoman Wilson, at the March 26 meeting.
Councilwoman Wilson, at the last meeting. Talked about the Adrienne
Arsht Center, putting forth the idea of bringing some performances, to
Miami Gardens.
This points up the fact of an idea, floated to former Mayor Oliver
Gilbert. Of a Performing Arts and Cultural Center, over ten years ago.
It is surprising that the Council, has not seen fit to move on such a
project, which would be quite apropos. Especially now, seeing as this
presidential administration is hell bent, on trying to destroy or erase
black history.
But the Cultural and Educational benefits, would be tremendous. As
well as making Miami Gardens to be attractive, for something more
than Sports (Formula-1, Tennis, Football, Soccer, Top Golf), and
entertainment.
That we provide Cultural and Educational activities and events.
I hope that when and if it does become a priority for the City. That Ms.
Wilcox, whose idea it was initially. As far back as bring it up to our
First Mayor Shirley Gibson, be a part of any committee giving input on
such a project.
With the gentrification going on in Liberty City, Miami Gardens should
work to make itself, as attractive as possible for future residents.
2. On the renovations going on at Scott Park presently, where can
residents see, either an artist’s rendering or model of the expected
finished product and not wait to be surprised. As I was to see the
lack of family friendly structures and the lack of parking and
accessible restroom facilities, at Rolling Oak Park. That had a
budget of over $8,000,000, according to a Google Search with
numerous amenities for the residents.
3. Also, a thought I have had for a long time, and a question.
Why is the sign on the 27th Avenue side of City Hall, that announces to the
public; The activities and notices of things the City has going on, why is it so
small.
Most school signs are much larger than that, which we have.
It is nearly impossible to read anything on it, until you get right up on it. And
then you are pass it, before you can read it.
I’ve heard some residents say. That it is as if the Council, isn’t keen on keeping
the residents informed, on the goings on of the City.
4. I think it is time for the residents to be given a financial report, on
Jazz in the Gardens.
I am not sure there has ever been an Attendance and Financial
Report, given on our signature event. And to see if that is serving the
residents well, and find out if not only Jazz in the Gardens, but also
out Juneteenth event.
Especially as to how our local businesses are doing and have done
during these events.