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Home My WebLink About10.08.2025 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes October 8, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Oct 08 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. Councilman Leon arrived at 5:33 PM Mayor Harris arrived at 5:36 PM. 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 – September 24, 2025 A motion offered by Councilwoman Wilson, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the minutes passed and carried by a 5 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS A motion made by Councilwoman Powell, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the Agenda passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the members present. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Margret Kendricks, 2724 NW 199th Lane, expressed concerns regarding community aesthetics within the Leslie Estates area. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 2 of 8 October 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meetings Minutes Francis Ragoo, 889 NW 214th Street, Unit 102, thanked the City for its support of Miami Gardens Inc. and inquired about potential legislation addressing the recent dog mauling incident that resulted in a fatality. Gale Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Avenue Road, shared comments regarding respect and decorum between the City Council and the community. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, emphasized the importance of transparency and referenced a matter discussed on March 26, 2025. Dr. James Davis, 1500 NW 154th Street, referenced an article in The Miami Times concerning community issues and called for accountability and a City response. He also expressed concerns regarding expenditures by certain elected officials. Mayor Harris encouraged Dr. Davis to schedule a meeting with his office to further discuss the concerns raised. Mamon Tisdol, 17031 NW 11th Avenue, expressed concerns regarding the Chief of Staff to the Mayor. Vice Mayor Stephens relinquished the gavel to Mayor Harris. 8. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilwoman Julien reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • LOUD (Love of Urban Design) Week • Miami-Dade County Commission Meeting for Fair Water Advocacy • Quarterly Cooking Class • Give Miami Day Advocacy Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Basic Emergency Training Program • Community Collaboration • Parading for Pink and Purple (Breast Cancer and Lupus Awareness) • Historic Advisory Committee Meeting • Manpower Monday – Financial Literacy Event • ShePower Monday Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Meet Me Monday – Special Guest School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon II • Colors of Cancer Basketball Tournament • Leslie Estates Road Infrastructure Improvement Initiative Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Healthy U Podcast Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 3 of 8 October 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meetings Minutes • Laugh It Off • Thriving with Diabetes • Health Tip: Call a cancer fighter today; it may be the seed you plant and later reap Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Partnership with Mayor Harris on the Annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament • Mammogram Truck Tour • Partnership with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts and Councilwoman Julien for a future Pop-Up Driver License Service • HIV Testing • Karaoke in the Gardens Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Annual Lunch and Learn – Conversation on Educational Resources • Scholarship and Financial Literacy Workshop • Future Scholarship Fund Opportunities • Citrus Tropical Brunch – Carnival Celebration • Vice Mayor Impact Tour and Community Barbecue Mayor Harris introduced Siah Benson, Manager of Community Engagement for St. Thomas University, who provided information on the St. Thomas University Lady Bobcats Volleyball Team. She encouraged the City Council and community to come out and support the team as they attempt to surpass the attendance record on October 25, 2025. 9. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 9.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ELECTIONS, CALLING THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION COUNCIL SEATS 2, 4, AND AT-LARGE 6; PROVIDING FOR RUNOFF ELECTION, IF NECESSARY; PROVIDING FOR QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES; PROVIDING FOR CLOSE OF ELECTION BOOKS; APPROVING THE OFFICIAL BALLOT FORM; PROVIDING FOR NOTIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Bataille provided the intent of the Ordinance. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 4 of 8 October 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meetings Minutes Vice Mayor Stephens Yes Councilwoman Baskin Yes Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 10. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 11. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 12. CONSENT AGENDA: 12.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING A MONETARY DONATION/SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED TO THE LINKS, INCORPORATED, IN SUPPORT OF THE LINKS BOOK AND AUTHOR LUNCHEON; 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 AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS ($8,000) FROM COUNCILWOMAN MICHELLE C. POWELL’S PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACCOUNT IN SUPPORT OF DIABETES SYMPOSIUM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 12.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RELY UPON MANATEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTRACT OF AWARD AGREEMENT NO. 26-0041-MR TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY SIX THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($426,500.00) TO BLISS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, INC, FOR PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR A J KING PARK; 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 AMENDING THE PROTOCOL MANUAL, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 5 of 8 October 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meetings Minutes 13. RESOLUTION(S) 14. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS DISCLOSURE: City Manager Benson introduced New Planning and Zoning Director Reginal White. Director White presented the Rules of Procedure for Quasi-Judicial Zoning Hearings. City Clerk Bataille administered the Oath of Truthfulness to all interested parties. In addition, City Clerk Bataille polled the City Council regarding any ex-parte communication. All members confirmed that they had not engaged in any ex- parte communication and that their decisions would be based solely on the evidence presented during the hearing. 14.1 ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S): 14.1.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE REZONING OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF NW 203 LANE AND 36 COURT INTERSECTIONS IN MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO, FROM AGRICULTURAL AND UTILITIES ("AU") AND SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING RESIDENTIAL ("R-1") TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ("PD"); REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Director White provided an overview of the item and staff's recommendation for approval. A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the ordinance on first reading. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comments. Yvonne Hampton, 21032 NW 39th Avenue, shared concerns regarding increased traffic as a result of the development and inquired whether speed bumps or traffic lights would be installed. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 6 of 8 October 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meetings Minutes In response to a question from Councilman Leon, Attorney Pedro Gassant, representing the applicant, confirmed there will be a reduction from seven to one communication towers. Referencing Ms. Hampton’s concerns, Mr. Gassant indicated that traffic calming devices resulting from the development would fall under the County’s purview. While the developer does not object to traffic calming measures, the ultimate decision rests with the County. He also noted that the development will have infrastructure for water and sewer connections rather than septic tanks. Francis Ragoo, 889 NW 214th Street, #102, inquired whether the project will include workforce housing. Mr. Gassant stated that there have been robust discussions regarding workforce housing. In response to a question from Councilwoman Wilson, Mr. Gassant confirmed the development will have a Homeowners Association. Kathy Peacock, 20354 NW 42nd Avenue, asked about the impact of the development on traffic in the neighboring community. Icil Lindsay, 3012 NW 204th Terrace, shared concerns regarding the roads in Leslie Estates Phase 3, noting this is unrelated to the current zoning item. There being no further comments, Mayor Harris closed the floor. Councilwoman Julien encouraged the developer to work collectively with staff to ensure mechanisms are in place so that traffic will not burden residents. She also commended the developer for aligning with the Miami-Dade County Septic-to-Sewer Plan. In response to a question from Vice Mayor Stephens, Director White confirmed the proposed entry points on the east and west sides. He noted that the site plan presented is conceptual, not final, and that traffic impacts will be carefully addressed during the review process. Vice Mayor Stephens expressed concerns regarding the effect of the development on community traffic. In response to a question from Councilwoman Julien, Mr. Gassant indicated the planned townhomes will consist of three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, ranging from 1,800 to 1,900 square feet. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 7 of 8 October 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meetings Minutes In response to a question from Councilwoman Wilson, Mr. Gassant confirmed that the current owner of the towers indicated communication services will not be affected due to the consolidation of the towers. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Ordinance on First 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 Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 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 City Attorney Dickens spoke on the history of addressing road infrastructure issues in the Leslie Estates community and commended Councilwoman Wilson for her efforts in assisting a portion of Leslie Estates to resolve these issues. 15.1. CITY MANAGER REPORT: RUDG-THE COMMONS, LLC 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: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 8 of 8 October 8, 2025 Regular City Council Meetings Minutes Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2