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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.24.2025 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes September 24, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Sep 24 2025, beginning at 5:35 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 – September 9, 2025 A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the minutes passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS The following items were added to the Agenda: ADD-ON ITEM #1 – SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN ADD-ON ITEM #2 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM VICE MAYOR STEPHENS’ SPECIAL EVENTS ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THIRTEEN THOUSAND TWELVE DOLLARS AND EIGHT CENTS ($13,012.08), NUNC PRO TUNC, IN SUPPORT OF ONGOING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPOSNSORED BY VICE MAYOR ROBERT STEPHENS) Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 2 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes ADD-ON ITEM #3 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000) FROM COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA WILSON’S COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT TO SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL SEAT 4 COMMUNITY, PROSPERITY BASKETS, SCHOOL HOLIDAY TOY GIVEAWAY, LOCAL NONPROFITS, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA WILSON) ADD-ON ITEM #4 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY DOLLARS ($3,540) FROM COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA WILSON’S PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL EVENT ACCOUNT TO SUPPORT ANNUAL COMMUNITY, LOCAL NONPROFITS, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA WILSON) ADD-ON ITEM #4 - SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER TAMARA WADLEY PACKER A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the Agenda as amended passed and carried by unanimous voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE CITY MANAGER. Yvena Muselaire, Strategic Communications & Training Specialist, announced Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Jackie Shakespeare as employee of the quarter. 6.2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN Councilwoman Julien was joined by the Mayor and City Council in presenting a Proclamation recognizing Alzheimer Awareness Month. 6.3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER TAMARA WADLEY PACKER Assistant City Manager Tamara Wadley Packer appeared before the City Council to provide an update on the City’s efforts to enhance responsiveness to residents. She announced the Resident Assistance Service Table located outside the Chambers. In addition, she highlighted an initiative developed in collaboration with Councilwoman Baskin titled Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 3 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes “City Cares.” City Cares is an online and mobile application that allows residents to report non-emergency issues, which can be tracked for resolution. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Harris recognized City of North Miami Mayor Michael Joseph. Mayor Joseph appeared before the City Council and shared that the City of North Miami Beach recently adopted the NMB Water Relief Act. This act provides qualifying water utility customers with a 10% discount on water bills, up to $100 annually. In addition, it offers a prorated discount of up to $50 annually to those enrolled in automatic bill payment services. He concluded by expressing his interest in future partnerships with the City. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert expressed appreciation to Mayor Joseph for sharing information about the City of North Miami Beach program and encouraged everyone to take advantage of it. He recalled that the City of Miami Gardens’ legislative body has been advocating for two decades for water fairness for its residents in relation to the City of North Miami Beach. He further noted that before the County Commission on October 9, 2025, he has sponsored an Ordinance that will require the City of North Miami Beach to comply with state law, which mandates that if a municipality provides water outside its jurisdiction, it must enter into an interlocal agreement with the affected jurisdiction. He encouraged the community to come to said meeting in support of the Ordinance. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council referencing Item 12.6 and indicated that residents in the area are requesting that Myrtle Grove Park improvements include an outdoor walking trail, outdoor fitness stations, sitting areas, and a multipurpose facility. In addition, she noted that the community is awaiting the groundbreaking of this project. She continued with comments regarding a previous Council meeting. Missy Ross, 1950 NW 193rd Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and proposed that the City establish a Golf Cart Program to complement the City’s current transit program. She shared highlights of the program and its potential benefits to the City. Mamon Tisdol, 1703 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and expressed concerns regarding traffic safety in his community. He also shared concerns about the Juneteenth Celebration being held in the City of Hallandale Beach. Christine Malcolm, 18910 NW 31st Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and shared concerns regarding the former Uber pick-up and drop-off zone at Snake Creek Canal, while speaking positively about its Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 4 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes relocation to the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. She also expressed concerns about the demolition of the historic farmhouse located near the Senior Center. Bridget McKinney, 13001 NW Miami Gardens Drive, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and thanked the Mayor and City Council for recognizing Miami Carol City High School at the Orange Blossom Classic and for their continued support. Marina Braynon, Miami, FL, appeared before the City Council representing the SAVE Foundation and encouraged the City of Miami Gardens to participate in the Municipal Equality Index (MEI). She explained that the MEI is the standard nonpartisan measure of how well cities protect and support LGBTQ+ residents through local laws, policies, and services. Cheryl Waterman, 20340 NW 29th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and noted the improvements she has observed throughout the community. Additionally, she requested that the City consider issuing parking permits to address illegal parking within the community during large-scale events. Gale Cunningham, 19801 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and provided comments concerning decorum at a previous Council meeting. Hurmie Wallace, 2430 NW 185th Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and requested an update to the Trolley Route to minimize the walking distance for elderly passengers traveling to Walmart. 8. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilwoman Julien encouraged residents and the City Council to participate in and support the County Ordinance addressing the water surcharge with the City of North Miami Beach. She indicated that her office will be chartering residents interested in supporting the Ordinance at the October 9, 2025, County Commission meeting. Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Basic Emergency Training Program • Man Up Monday • She Powers Monday • Community Collaboration Meetings • Parading for Pink and Purple Councilwoman Wilson spoke regarding the ongoing comments made about her, as well as the bullying tactics she has been subjected to during public meetings. She indicated that there needs to be a mechanism in place to address such instances. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 5 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Meet Me Monday • 2nd Annual Colors of Cancer Basketball Tournament Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Healthy U Podcast • Prostate Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Walk • 2nd Annual Laugh It Off • Thriving with Diabetes – Medicine, Lifestyle, and Nature Initiative • Health Tip: “All the great information you get, use it before you share it.” Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiative: • Breast Cancer Awareness Mammogram Initiative Councilman Leon commended the Administration for establishing the Resident Services Table to assist residents prior to Council meetings. Mayor Harris announced the Mayor’s Golf Tournament, noting that proceeds from the tournament will assist residents in receiving mammograms. In response to a question posed by Vice Mayor Stephens, Deputy City Manager Clay indicated that a Sunshine Meeting of the City Council to discuss the Florida Power & Light matter will be scheduled sometime in October. Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Quarterly Walk – Prostate Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness • Open Office Hours • Table Talk Tuesday • Financial Aid and Scholarship Literacy Workshop • Vice Mayor’s Impact Tour Councilwoman Baskin left the meeting at 7:00 PM. 9. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 9.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE II - CITY COUNCIL, SECTION 2-56 "ORDER OF BUSINESS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR A BUSINESS FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Leon provided an overview and explanation of the intent of the item as it relates to meeting efficiency. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 6 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading. Councilwoman Wilson recalled that the Mayor and Council Reports were previously moved to an earlier part of the meeting to prevent guests of the Council from having to wait until the end of the meeting for special presentations, and to ensure all members are present during reports. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading passed and carried by a 4 to 2 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Vice Mayor Stephens No Councilwoman Baskin Absent Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson No 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 AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($1,500.00) FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS' COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT IN SUPPORT OF THE COST FOR LUNCH FOR THE "BLACK MEN WIN TOGETHER" SYMPOSIUM HELD ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2025, FROM 10AM TO 2PM, AT THE BETTY T. FERGUSON COMPLEX AUDITORIUM, NUN PRO TUNC. 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 DONATION OF THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000.00) FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS' COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT TO SUPPORT CAROL CITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL'S ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT. PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 7 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 12.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR A YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGMENT SESSION WITH DIAMOND MINDS TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 1, 2025; 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, AWARDING INVITATION TO BID (ITB) NO. 24- 25-026 PURCHASE AND DELIVERY STANDARD ISSUED WEAPONS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT, TO LAWMEN'S AND SHOOTERS' SUPPLY INC AND DANA SAFETY SUPPLY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDER(S), AS NEEDED, NOT TO EXCEED THE BUDGETED AMOUNT; 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, AWARDING REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 24-25- 028, A J KING PARK RENOVATIONS PROJECT TO BEJAR CONSTRUCTION, INC.; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH BEJAR CONSTRUCTION, INC. AND SHOULD NEGOTIATIONS FAIL, NEGOTIATE AND CONTRACT WITH THE SECOND RANKED FIRM, HG CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT & INVESTMENT INC.; 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, AWARDING REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NO. 24-25-025 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS MYRTLE GROVE PARK ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, ESTABLISHING AN AGREEMENT FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SEVICES FOR MYRTLE GROVE PARK TO WALTERS ZACKRIA ASSOCIATES, PLLC ; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH WALTERS ZACKRIA ASSOCIATES, PLLC, AND, SHOULD NEGOTIATIONS FAIL, NEGOTIATE AND CONTRACT WITH THE SECOND RANKED FIRM, R.E CHISHOLM ARCHITECTS, INC; 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, AWARDING INVITATION TO BID (ITB) NO. 24- 25-029 BUS SHELTER INSTALLATION TO ARANGO BILLBOARD & CONSTRUCTION CO., LLC (PRIMARY) AND SET UP PROJECT MANAGEMENT, LLC (SECONDARY), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS AS NEEDED FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 8 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 12.8. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE SECOND RENEWAL OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) NUMBER 21-22-002, ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES CITYWIDE TO SFM SERVICES, INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 6 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, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 MIAMI GARDENS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BUDGET, AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Deputy City Manager Craig Clay provided an overview of the Item. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 13.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM VICE MAYOR STEPHENS’ SPECIAL EVENTS ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THIRTEEN THOUSAND TWELVE DOLLARS AND EIGHT CENTS ($13,012.08), NUNC PRO TUNC, IN SUPPORT OF ONGOING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Vice Mayor Stephens provided the intent of the Item. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 13.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000) FROM COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA WILSON’S COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT TO SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL SEAT 4 COMMUNITY, PROSPERITY BASKETS, SCHOOL HOLIDAY TOY GIVEAWAY, LOCAL NONPROFITS, AND EDUCATIONAL Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 9 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes PROGRAMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilwoman Wilson provided the intent of the Item. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 13.4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY DOLLARS ($3,540) FROM COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA WILSON’S PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIAL EVENT ACCOUNT TO SUPPORT ANNUAL COMMUNITY, LOCAL NONPROFITS, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE Councilwoman Wilson provided the intent of the Item. A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 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 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 7:06 p.m. Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2 Page 10 of 10 September 24, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: A30177DE-B742-436E-984E-A64D165693E2