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Home My WebLink About01.14.2026 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes January 14, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Jan 14 2026, 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 – December 10, 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 add-on item was added to Section 12. Resolutions: ADD-ON ITEM #1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS' COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT FOR THE SPONSORSHIP OF FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS FOR THE DIASPORA ARTS COALITION'S ANNUAL 2025 KWANZAA CELEBRATION EVENT HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2025, FROM 6PM TO 9:30PM AT THE BETTY T. FERGUSON RECREATIONAL COMPLEX, AUDITORIUM, NUN PRO TUNC. PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR HARRIS) Councilwoman Linda Julien requested that item 11.1 be tabled to a later date. Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 2 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Councilwoman Powell requested that item 6.1 be rescheduled to an April meeting. Councilwoman Wilson requested that item 11.2 be pulled from the consent agenda. A motion made by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the agenda as amended approved by a unanimous voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE LATE RICHARD BECKFORD. This presentation was rescheduled to April 2026. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Dr. Cheryl Waterman, 20340 Northwest 29th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, expressed concerns about traffic speeds on 29th Court, where she had experienced an accident exiting her driveway. She requested that stop signs be installed to reduce speeding in the area and asked whether this was under Miami Gardens' jurisdiction or Miami-Dade County. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, thanked various city departments for their services, including the Police Department for enforcing park closures on New Year's Day, the Code Enforcement Department for towing unauthorized vehicles, and Public Works for maintaining cleanliness along NW 32nd Avenue. She also requested that discussions from agenda items held by staff for City Council meeting agenda items be on the record in public meetings rather than workshop. Christine Malcolm, 18910 Northwest 31st Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, expressed concern about the demolition of the Enrico farmhouse, which was 100 years old. She noted the city had filed paperwork to designate it as historic 13 years ago, but then allowed it to be demolished. Regarding agenda item 11.2, she supported the arts in public places grant program but suggested it should be guided by an independent committee. She opposed agenda item 8.1, arguing against naming streets after living people because a person's legacy can only be clear after time has passed. Margaret Kendrick, 2724 NW 199th Lane, Miami Gardens, FL, thanked Council Members who attended her association meeting regarding fence upgrades and beautification along 27th Avenue by the stadium and maintenance by the city. She also requested assistance with an ordinance to prohibit clotheslines behind houses, citing Florida state law HB 1203 and property value concerns. Ebony Johnson, 19715 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, shared that the Resource Room was celebrating 25 years of service in Miami Gardens. She Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 3 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes announced upcoming events, including youth participation in the Day of Service in Tallahassee and a Crown and Legacy Gala on May 2nd that would honor youth and provide scholarships. Philip Seidenberg, 7283 NW 116th Way, Parkland, FL, spoke against the "clean zone" ban on bike taxis and other micro-transit options around the stadium. He noted that his bike taxi company operates legally with proper insurance and permits, and argued the city was out of step with other NFL stadium markets that have standards for such transportation rather than outright bans. Petr Placek, 901 S Park Road, #107, Hollywood, FL, addressed the city's food truck ban, stating it violated Florida Statute 509.102. He shared that his family business, Birdwich, operated successfully for 12 days before being shut down and requested the city withdraw the violation notice sent to his landlord. 8. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 8.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 34-233 (“ALTERNATIVES TO RENAMING STREETS”) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Leon explained that this item aimed to recognize Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for her 30 years of service by naming a street in front of her elementary school from 45th Avenue to 47th Avenue in recognition of her work with programs like 5000 Role Models. He continued to provide an updated amendment to the current Ordinance before the City Council. City Attorney Sonja Dickens explained the amendment to the proposed Ordinance that is now being brought forward by Councilman Leon would leave in the requirement that a person must be deceased at the time of consideration, but would add a specific provision to name Northwest 206th Street from 45th Avenue to 47th Avenue as "Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson Boulevard" as an exception. A motion made by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, to amend the Ordinance as read by the City Attorney passed and carried by unanimous voice vote. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading as amended, passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 4 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 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 9. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 10. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 11. CONSENT AGENDA: 11.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE USE OF THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON JANUARY 30, 2026, FOR THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS (NAREB) NEW PRESIDENT INSTALLATION; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. This item was withdrawn. 11.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CREATE AN ARTS IN PUBLIC PLACES GRANT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda. 11.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING INVITATION TO BID (ITB) NO. 25- 26-021, 27th AVE WALL REPAIR PROJECT, TO GARP CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC.; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDER(S) AS NEEDED, NOT TO EXCEED THE BUDGETED AMOUNT OF FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY- EIGHT THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY- FOUR DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-FOUR CENTS ($478,524.74) FOR FENCE DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NO. 22-23-007, CITYWIDE TOWING AND STORAGE SERVICES TO MAGIC TOWING AND RECOVERY. INC.; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 5 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Consent Agenda 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 12. RESOLUTION(S) 12.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CREATE AN ARTS IN PUBLIC PLACES GRANT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilwoman Wilson questioned the program's funding source, asking whether it would come solely from the City or include outside agencies. Councilwoman Julien explained that the item would create a process allowing the City Manager to seek grants and funding opportunities for arts in public places, rather than allocating specific funds at this time. Councilwoman Powell asked what was currently in place to secure funding for public art. City Manager Clay responded that there are various grant programs from organizations like the Knight Foundation and the State that the City could apply for. He clarified that the city currently has an Ordinance similar to the County for art in public places related to new development and renovations, and this program would add to that. Councilwoman Wilson expressed concern about the implementation, asking if establishing an arts commission might be more effective than just creating a process with no guaranteed funding. Vice Mayor Stephens added, for clarity, that the item was simply creating a process, not directing funds from any specific pool. Councilwoman Julien emphasized that while the city would look for grants first, she didn't see a problem with using city resources for public art, as Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 6 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes it has proven to be an economic driver that raises property values and beautifies communities. Councilwoman Wilson shared concerns about creating programs and processes that the City is not intending to initially fund for their success. Answering a question posed by Councilwoman Baskin, Councilwoman Julien provided the intent of the future process. A motion was made by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Resolution. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 1 voice vote of the City Council. Councilwoman Wilson cast the dissenting vote. 12.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN DOLLARS AND SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS' COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT FOR THE SPONSORSHIP OF FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS FOR THE DIASPORA ARTS COALITION'S ANNUAL 2025 KWANZAA CELEBRATION EVENT HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2025, FROM 6:00 PM TO 9:30 PM AT THE BETTY T. FERGUSON RECREATIONAL COMPLEX, AUDITORIUM, NUN PRO TUNC. PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Harris explained that this resolution would cover the cost of refreshments for a Kwanzaa celebration that took place on December 26th at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex Auditorium. He noted it was a well-attended community event. A motion offered by Mayor Harris, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Resolution 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 7 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 13. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS DISCLOSURE: Planning and Zoning Director Reggie White presented the Rules of Procedure for Quasi-Judicial Zoning Hearings. City Clerk Bataille administered the Oath of Truthfulness to all interested parties. 13.1 ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S): 13.1.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE OPERATION OF CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES; ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES; PROVIDING A PROCESS FOR CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES TO OBTAIN REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FROM LAND USE REGULATIONS; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 34-287 – “USE REGULATIONS, GENERALLY” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 34-288 - “USES PERMITTED WITH EXTRA REQUIREMENTS” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE XIX, SECTION 34-733 – “MASTER USE LIST AND USE DEFINITIONS” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. There being no public comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor. Director White explained that Senate Bill 954 requires local municipalities to develop an application process for recovery homes. He noted that not all recovery homes would be permitted; they must be certified by a state agency and comply with a 1,000-foot distance separation requirement between certified residences. Any certified residence with more than 6 residents would require a special exception review by the City Council. Councilwoman Wilson asked if there had been a survey of existing recovery homes in Miami Gardens. Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 8 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Director White explained that there was no registry since recovery homes were not previously allowed in the City. He clarified that the state now requires municipalities to accept certified recovery residences, but the City can regulate them through distance requirements and special exceptions for larger facilities. A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Councilman Leon, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading passed and carried by a 6 to 1 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 No Councilwoman Julien Yes 13.2 ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 13.2.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AS OUTLINED IN EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED HERETO; AMENDING THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS; ARTICLE IX - GENERALIZED SCHEDULE OF PERMITTED USES, USES PERMITTED WITH EXTRA REQUIREMENTS, SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES AND PROHIBITED USES; ARTICLE X - ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES; ARTICLE XI - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS GENERALIZED TABLE OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; ARTICLE XIII - DESIGN STANDARDS; ARTICLE XIV- MINIMUM LANDSCAPE AND BUFFERING REQUIREMENTS; FENCES; WALLS; HEDGES, TREE PROTECTION; ARTICLE XIX- DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION; AMENDING THE CITY ZONING MAP TO CREATE A LOCATION FOR THE GATEWAY OVERLAY (GWO) ZONING DISTRICT AS ATTACHED IN EXHIBIT B; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Leon stated that this Item amends the city's land development regulations to create a location for the Gateway Overlay (GWO) zoning district. Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 9 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. There being no further comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, 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 Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 14. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilwoman Julien welcomed everyone back for 2026, wishing them a prosperous, peaceful, and balanced year. Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Human Trafficking Awareness Event • Wall Repair on NW 27th Avenue Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Meet Me Monday • Leslie Estates Infrastructure Improvement Project • Prosperity Baskets Initiative • Women's Exposition Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Talk with the Doc • Motorbike Ride Honoring Bessie Stringfield • Boxing in the Gardens • Health Tip: Don't talk about good health. Let's be about making our health good. Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiatives: Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A Page 10 of 10 January 14, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes • Gateway Overlay District Ordinance • Day of Services • Taste of the Culture Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Miami Gardens Fitness Challenge • Impact Tour • Phlebotomy Technician Program - City University Partnership Program Mayor Harris kept his remarks brief, noting that 2026 would be a year of change. He emphasized the importance of staying aware of legislation in Tallahassee and Washington that could affect the city. He noted that, as an election year, this would be the first time he would lose two council members, reiterating the theme of change and the need to stay vigilant. 15. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK City Attorney Sonja Dickens informed the council that North Miami Beach had sued Miami-Dade County regarding the 25% surcharge requirement for city agreements. She indicated she planned to get involved on behalf of Miami Gardens as the city would be directly impacted, and the council gave their permission for her to proceed. 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 6:45 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 76BED7CD-4160-45FE-B611-5A6D999A584A