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Home My WebLink About01.28.2026 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes January 28, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Jan 28 2026, beginning at 05:30 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 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. A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to excuse the absence of Councilwoman Baskin passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote. 2. INVOCATION Vice Mayor Stephens delivered the Invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – January 14, 2026 A motion offered by Councilwoman Wilson, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the minutes passed and carried by a 6 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the agenda passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, expressed condolences for a young man shot and killed during a mental health crisis in the Myrtle Grove community on January 24, 2026. She raised concerns about the Juneteenth event budget and Myrtle Grove Park renovation project costs. She Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7 Page 2 of 8 January 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes continued to request more informative updates at the next Bond Oversight Committee meeting. Mamon Tisdol, 17031 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, raised concerns about speeding on the road between 170 Terrace and 170 Terrace in 8th Row, particularly during peak hours on weekdays. He also expressed frustration about the lack of progress on improvements to Myrtle Grove Park over the past four years while other parks have received attention. 8. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 9. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 9.1. 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. Mayor opened the floor for public comment. Christine Malcolm, 18910 NW 31st Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, spoke against the ordinance, arguing that street names should be permanent historical markers reflecting completed legacies rather than recognizing sitting officials regardless of their length of service. She stated that naming streets after current officials creates the appearance of political favoritism and damages public trust. There being no further comments, 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 6 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Vice Mayor Stephens Yes Councilwoman Baskin Absent Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 10. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7 Page 3 of 8 January 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 10.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING ANNUAL TRAFFIC INFRACTION DETECTOR REPORT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Manager Benson introduced Deputy Chief Joseph Nargiso who presented the Annual Traffic Infraction Detector Report. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. There being no public comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor. Councilwoman Wilson thanked the City Manager for improving uniformity in signage, timing, and community communication regarding the traffic cameras. City Manager Benson noted they have been working closely with the school board and county to address signage issues. In addition, he stated the program is doing well overall and will run more smoothly in the coming year. A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Councilman Leon, 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 Absent Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 11. CONSENT AGENDA: 11.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF WALT FRAZIER PARK AND A WAIVE OF ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR THE TRAYVON MARTIN FOUNDATION 13TH ANNUAL "PEACE WALK AND PEACE TALK" EVENT TO BE HELD SATURDAY, JANUARY, 31, 2026; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5000.00) FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS' COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT FOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7 Page 4 of 8 January 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes TRAYVON MARTIN FOUNDATION'S REMEMBRANCE GALA THAT WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026, AT THE DOUBLE TREE HOTEL MIAMI AIRPORT AND CONVENTION CENTER LOCATED (711 NW 72ND AVENUE, MIAMI, FL) AT 6:00 PM. PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.3. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL CONTRACTS AS NECESSARY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE 6TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH PARK-IN & PARTY CELEBRATION TO BE HELD IN JUNE 2026; WAIVING BIDDING PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASES MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CELEBRATION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXCEED HIS PURCHASING AUTHORITY AS NECESSARY FOR THIS EVENT; 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, ALLOCATING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000) FROM COUNCILMAN REGGIE LEON’S COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT IN SUPPORT OF ONGOING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.5. 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, MARCH 25, 2026 REGARDING THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.6. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS ($800) FOR THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS EVENT FROM RESIDENTIAL SEAT 1 PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACCOUNT, NUNC PRO TUNC; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.7. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) FROM THE SEAT 5 PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACCOUNT, TO BE USED FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT ITEMS AND RESOURCES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.8. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM COUNCILWOMAN MICHELLE C. POWELL COMMUNITY BENEFIT Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7 Page 5 of 8 January 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000) IN SUPPORT OF ONGOING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF RESPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.9. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 24-25- 031 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR CITY HALL, POLICE AND PUBLIC WORKS TO MARSDEN SERVICES MARSDEN SOUTH, LLC (PRIMARY), SOUTHERN CLEANING SERVICE, INC.(SECONDARY) AND CLEAN SPACE LLC (TERTIARY); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AGREEMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 6 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 12. RESOLUTION(S) 13. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS DISCLOSURE: Councilwoman Julien left the meeting at 5:49 PM. 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, AMENDING ARTICLE XII. – OFF-STREET PARKING, LOADING AND VEHICULAR CIRCULATION REQUIREMENTS, SECTION 34-381—TABLE 1; ARTICLE II. – ADMINISTRATION, SECTION 34-50; ARTICLE IX, SECTION 34- 287—USE REGULATIONS, GENERAL; ARTICLE IX, SECTION 34- 288—USE PERMITTED WITH EXTRA REQUIREMENTS AS OUTLINED ON EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED HERETO; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7 Page 6 of 8 January 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Planning and Zoning Director Reggie White explained that the purpose of the text amendment was to reduce the required parking count for one-bedroom units from two spaces to one and a half spaces. He noted this change would streamline the development review process, as the city has received numerous variance requests related to parking. The director explained that two parking spaces for one-bedroom units (including studios) is excessive compared to neighboring cities like North Miami, North Miami Beach, and Miami- Dade County, which require 1.5 spaces per unit. The amendment would also increase administrative variance authority from 10 percent to 25 percent. 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 Ordinance on First Reading passed and carried by a 5 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Vice Mayor Stephens Yes Councilwoman Baskin Absent Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Absent 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, 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 Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7 Page 7 of 8 January 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Manager Benson provided a brief overview of the Item and recommended approval on Second Reading. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. There being no comments, Mayor Harris closed the floor. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilman Leon, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading passed and carried by a 5 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Vice Mayor Stephens Yes Councilwoman Baskin Absent Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Absent 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 14. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Meet Me Monday Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Bessie Springfield Commemorative Bike Ride • Proclamation for Universal Truth Center's Pastor Charles Taylor 10th Anniversary • Recognition of community member Althea Tate's 75th Birthday • Talk with the Doc • Self-Defense and Boxing Calls at Bunch Park • First Annual Boxing Tournament • Healthy You Podcast • Health Tip: All of you all who have fallen off the wagon for your New Year's resolution, it's okay. Climb right back and start again. Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7 Page 8 of 8 January 28, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Visit to Tallahassee Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Miami Gardens Dream Scholarship Program • Open Office Hours • Table Talk Tuesdays 15. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK 15.1. Q1 Quarterly Report October 2025 - December 2025 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without objection at 6:01 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: DC038379-C462-4D59-BF56-88B96E5F56A7