Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.25.2026 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes February 25, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Feb 25 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 – February 11, 2026 A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, 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 of the agenda: ADD-ON ITEM #1 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING RUDG-THE COMMONS RETAIL, LLC, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO RUDG-THE COMMONS, LLC, TO ASSIGN ALL OF ITS RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS WITH RESPECT THAT CERTAIN AMENDED RESTATEMENT AND AMENDMENT OF NON-RESTRICTED MORTGAGE AND COVENANT AND THAT CERTAIN AMENDED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A” AND “B” TO BUNCHE PARK YOUTH SPORTS, INC; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR STEPHENS) Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 2 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Councilman Leon requested that the special presentations be reordered so that Councilwoman Julien's student presentation (6.2) would go first, followed by his presentation (6.1), then Councilwoman Julien's second presentation (6.3). A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the agenda as amended passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH ART CONTEST BY COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN Councilwoman Julien presented the Black History Month Art Contest, celebrating the 100th year of Black History Month. She announced three winners whose artwork would be featured at the city's Love of Urban Design event later in the year. She continued to present the following winners:  Olivia Adderly - Miami Norland Senior High School  Anthony Galinda - Miami Carol City Senior High School  Nehemiah Arnold - Excelsior Prep 6.2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY COUNCILMAN REGGIE LEON Councilman Leon was joined by the Mayor and City Council in presenting a commendation to School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon III, recognizing his contributions to education in Miami Gardens and District 1. The accommodation highlighted Dr. Gallon's efforts in improving student performance, teacher compensation, and securing over $200 million for capital improvements within District 1. Principals from Miami Gardens schools were present for the recognition. Dr. Gallon thanked the city council for their partnership and highlighted the transformation of District 1 schools from having the highest number of F-rated schools in 2016 to currently having 100% of schools rated A, B, or C, with 75% rated A or B. He acknowledged each council member's individual contributions to the community's education. 6.3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF BLACK EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE BY COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN The Mayor and City Council joined Councilwoman Julien in recognizing Tamika Moses, current president of the Miami Association of Realtors Commercial Board, who grew up in Miami Gardens, for her commitment to serving the community. Williams thanked the council and shared her full-circle moment of being recognized in the community where she grew up. She emphasized her Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 3 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting company's commitment to promoting democracy in housing and to supporting Black and Brown real estate professionals. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sardebra Wright, 20062 NW 36th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, shared her complaint about repeated denials in the minor rehabilitation weatherization program despite providing extensive documentation and meeting with staff who approved her documents. Vice Mayor Stephens requested that staff provide him with a follow-up report on the concerns raised by Ms. Wright, as his office has heard similar concerns. Gale Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, thanked city departments for their responsiveness and requested reinstatement of the Citizens Academy program. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, shared a philosophical reflection on character and integrity, emphasizing that actions define character. Francis Ragoo, 889 Wn 219th Street, #102, Miami Gardens, FL, representing the Miami Gardens Neighborhood Watch Inc., discussed their five-year tree- planting initiative and assistance for elderly seniors. He requested funding to help seniors aged 80-98 with home improvements, noting that it's more cost- effective to help them retain their properties than to relocate. Martha and Mary Harrell, 2940 NW 213th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, from Big Ideas, presented their 12-year service record helping over 1,700 students in districts 1, 2, and 3. As their funding cycle ends, they sought community support to align their literacy and STEM programs with Miami Gardens' evolving needs. 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 ARTICLE II -CITY COUNCIL, SECTION 2-60 “PUBLIC PARTICIPATION” 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. City Attorney Sonja Dickens presented the ordinance with no changes from the first reading. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 4 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Gale Cunningham, 1901 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, asked for clarification on which dictionaries would be used for word definitions and for transparency on the rules for both residents and council members. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, challenged council members to bring forth amendments addressing equal civility for both council members and residents. There being no further public comments, Mayor Harris closed the floor. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading. Councilwoman Powell requested case law citations for reference, which City Attorney Dickens agreed to provide. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading was 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 10. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 11. CONSENT AGENDA: 11.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THAT CERTAIN GRANT AWARD FROM THE SLOANE STEPHENS FOUNDATION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($187,000); PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 5 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the City Council. 12. RESOLUTION(S) 12.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING RUDG-THE COMMONS RETAIL, LLC, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO RUDG-THE COMMONS, LLC, TO ASSIGN ALL OF ITS RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS WITH RESPECT THAT CERTAIN AMENDED RESTATEMENT AND AMENDMENT OF NON-RESTRICTED MORTGAGE AND COVENANT AND THAT CERTAIN AMENDED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, AS AMENDED, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A” AND “B” TO BUNCHE PARK YOUTH SPORTS, INC; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Vice Mayor Stephens provided an overview of the item and explained that this resolution would allow the current property owners, who have been in default since 2015, to transfer their rights and obligations to a local nonprofit organization to develop a hotel on the site. He noted that if the land is not developed, the city retains the right to retrieve it. Councilwoman Powell questioned the process of selecting this organization without opening the opportunity to other nonprofits. She asked about the $420,000 owed to the city and the organization's timeline and plans. City Attorney Dickens clarified that the new owners would assume all rights and obligations under the mortgage and development agreement, and that the city would maintain its rights on the property. Vice Mayor Stephens indicated the selection was his recommendation based on the organization's community work with youth and parks. Councilwoman Wilson supported giving new life to the corridor development but emphasized the need for strict timelines and deliverables to avoid another eight-year delay. A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 6 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Absent Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 6 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Vice Mayor Stephens Yes Councilwoman Baskin Yes Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes 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, AMENDING CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE IV ENTITLED “ART IN PUBLIC PLACES” OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS 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. City Attorney Dickens noted the proposed Ordinance is not a "Quasi- Judicial Zoning Hearing" item. A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, 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 13.1.2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE REZONING OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTHWEST OF 4200 NW 167TH STREET IN MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED HERETO, FROM SINGLE FAMILY ("R-1") TO HEAVY INDUSTRIAL Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 7 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting ("I-2"); PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Bataille polled the Mayor and Council regarding the Jennings disclosure. All members confirmed that they had not engaged in any ex parte communications concerning the item and that their decision would be based solely on the evidence presented before them. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. Isaac Mickins, 16300 NW 44th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, opposed the rezoning, citing concerns about truck traffic on his street, property values, and inconsistency with the city's enforcement of commercial vehicle restrictions on residents. There being no further comments, Mayor Harris closed the floor. Mayor Harris relinquished the gavel to Vice Mayor Stephens. Mayor Harris left the meeting at 6:39 PM. Director White presented the El Dorado Furniture rezoning request for 4.21 acres southwest of 4200 NW 167th Street. The request seeks to rezone vacant land from R-1 to I-2 for warehouse expansion to support the existing El Dorado furniture store operations. A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading. Answering a question posed by Councilman Leon, Director White confirmed that traffic would use existing access points on 42nd Avenue and enhance traffic flow within the property, not 44th Court, where residents live. Councilwoman Wilson raised extensive concerns about traffic congestion, road width limitations, lighting issues, and safety hazards from combining large trucks with regular traffic, especially given the presence of school buses and university traffic in the area. She requested traffic flow analysis and lighting improvements, suggesting time restrictions for deliveries similar to Costco's practices. Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 8 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Answering a question posed by Vice Mayor Stephens, City Manager Benson confirmed there are no planned infrastructure improvements in the area. Mr. Manager added that the concerns raised by Councilwoman Wilson can be addressed during the site plan review with the developer. Councilwoman Powell questioned whether comprehensive traffic flow and road safety have been taken into consideration, emphasizing the need for a thorough inspection of how the current road infrastructure would handle increased industrial activity. She also queried City Attorney Dickens about legal responsibilities relating to zoning and land use, seeking clarification on the conditions or precedents that could inform the council's decision on projects like these. City Attorney Dickens clarified that the rezoning aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan (future land use plan) and that specifics on zoning requirements and regulations would be addressed post- approval. Councilwoman Julien pointed out discrepancies between city records and county data regarding the land's usage designation, seeking confirmation that due diligence had been undertaken to validate the property’s zoning status. Director White confirmed due diligence and indicated the county data is incorrect per the City's zoning map and historical documentation. Answering a question posed by Councilman Leon, Manager Benson confirmed the concerns raised by the City Council will be addressed during site plan review, which takes place after the second reading of the Ordinance. Councilwoman Wilson indicated she would like to be updated on this development and how the issues she is raising will be addressed. Director White confirmed that comprehensive traffic studies and site plan reviews would address all concerns before development proceeds, with the developer responsible for any required improvements. Bill Pfeffer, representing the applicant from Bowman Consulting, explained that the project aims to optimize internal circulation for deliveries and modernize warehouse operations without increasing truck volume. He committed to addressing buffering, lighting, and traffic concerns through the site plan process, including landscape berms, screening walls, and working with traffic engineers. Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 9 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting There being no further discussion, Vice Mayor Stephens called the question. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading passed and carried by a 6 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Absent Vice Mayor Stephens Yes Councilwoman Baskin Yes Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 13.2 ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 14. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Infill Housing Program Ribbon Cutting Councilwoman Julien reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Youth Music Festival Councilwoman Julien acknowledged the passing of two community members: Chef Danny and Brother Greg. Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Meet Me Monday  Leslie Estates #4 HOA Meeting concerning street repairs  Voices of Freedom Talent Auditions  Juneteenth Celebration  Arsht on the Road Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Bessie Stringfield Motorcycle Remembrance Day Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Page 10 of 10 February 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting  Talk with the Doc  Boxing in the Gardens  Women's Health Discussion  Health Tip: Eat like you love your heart Vice Mayor Stephens commended city staff for their dedication and weekend work supporting numerous community events. He highlighted the city's clean audit report from the state's oversight office with no findings. Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Miami Gardens Dream Scholarship  Fitness Challenge  Community Night of Jazz Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Broadway in the Gardens 15. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK City Manager congratulated City Clerk Bataille on his Master Municipal Clerk designation. He announced that City Attorney Dickens and Deputy City Manager Clay would participate in a property tax panel discussion on March 18th. City Attorney Dickens congratulated City Clerk Bataille on his achievement. City Clerk Bataille thanked the council, charter officers, department heads, and staff for their support in achieving the Master Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. He acknowledged his team's contributions and expressed gratitude to residents whose 2003 vote to incorporate Miami Gardens made his career possible. 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without objection at 7:48 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Exhibit A Page 1 of 2 WRITTEN COMMUNICATION February 25, 2026 City Council Meeting Hello, I am a nearby resident and I strongly oppose the request to rezone the vacant parcel near 4200 NW 167th Street from residential to heavy industrial. Allowing heavy industrial use next to homes will negatively impact our neighborhood through increased truck traffic, noise, pollution, and safety concerns, and may lower property values and quality of life for families in the area. Please include my objection in the official record for the February 25 zoning hearing. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best, Kwan Chang kwanechang@gmail.com Dear Council Members, I am writing to share my concerns and recommendations regarding the proposed structure of the Art in Public Places Advisory Board. I strongly believe that this board should be made up of seven individuals who have experience and expertise in art, architecture, design, historic preservation, or related fields. These are specialized areas, and the decisions made through this program have a lasting impact on how our city looks, feels, and represents itself to the public. At this time, I do not feel it is appropriate for the City Manager, along with a designated representative, to have primary control over the selection and direction of public art. While I respect the role of administration, public art deserves independent, professional, and community informed oversight. It should not rest in the hands of one office. Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997 Exhibit A Page 2 of 2 An advisory board made up of qualified individuals would bring transparency, balance, and credibility to the process. It would also ensure that our public spaces reflect thoughtful planning, cultural awareness, and artistic excellence. As this item is scheduled for discussion at tonight’s council meeting, I wanted to share my perspective in advance and ask that you consider this recommendation seriously. Our city deserves a public art program that is guided by knowledge, experience, and community input. Thank you for your time and for your continued service to Miami Gardens. Respectfully, Christine Malcolm ashaxavi1@gmail.com Docusign Envelope ID: 966196D2-2804-499D-8050-82C7C12D4997