The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About02.11.2026 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes February 11, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Feb 11 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: 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. A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by, Councilwoman Wilson, to excuse the absence of Mayor Harris passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote. 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 – January 28, 2026 A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, 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 Councilwoman Baskin, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson, to approve the Agenda passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE CITY MANAGER. Deputy City Manager Craig Clay introduced Strategic Communications & Training Specialist Yvena Muselaire who presented the Employee of the Quarter award to Sergeant Natasha George of the City of Miami Gardens Police Department. Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA Page 2 of 8 February 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Lailah Robinson, 18611 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL, shared updates on her nonprofit "Seriously Good," which combats food insecurity. She reported donating over 1,000 pounds of cereal and breakfast items, feeding over 1,000 people, and announced her upcoming children's book "Ralphie's Seriously Good Adventure." She thanked City Manager Cameron Benson and Councilwoman Katrina Baskin for their support. Karen Hunter-Jackson 1420 NW 199th St, Miami Gardens, FL, spoke regarding agenda item 8.1 on decorum, referencing her lawsuit following the March 26, 2025 council meeting and expressing concerns about how the policy had been enforced. Gale Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Ave Rd, Miami Gardens, FL, expressed concern about item 8.1, drawing parallels to historical restrictions on people of color speaking in public forums. She urged the Council to reconsider this approach, noting that it was Black History Month. Blossom Berry, 15820 NW 28th Pl, Miami Gardens, FL, shared concerns regarding her chain-link fence for her yard, explaining she couldn't afford the decorative fence required per the City's code. Joan Reid, 3801 NW 165th St, Miami Gardens, FL, requested help with swale issues, stating she couldn't afford the required improvements. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th St, Miami Gardens, FL, commented on item 8.1, expressing concern that the amendment didn't address council members' compliance with decorum rules and questioned how council members would be held accountable. Tarrell Wallace, 1734 NW 152nd Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, reported ongoing code enforcement issues despite multiple attempts to rectify them. Kevin Prophet, 832 NW 206th Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, spoke as Vice President of the Coconut Cay Homeowners Association, requesting road resurfacing after 20 years without it. He noted multiple potholes had become safety concerns and asked for a timeline for the work. Mamon Tisdol, 31 NW 11th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL, complained about drivers running the 4-way stop sign at 170th Terrace and 12th Avenue, requesting police enforcement and speed bumps. He also expressed frustration about lack of improvements at Myrtle Grove Park. Myya Passmore, 16350 NW 40th Ct, Miami Gardens, FL, announced the launch of the Venetian Gardens Neighborhood Watch covering the St. Thomas and Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA Page 3 of 8 February 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes FMU neighborhood. She reported strong community interest and requested increased police visibility. Adrian Wright, 15125 NW 23rd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL, shared concerns about abandoned cars being parked on his street by people working at a nearby warehouse. Vice Mayor Stephens assured him the issue would be addressed. 8. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 8.1. 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 K. Dickens explained this amendment as necessary to align the city's public decorum section with current case law, emphasizing that such updates are needed regularly due to the evolving nature of case law. She referred to this as a cleanup effort to ensure compliance with the latest legal standards, acknowledging that these updates may continue as laws change. A motion was made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading. Councilwoman Michelle Powell sought clarification, noting the importance of understanding the distinction between compliance driven by case law as opposed to specific incidents or state legislation. City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens explained this amendment was to bring the city's public decorum section into compliance with current case law. She emphasized that such updates are needed regularly as case law evolves. Additionally, Councilwoman Linda Julien highlighted the necessity for policies to evolve with the times and emphasized that the city attorney conducted thorough research to ensure that the policy updates reflect current legal requirements. Her observations underscored the importance of adapting city policies in response to external legal developments. Councilwoman Katrina Wilson reflected on the need for effective decorum policies that apply equally to council members and the public. She expressed support for rules ensuring mutual respect and accountability, noting that disrespect can emanate from both council members and the public. Wilson raised concerns about the repetition of comments regarding settled issues and called for a review of possible options to Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA Page 4 of 8 February 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes address such matters, seeking clarity on council members' ability to address or respond to persistent concerns that are no longer part of active council discussions. She requested a legal review of the matter to explore feasible solutions. City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens responded by noting the complexity of what the council can and cannot do. She mentioned that some cities allow only comments on agenda items and added that these concerns can be discussed further and potentially drafted into new guidelines. She concluded she will follow-up with Councilwoman Wilson on her concerns. Councilwoman Julien requested the record reflect that the changes stemmed from case law, not state law. Councilwoman Powell clarified that the ordinance was being updated for compliance with current case law, not in reaction to specific incidents and suggested the need for a workshop to develop balanced meeting decorum policies, aiming to facilitate a more comprehensive discussion on the protocols governing council meetings. This approach would ensure that the policies reflect both the experiences of council members and public expectations, fostering an environment of respectful dialogue. There being no further discussion, Vice Mayor Stephens called the question on the Item. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the Ordinance on First 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 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, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS' COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000) IN SUPPORT OF THE MAYOR'S Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA Page 5 of 8 February 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON INITIATIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 - 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 USE OF FUNDS FROM THE SEAT 5 COMMUNITY BENEFITS ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($1,200.00) IN SPONSORSHIP OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE ROBINSON’S ANNUAL HEART HEALTH EVENT, NUNC PRO TUNC, PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; AND 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 PIGGYBACK SOURCEWELL CONTRACT NO. #110421-ALT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SEVEN THOUSAND AND SEVEN DOLLARS ($187,007.00) FOR THE PURCHASE OF A UTILITY TRUCK AND RELATED ACCESSORIES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RELY UPON SOURCEWELL CONTRACT NUMBER 121923-CDWG TECH CATALOG (121923) TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY-THREE DOLLARS AND EIGHT CENTS ($161,683.08) TO CDW-G FOR APC BY SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE, AND RELATED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR A CITYWIDE INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE; 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 CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS FOR GOB PROJECT NO.320, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 6 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA Page 6 of 8 February 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 12. RESOLUTION(S) 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): 13.2 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 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. Vice Mayor Stephens opened the floor for public comment. There being no public comment, Vice Mayor Stephens closed the floor. A motion offered by Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, 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 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA Page 7 of 8 February 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 14. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Vice Mayor Stephens entertained discussion on Councilwoman Powell's suggestion for a sunshine meeting to discuss meeting decorum. Referencing the comments made by Councilwoman Wilson, Councilwoman Powell emphasized the importance of a workshop to understand the legal parameters and review examples from other communities. Vice Mayor Stephens requested the City Clerk to poll the Council's availability for a workshop that provide staff time to bring back information for said workshop discussion. Councilwoman Julien reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Community Cooking Class • Black History Month Art Contest • 5th Annual Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival • Reported on her recent visit to Tallahassee Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Chase Bank Financial Literacy Series • Historic Advisory Committee Meeting • Broadway in the Gardens "The Rise" Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Meet Me Monday • Voice of Freedom Talent Audition • Archer on the Road Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Attendance at League of City Board of Directors meeting • Healthy You Podcast • Bessie Stringfield Motorcycle Ride and Commemorative Breakfast • Safety and Boxing Class • Boxing in the Gardens • Health Tip: "Love your heart." Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Taste of the Culture Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA Page 8 of 8 February 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Vice Mayor Stephens recognized City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens recently participated in a panel discussion in Miramar, representing the City of Miami Gardens and emphasizing the importance of awareness and involvement in matters related to HBCUs, black history, and cultural preservation. In addition, he reminded everyone about the upcoming Jazz in the Gardens event. Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Miami Gardens Dream Scholarship • Miami Gardens Fitness Challenge • 8th Annual Father and Son Flag Football Tournament • Vice Mayor Impact Tour • Night of Community Jazz 15. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK The Deputy City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk had no reports. 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without objection at 6:35 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 8CC9BBE2-A0FD-4F65-8E5D-CA86477C9AAA