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Home My WebLink About03.11.2026 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes March 11, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Mar 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: Mayor Rodney Harris, Vice Mayor Robert Stephens, Councilwoman Katrina L. Baskin, Councilwoman Michelle C. Powell, D.O., MPH, 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 Councilwoman Baskin, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to excuse the absence of Councilman Leon 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 – February 25, 2026 A motion offered by Councilwoman Baskin, seconded by Councilwoman Wilson, to approve the minutes passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the City Council. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS The following item was added to the agenda: SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MAYOR HARRIS A motion made by Vice Mayor Stephens, 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 MAYOR HARRIS. Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 2 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Harris presented a commendation to Mr. Abraham Joseph Thomas, Jr., recognizing his service to the Miami Gardens community and Miami-Dade County. Mr. Thomas, known as "Mr. Miami Heat" and author of the Skeeter books, has been a resident since 1975. During his acceptance remarks, Mr. Thomas requested Council's attention to two matters: first, residents in his area who have been without sewers for 30 years, asking Council to diligently look into addressing this infrastructure need; and second, proposing that the city consider adopting an anthem he had written, emphasizing the importance of vision for the community. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, inquired about the status of a sunshine meeting that was discussed at the February 11 meeting and raised concerns about favoritism, unfair treatment, and overcrowding at the Senior Family Center, questioning whether enrollment is lifetime and noting safety concerns. Mamon Tisdale, 17031 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, continued his ongoing concerns about speeding and safety issues on 170th Street and 12th Avenue, requesting speed bumps and enhanced traffic enforcement after multiple accidents and safety hazards in the area. Alvin A-Stone Jackson, 2360 E. Preserve Way, Miami, FL, founder of A Stone Music Therapy Inc., announced the Autism Superpower Family Fun Day scheduled for March 28 from 1-5 PM at the Miami Gardens Senior Community Center. The free event will feature music therapy demonstrations, sensory- friendly activities, and community resources for families affected by autism. Councilwoman Wilson was acknowledged for her support of the event. Lavern Deer, 18721 NW 11th Road, Miami Gardens, FL, read an email regarding extreme noise levels from Formula 1 practice sessions at Hard Rock Stadium affecting Lake Lucerne neighborhood residents. She requested immediate review of noise ordinances, clear communication about practice schedules, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and addressing speeding issues in affected communities. Gail Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, questioned the interpretation of public comment guidelines, specifically requesting clarification on which dictionary definitions would be used for terms in the public comments policy that Councilwoman Powell had previously inquired about. Francis Ragoo, 889 NW 219th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, requested Council support for the fifth annual Miami Gardens Senior Arbor Day project, which assists seniors with home repairs. The program has helped 27 seniors over four Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 3 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes years and this year aims to help 7 seniors. He requested discretionary funding support for the volunteer-driven initiative. Denise Brown, 19821 NW 2nd Avenue, suite 187, Miami Gardens, FL, expressed concerns about restrictions on her ability to speak with seniors at the Senior Center and provide resources through her nonprofit organization, seeking clarity on any rules that might prevent her from continuing this community service. Maya Passmore, 163350 NW 40th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, addressed traffic safety and public health concerns in Venetian Gardens related to increased accidents, including six incidents in two weeks. She cited research linking warehouse and logistics centers to increased air pollution and health risks, submitting a petition with 120 resident signatures regarding traffic and safety concerns. James Davis, Miami Gardens, FL, spoke in opposition to agenda item 13.2, citing safety hazards, traffic congestion, and quality of life concerns for Venetian Gardens residents and nearby college students. Rea Hughes (second appearance) reiterated community opposition to item 13.2, emphasizing impacts on property values, environmental and safety issues, traffic concerns, and potential future permit requests. Gail Cunningham (second appearance) supported Ms. Passmore's concerns about the rezoning proposal, noting the area's proximity to St. Thomas University, FMU, and the airport, and questioning why residents were not properly notified or consulted about the development proposal. 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 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. Councilwoman Linda Julien stated this ordinance updates the art in public places ordinance established in 2010 to align with Miami-Dade County's ordinance and modernize the city's approach to public art. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. There being no comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor. Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 4 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading. Vice Mayor Stephens commended Councilwoman Julien for advancing arts and culture initiatives in the city. Councilwoman Wilson praised the inclusion of arts in all new construction, noting that it prevents buildings from looking cold and hard while providing funding mechanisms. Councilwoman Powell appreciated the establishment of the design review committee for maintaining consistency and the optional nature of participation for builders. Councilwoman Baskin supported the initiative as enhancing the city's aesthetics. 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 passed and carried by a 6 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 Absent 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, AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FROM SEAT 5 COMMUNITY BENEFITS ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($12,000) IN SUPPORT OF ONGOING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 5 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 11.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM COUNCILWOMAN KATRINA L. BASKIN’S COMMUNTY BENEFIT ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE DOLLARS AND FIFTY-FOUR CENTS ($12,523.54) IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES; 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, AWARDING REQUEST FOR APPLICATION (RFA) NO. 25-26-011, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PUBLIC SERVICE TO YWCA SOUTH FLORIDA INC., KRISTI HOUSE INC.,SUNSHINE FOR ALL INC.,THE EXPERTS RESOURCE & COMMUNITY CENTER INC.,HEART & HAND OUTREACH INC.; AND CENTER FOR FAMILY AND CHILD ENRICHMENT INC. AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE; 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, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PIGGYBACK SOURCEWELL CONTRACT NO. #093021 TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS GROUP INC., AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY DOLLARS AND FOURTY FIVE CENTS ($375,860.45) FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN STREET SWEEPER EQUIPMENT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ; 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 TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS IN THE AMOUNT OF SIX HUNDRED TWENTY- THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED NINETY DOLLARS ($623,790.00) TO METRO EXPRESS, INC. FOR RESURFACING OF THE PARKING LOTS AT THE BETTY T. FERGUSON RECREATION CENTER; 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, AWARDING INVITATION TO BID (ITB) NO. 25- 26-007 CITYWIDE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS ANNUAL CONTRACT TO METRO EXPRESS, INC (PRIMARY) AND H & J ASPHALT, INC (SECONDARY); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS AND ISSUE PURCHASE ORDER(S), AS NEEDED, NOT TO EXCEED THE BUDGETED AMOUNT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 6 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, 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: 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. The City Council collectively disclosed no ex parte communications on any quasi-judicial items, confirming decisions would be based solely on evidence presented. 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 X - ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES, SECTION 34-312 - ADDITIONAL USES AND BUILDING STANDARDS; ARTICLE XI - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS GENERALIZED TABLE OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS GENERAL, SECTION 34-342- TABLES FOR DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AS OUTLINED IN 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. Director White explained this text amendment clarifies standards for accessory structures like utility sheds, pergolas, and terraces to make regulations more understandable for staff and residents. The current standards limit residents' ability to use their backyards, particularly for townhomes and smaller properties that cannot meet the 10-foot setback requirement from principal buildings. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. There being no public comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor. A motion was made by Councilwoman Baskin, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading. Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 7 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Councilwoman Wilson sought clarification that this does not permit accessory dwelling units for habitation, which Director White confirmed these are only for storage structures, not residential use. Answering question posed by Vice Mayor Stephens, Director White confirmed that size and appearance standards remain unchanged, with only placement requirements being modified. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilwoman Baskin, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the Ordinance on First 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 Yes Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Absent Councilwoman Wilson Yes 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, 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 ("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 Manager Cameron Benson announced that the applicant requested a continuance of this El Dorado expansion item to allow more time for traffic analysis and community engagement. Vice Mayor Stephens inquired about the reason for continuance, and City Manager Benson explained the applicant needed additional time for traffic analysis and to address community concerns. He confirmed there had been previous community meetings and committed to ensuring continued open communication with residents. Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 8 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes A motion offered by Councilwoman Wilson, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, a motion to defer the Item to the March 25, 2026 City Council Meeting at 5:30 PM passed and carried by a 6 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 Absent Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 13.3.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE SPECIAL EXCEPTION AND VARIANCE APPLICATION FOR THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1500 NW 215TH STREET, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A”, PERMITTING A WAREHOUSE, DISTRIBUTION, LIGHT PRODUCTION, OR LIGHT ASSEMBLY USE WITHIN THE ENTERTAINMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT AND A REDUCTION IN THE MINIMUM ACREAGE REQUIREMENT FOR WAREHOUSE USE FROM FORTY (40) ACRES TO +/-6.860 ACRES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Director White presented the East Group Properties LP application for a special exception to permit warehouse distribution, light production, and light assembly uses within the entertainment overlay district, along with a variance to reduce the minimum acreage requirement from 40 acres to approximately 6.86 acres. The 6.86- acre site is currently vacant and located adjacent to the Turnpike with nearby commerce parks under development. The applicant proposes two Class A warehouses totaling 115,200 square feet with 11,200 square feet of accessory office use and 161 parking spaces. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. There being no public comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, to approve the Resolution. Councilwoman Wilson questioned the significant reduction in acreage requirements. Director White explained that the 40-acre requirement was established to prevent warehouses along prime Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 9 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes corridors like 27th Avenue, but this location near the Turnpike is difficult for entertainment uses and compatible with surrounding commercial developments. Vice Mayor Stephens confirmed the project area is already designated for warehouse/commerce use with similar developments nearby. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, to approve the Resolution passed and carried by a 5 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 Absent Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien No 14. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Vice Mayor Stephens left the meeting at 6:40 PM. All Councilmembers thanked staff for an excellent Jazz in the Gardens weekend. Councilwoman Julien reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Black Family Wellness Expo Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Broadway in the Gardens • Quarterly Cleanup in Kings Gardens • Chase Bank Financial Series for Entrepreneurs Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Annual Juneteenth Celebration • Arsht on the Road • Leslie Estates Final Infrastructure Meeting Regarding the El Dorado matter, Councilwoman Wilson shared her personal experience with the company during Hurricane Andrew, describing them as reputable and committed to addressing community concerns. She commended Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1 Page 10 of 10 March 11, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes city management for visible improvements in cleanliness, road maintenance, and overall city conditions, noting Miami Gardens has become a destination city. Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Mary Tompkins Foundation School Readings • Healthy You Podcast - Women's Health • Talk with the Doc • Boxing in the Gardens • Healthcare Professionals Networking Mixer • Health Tip: Don't forget you Ps "prevention, prevention, prevention". Mayor Harris thanked all city staff for their tremendous work on Jazz in the Gardens and other city initiatives, acknowledging it as a true team effort that showed the city's capabilities. 15. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK City Manager praised staff's leadership during Jazz in the Gardens week. He announced that Lauderhill will rename a football stadium after his father, Dr. Heyward J. Benson Jr., recognizing his service as the first Black elected official in Lauderhill and one of Broward County's longest-serving elected officials. City Attorney Dickens congratulated the team on Jazz in the Gardens and provided historical context about City Manager Benson's father, noting he was instrumental in changing Lauderhill's charter that previously prohibited Black residents in 1972. City Clerk Bataille thanked Council for recognizing his achievement as International Master Municipal Clerk, noting the rarity of such recognition and his mother's pride in the accomplishment. He extended birthday wishes and congratulations to all involved in Jazz in the Gardens. 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without objection at 7:00 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 79FB5009-8B07-86CF-821B-766252E7BDE1