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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.22.2026 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes April 22, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Apr 22 2026, beginning at 5:34 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 – March 25, 2026 A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, to approve the minutes passed and carried by a 7 to 0 voice vote of the City Council. 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS The following items were added to the agenda: ADD-ON ITEM #1: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT FUNDING AND NEGOTIATE AGREEMENTS WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY IN SUPPORT OF THE MIAMI GARDENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) PRESENTATION 6.3: SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MAYOR HARRIS (SPONSORED BY MAYOR HARRIS) Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 2 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes PRESENTATION 6.1: SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY COUNTY COMMISSIONER OLIVER GILBERT. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR HARRIS) A motion made by Councilwoman Powell, seconded by Councilwoman Baskin, to approve the agenda as amended passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY COUNTY COMMISSIONER OLIVER GILBERT. County Commissioner - District 1 Oliver Gilbert addressed the Mayor and Council, reiterating his commitment to bringing a Performing Arts Center to Miami Gardens so residents can access world-class entertainment without traveling to neighboring cities. He then turned his remarks to the District 1 Spring Break Expedition program, noting that the City of Miami Gardens was a major sponsor and partner. Commissioner Gilbert specifically acknowledged the Miami Gardens Police Department for ensuring the students' safety throughout the trip, noting that every officer and staff member performed admirably. 6.2. VETERANS AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE QUARTERLY REPORT. Chairperson Janae Sheffield, President of the City of Miami Gardens Veteran Advisory Board, presented the quarterly report alongside two board members, highlighting the board's accomplishments since the start of the year. Looking ahead, the Board proposed the following upcoming initiatives: an Armed Forces Mixer in May; a Painting with the Vet wellness event in July; a second annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Month initiative in September; and a Veterans Weekend including a stand-down, a banquet, and a 5K walk/run. Chairperson Sheffield closed by requesting stronger financial support and continued partnership from the Council, emphasizing that the Board is not merely planning events but building long-term support systems for veterans in Miami Gardens. 6.3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MAYOR HARRIS. Mayor Harris welcomed Mr. Howard Dupree. Howard Dupree, Administrative Coordinator for Rolling Crest Lake, Inc. (RCL), presented on behalf of the organization alongside Ms. Sylvia Perkins (Projects and Programs Chair), Ms. Cunningham (Co-Chair), and Mr. Tom Jones, Jr. (Treasurer), a check for $40,000 to the City of Miami Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 3 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Gardens in support of the Miami Gardens Neighborhood Watch Arbor Day Project. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Francis Ragoo, 889, NW 214th Street, #102, Miami Gardens, FL, expressed gratitude for the $40,000 contribution from RCL to support the fifth annual Miami Gardens Senior Arbor Day Project, noting that preparations were underway in faith before funding was confirmed. He invited council members to the volunteer meet-and-greet on Friday morning at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. Sardeborah Wright, 20062 NW 36th Court, Miami Gardens, FL, thanked Councilwoman Powell for organizing the tax exemption workshop, but raised a complaint regarding accessibility at the event. She stated that the front gate was locked, she was directed to enter from 32nd Avenue, and a police officer refused to allow her son to drop her off at the entrance despite her disability. She requested that police officers show greater compassion toward seniors and residents with disabilities. Gloria Copland, 17700 NW 14th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, stated that a code enforcement officer had issued a notice requiring her to remove gravel from the front of her home, despite the gravel having been in place for 47 years. She questioned whether gravel qualifies as a ground covering under city code and stated that, as a senior citizen on a fixed income, she cannot afford to purchase and maintain sod, particularly given the high cost of water in North Miami Beach's service area. Clifford James, 17740 NW 14th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, echoed Ms. Copeland's concern about the gravel removal notice, noting that North Miami Beach installed the rocks during utility work. He also raised concerns about code-enforcement letters regarding sidewalk maintenance, arguing that sidewalks are public property and should not be the sole responsibility of homeowners. He pointed to dirty sidewalks in other areas of the city as evidence of inconsistent enforcement. He also expressed concern about homes in the neighborhood being illegally divided into duplexes and triplexes. Dr. James Davis, 1500 NW 154th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, thanked the Council for convening a Sunshine Meeting on March 25, 2026, to address issues of decorum. He expressed disappointment that the discussion did not appear to carry over into the subsequent council meeting. He called on elected officials to model the same level of respect expected from residents. Christine Malcolm, 18910 NW 31st Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, offered a direct rebuttal to remarks made about her public comment at the prior meeting. She stated that the City’s Juneteenth gala was previously held in Hallandale Beach and referenced a flyer indicating that the sixth Juneteenth celebration’s main event would also be held outside Miami Gardens. Ms. Malcolm clarified that she did not state it was the City’s only Juneteenth event, but rather the main event. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 4 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes She also expressed disagreement with claims that the City lacks adequate facilities to host such events and emphasized residents’ right to raise concerns without being mischaracterized. Gale Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Avenue Road, Miami Gardens, FL, encouraged residents to know their rights regarding open meetings, public records, and public comment, to stay informed by reviewing agendas in advance, and to engage with their council members. She called on residents to use their public comment power, be aware of influence tactics, and to organize and advocate on an ongoing basis. Mamon Tisdol, 17031 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, questioned whether Miami Gardens funds were being used to purchase bleachers for a football stadium reportedly being built at Carol City by Rick Ross. He urged the Council to allocate resources to safety infrastructure, such as parking stalls and speed bumps, on 170th Terrace, stating that speeding on that street is a daily occurrence and that he has repeatedly contacted police without satisfactory results. Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, thanked certain Council Members for voting against Eldorado's rezoning request. She then raised a procedural concern regarding the use of a "point of privilege" at the prior council meeting, noting that it is not intended for responding to or challenging the substance of a resident's remarks. 8. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 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, CANCELING THE FIRST REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY, JUNE, AND JULY 2026; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 11.2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM MAYOR RODNEY HARRIS' COMMUNITY BENEFIT ACCOUNT AND SPECIAL EVENTS ACCOUNT IN THE AMOUNT OF FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($15,000.00) IN SUPPORT UPCOMING COMMUNITY INITITAIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 - 2026; 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 USE OF THE CITY Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 5 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR A YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SESSION WITH LOCAL STUDENTS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 23 AND APRIL 29, 2026, RESPECTIVELY; 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 ADOPT MIAMI-DADE COUNTY’S LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY (LMS) TO SUPPORT REGIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, FUNDING ELIGIBILITY, AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Vice Mayor Stephens, seconded by Councilman Leon, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 7 to 0 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 THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT FUNDING AND NEGOTIATE AGREEMENTS WITH MIAMI- DADE COUNTY IN SUPPORT OF THE MIAMI GARDENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Manager Cameron Benson presented the item, explaining that it was added to the agenda because a finalized agreement was anticipated for the meeting, but was still pending at the county level. He stated that the resolution would formalize the City’s continued partnership with Miami- Dade County, authorize acceptance of funding, and allow negotiations to continue so the project could move forward. He also noted that infrastructure work for the Performing Arts Center had already begun at the project site. Councilman Leon left the meeting at 6:11 PM. A motion was made by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, to approve the Resolution. Vice Mayor Stephens expressed enthusiasm for the project's progress and extended thanks to County Commissioner Gilbert for his efforts to secure additional county funding, describing the Performing Arts Center as important to the city's continued forward movement and to the development of the arts in Miami Gardens. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 6 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH, 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 Yes Councilwoman Powell, D.O., MPH Yes Councilman Leon Absent Councilwoman Wilson Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes 13. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS DISCLOSURE: Planning and Zoning Director Reginald White opened the quasi-judicial portion of the meeting and provided instructions to applicants and speakers. 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 THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PERMIT ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS; AMENDING ARTICLE II – ADMINISTRATION; SECTION 34-47 GRANTING OF VARIANCES AND WAIVERS; SECTION 34-50 ADMINISTRATIVE VARIANCE AND WAIVERS; ARTICLE IX GENERALIZED SCHEDULE OF PERMITTED USES, USES PERMITTED WITH EXTRA REQUIREMENTS, SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES AND PROHIBITED USES; SECTION 34-287 USES REGULATIONS GENERALLY; SECTION 34-288 USE TABLES AND EXTRA REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING ARTICLE X ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES, SECTION 34-311 ACCESSORY USE TABLE; CREATING SECTION 34-313 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS; SECTION 34-314 ATTACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS; AND SECTION 34-315 DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS; AMENDING ARTICLE XIX DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION; SECTION 34-732 DEFINITIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilwoman Julien presented the ordinance, explaining that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are seen as a viable solution to the current housing affordability crisis, driven by rising construction costs Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 7 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and limited land availability. Citing a 2020 Freddie Mac study, she noted that the U.S. faces a shortage of 3.8 million housing units and underscored that 21% of homeowners and 46% of renters are cost- burdened by their housing expenses. The ordinance proposing ADUs stems from the city's strategic housing plan and is informed by studies from the Corradino Group (approved by a Resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Julien), Habitat for Humanity, and AARP. She emphasized that ADUs would be an option, not a mandate, and would be governed by the city's existing permitting and building requirements. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comment. Francis Ragoo spoke as a practicing real estate, expressing support for the concept but requesting greater clarity on how existing non- conforming in-law units would be treated, how the ordinance would interact with re-occupancy requirements, and how setback requirements, specifically 7.5 feet from boundary lines, would be applied. Howard Dupree asked whether Florida state law now requires municipalities to permit ADUs, citing a bill he believed had been passed or signed by the Governor. He further asked what parameters would be in place, including minimum lot sizes and allowable construction materials, and cautioned that, without careful parameters, ADUs could change the city's dynamics in ways that could be harmful. There being no further comment, Mayor Harris closed the floor. A motion was made by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, to approve the Ordinance on First Reading. City Manager Cameron Benson provided clarification in response to Councilwoman Powell's request, stating that the ordinance details all requirements, including building code compliance, planning and zoning requirements, and permitting. He confirmed that no temporary or substandard structures would be permitted, and that both detached structures and attached additions to existing homes qualify as ADUs. All ADUs must go through the city's permitting process through the Building Official. Vice Mayor Stephens noted that while a state bill mandating ADUs has not yet passed, state legislators had informed the city that such legislation is forthcoming. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 8 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Councilwoman Julien confirmed this, adding that Miami-Dade County had already passed its own ADU ordinance and that nearby cities such as North Miami had done the same. Vice Mayor Stephens then requested to be added as a co-sponsor of the ordinance, which was accepted by Councilwoman Julien. Councilwoman Wilson commended the item, expressing strong support for ADUs as a vehicle for helping seniors age in place, providing transitional housing options, improving property values, and preventing overpopulation. She noted that she serves on a City's housing committee focused on this issue and characterized the movement as significant statewide. Councilwoman Julien thanked her colleagues, specifically acknowledging Councilwoman Wilson's remarks on seniors and affordability. She presented information from a Habitat for Humanity/AARP study and reiterated that this is an option for residents who choose it, not a requirement for those who do not. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question. A motion offered by Councilwoman Julien, seconded by Vice Mayor Stephens, 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) 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 14. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilwoman Linda Julien spoke in tribute to Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen of Coral Springs, her late friend. She outlined Bowen's achievements, including her roles as senior class vice president, a Florida A&M University scholarship recipient, a White House and Clinton Foundation intern, Haiti relief work, and earning a graduate degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Bowen, an environmental advocate and former Vice Mayor of Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 9 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Coral Springs, also led Caribbean engagement for the Harris-Walz 2024 campaign and was planning a Congressional run, all completed by age 39. Councilwoman Julien expressed gratitude for her colleagues on the dais, emphasizing the demands of public service and advocating for kindness and respect. Councilwoman Baskin reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Teacher of the Quarter Luncheon • Community Collaboration Town Hall • Dental and Vision Clinic Councilwoman Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Miami Carol City Alumni Picnic • Meet Me Monday • Leslie Estates Infrastructure Improvement Project • The Legacy Living Home Ownership Blueprint In response to public comments about bleachers for a potential football stadium at Carol City, Councilwoman Wilson stated that, to her understanding, the stadium project is being funded by the people and the Alumni Association, and that she has no knowledge of the City dedicating funds toward it. Councilwoman Wilson addressed the procedural question raised during public comments regarding her use of personal privilege at the prior meeting. Councilwoman Powell reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • Tax Exemption Outreach Event • Talk with the Doc • Mind Health Wellness Symposium • Residents' Choice Awards • Recognized April as Child Abuse Awareness Month Vice Mayor Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives: • City University Partnership Program • Business Vendors Fair • AI in the Gardens • Open Office Hours • Table Talk Tuesday • Availability of Formula 1 Community Tickets 15. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2 Page 10 of 10 April 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 15.1. Q2 Quarterly Report January 2026 - March 2026 City Manager Cameron Benson yielded the floor to Councilwoman Baskin to announce the commencement of work on the 27th Avenue wall project, a long-standing concern among residents regarding an unsightly wall along the city's entry corridor from Miramar. Demolition began that day, with the project expected to take a couple of months to complete. Councilwoman Baskin thanked the City Manager and acknowledged resident Ms. Linda Mobley for her efforts in gathering signatures to move the project forward. City Manager Benson recognized Deputy City Manager Craig Clay and capital staff for keeping the project on track. He then offered a formal apology to Ms. Sardeborah Wright regarding the incident at the tax exemption workshop, stating that he finds such treatment of a resident unacceptable and that he had already spoken with the Police Chief the prior evening. He confirmed that the matter will be followed up and that steps will be taken to ensure it does not recur. 16. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without objection at 6:57 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk Docusign Envelope ID: 0C7D02F6-E826-8F6A-80D5-70314C3DC0E2