HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.27.2015 - City Council MinutesCITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 279 2015
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Wednesday, May 27, 2015, beginning at 7:05 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 18605 NW
27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Vice
Mayor Felicia Robinson and council members: Lisa C. Davis, Lillie Q. Odom, Rodney Harris,
David Williams Jr., and Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja K.
Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
(B) INVOCATION
Delivered by Mayor Gilbert
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Lead by Girl Scout Troup #1098, and recited in unison.
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
D-1) Regular City Council Minutes -May 13, 2015
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to approve the
minutes with the necessary corrections, if any.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
The following items were added to the official agenda as Items K-9 and K-10,
respectively.
Item K-9) "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE "FAMILY FUN NIGHT" MOVIES IN
THE COMMUNITY EVENT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015, AT
THE NORTH DADE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 7000 NW 175TH STREET, MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP OF THE EVENT IN THE
AMOUNT FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00) FROM THE SPECIAL EVENTS
FUND FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE". (SPONSORED
BY COUNCILMAN RODNEY HARRIS)
Item K-10) "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 1
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING LOVE EQUAL ARTS FOUNDATION'S
USE OF CITY PARK FACILITY AT NO CHARGE TO CONDUCT ART CLASSES;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE". (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT)
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson to adopt the
official agenda with the necessary additions. There being no discussion, the motion to adopt
passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Councilman David Williams Jr. - Special Appreciation
Although Janice Coakley, former member of the City of Miami Gardens Commission For
Women was not present, Councilwoman Williams acknowledged her outstanding contributions
to the community during her tenure on this advisory Committee.
F-2) Vice Mayor Robinson - Silver Knight Presentation
Vice Mayor Robinson along with members of the City of Miami Gardens' Commission
For Women recognized the following Silver Knight Honorees from Miami Carol City Senior
High School: Olivia Brown, Speech Candidate and Honorable Mention; Mira Meyers,
Mathematics Candidate; Briana Graham, Social Science and Honorable Mention; Jennifer
Benegas, Art Candidate and Silver Knight Winner; Maya Carter, Athletics; and Alaina Branford,
Science Candidate and Honorable Mention.
Vice Mayor Robinson expounded on the Silver Knight Program, the criteria and
qualifications used to select the Silver Knight Honorees, which required each nominee to
complete a community service project.
Councilman Williams shared that over the last four to five years there have been some
amazing things happening at Miami Carol City Senior High School as it relates to Silver Knight
Winners; especially in science. He said it is really unusual for a high school to constantly have
Silver Knight Winners, Science Awards and Honorable Mentions.
F-3) City Manager Cameron Benson - Miami Gardens Express update
Natasha Louis Charles, Public Works representative appeared before the City Council to
announce that the Miami Gardens Express is set to begin service on June 1, 2015. Service
schedule is Monday - Friday from 7:OOAM to 7:OOPM. The inaugural launch ceremony will
take place, Monday, June 1, 2015, from 10:30AM-12:00 noon, at City Hall. The trolley service
is free. Initially two limousine style buses will be provided. Near the end of the calendar year the
actual trolleys will be delivered. There are a total of 89 stops. Route A services the east side of
the City; route B services west side of the City.
F-4) Elderly Affairs Quarterly Report
Tanya James, Chair of the Elderly Affairs Advisory Committee appeared before the City
Council to provide the Committee's Quarterly Report and to highlight the Elders Event in
Tallahassee, April 2015. A framed poster of pictures taken during the event was presented to the
Council. The Elder Abuse Workshop is scheduled for June 30, 2015, here at City Hall.
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 2
F-5) Councilman Harris - (AFCEA) Armed Forces Communications Electronic
Association
Councilman Harris explained the AFCEA would like to make a presentation to Barbara
Hawkins Elementary School. Representatives from AFCEA presented the Barbara Hawkins
Elementary School with a $1,500.00 check.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rita Pierre, President of Norwood Crime Watch appeared before the City Council to
thank Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis. She stated that Councilwoman Davis is very well liked in
the community and works well with the crime watches in her respective area. She conveyed
appreciation and a heartfelt "thank you" to Councilwoman Davis. She further thanked a couple
of police officers for reaching out to her on a personal matter. She also thanked Mayor Gilbert
for his services.
Woodrow Wilson, 15951 NW 18th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to express concern with the City sponsoring a Memorial Day event to honor fallen
soldiers. He encouraged the council to establish a Memorial Facility for the City of Miami
Gardens. He further shared there is nothing in place in Miami Gardens to address issues relating
to veterans. He asked the Council to consider these issues.
Officer Alberto Soto, 1020 NW 163rd Drive, Miami Gardens, Florida, along with
members of the City of Miami Gardens Command Staff as well as sworn officers appeared
before the City Council in support of Interim Chief Antonio Brooklen as the new police chief for
the City of Miami Gardens. He said all police personnel present were there on their own time.
(H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2,
ARTICLE IX, DIVISION 5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO
ADD SECTIONS 2-790 THROUGH 2-796 TO ESTABLISH THE
"CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS BUSINESS AND RESIDENT
ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN" PURCHASING PREFERENCE;
PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN
CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
THE CITY MANAGER)
Manager Benson said over this past year staff has been reviewing the procurement
process. This ordinance provides for a more business friendly and proactive process when it
comes to doing business with the City. He thanked Darian Martin, Assistant to the City
Manager; Lindell Miller, Purchasing Director and Sonja K. Dickens, City Attorney for their
assistance in putting this item together.
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 3
Motion offered by Councilman Harris, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson to adopt this
item on first reading.
Councilman Williams opined this is great news.
There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt on first reading passed and carried
by a 7-0 vote.
Councilwoman Davis:
Yes
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Vice Mayor Robinson:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(J) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(K) CONSENT AGENDA:
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-91-2288
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ACKNOWLEDGING
COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR'S APPOINTMENT OF M.
LORRAINE HARRIS TO THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR A TWO (2) YEAR TERM;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-92-2289
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ACKNOWLEDGING
COUNCILMAN ERHABOR IGHODARO'S APPOINTMENT OF
MARY ROBERTS TO THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR A TWO (2) YEAR TERM;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILMAN ERHABOR IGHODARO)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-93-2290
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE "BEHIND
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 4
THE SCENE KINGS" SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT
TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2015, AT THE BETTY T.
FERGUSON RECREATION COMPLEX FOOTBALL FIELD AND
AMPHITHEATER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN IGHODARO)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-94-2291
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING RAFAEL SUAREZ-
RIVAS, TO SERVE AS A SPECIAL MASTER FOR A TWO (2)
YEAR TERM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-95-2292
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A RENEWAL OF
THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH METRO EXPRESS, INC.
AND STRAIGHTLINE ENGINEERING GROUP LLC., FOR
SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT AND REPAIRS, AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS, ON AN
AS NEEDED BASIS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE
ANNUAL ALLOCATED BUDGETED AMOUNT; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY
MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-96-2293
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO RENEW THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH
SOFTWARE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL, INC., FOR LICENSES
OF MICROSOFT PRODUCTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE
OF FLORIDA CONTRACT NO. 252-001-09, IN THE AMOUNT OF
ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED
SIXTY-THREE DOLLARS AND FORTY-TWO CENTS
($156,363.42); PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-97-2294
K-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO TERMINATE THE AGREEMENT WITH THE
SHARPTON GROUP FOR PROFESSIONAL AUDITOR
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 5
SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ESTABLISH AN AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF
SOLICITING PROFESSIONAL AUDITOR SERVICES;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-98-2295
K-8) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SWIMMING POOL AT BUNCHE PARK;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILMAN IGHODARO)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-99-2296
K-9) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE "FAMILY
FUN NIGHT" MOVIES IN THE COMMUNITY EVENT TO BE
HELD ON SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015, AT THE NORTH DADE
COMMUNITY CHURCH, 7000 NW 175TH STREET, MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP OF
THE EVENT IN THE AMOUNT FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS
($500.00) FROM THE SPECIAL EVENTS FUND FOR THIS
PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN RODNEY HARRIS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-100-2297
K-10) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING LOVE EQUAL
ARTS FOUNDATION'S USE OF CITY PARK FACILITY AT NO
CHARGE TO CONDUCT ART CLASSES; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER
GILBERT)
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilman Harris to adopt the
Consent Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to adopt the Consent Agenda passed
and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
(L) RESOLUTION(S)
None
QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS:
Ms. Shellie Ransom Jackson, Development Services Director/Building Official appeared
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 6
before the City Council to share the Quasi -Judicial process utilized for this proceeding.
City Clerk Taylor administered the Oath to those individuals participating in this Quasi -
Judicial Proceedings.
(M) ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING(S):
M-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION
SUBMITTED BY MS REALTY GARDENS, LLC, FOR THE
REZONING OF PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT NW
159TH STREET BETWEEN 47TH AVENUE AND NW 45TH
AVENUE, MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED
HERETO, FROM R-2, TWO FAMILY DWELLING RESIDENTIAL
TO R-15 MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING RESIDENTIAL;
PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN
CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
THE CITY MANAGER)
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing.
Eugene Marshall, 4451 NW 1591h Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council in opposition to this rezoning.
Attorney Calhoun appeared before the City Council as the representative for the applicant
to expound on the application. This is a request to rezone the property from R-2 to R-15 to allow
for the construction of townhomes on the property instead of duplexes.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing
closed.
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to adopt this
item on first reading.
Mayor Gilbert stated he wanted the townhomes to be owner occupied, and not rentals.
Attorney Calhoun assured Mayor Gilbert and the Council that the townhomes would be
owner occupied. The applicant is willing to record documentation stating that.
At the conclusion of this discussion, the motion to adopt on first reading passed and
carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Ighodaro: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 7
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Vice Mayor Robinson:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Councilwoman Davis:
Yes
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
(N) ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
ORDINANCE NO. 2015-05-335
N-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 34-287 OF
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO ALLOW THE
WHOLESALE OF FIREWORKS AS A PERMITTED USE;
PROHIBITING RETAIL SALE OF FIREWORKS; ALLOWING
THE RETAIL SALE OF SPARKLERS AS A PERMITTED USE;
AMENDING 34-288 TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WHOLESALE OF FIREWORKS
AND RETAIL SALE OF SPARKLERS; AMENDING SECTION 34-
733 ENTITLED "MASTER USE LIST AND DEFINITIONS";
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN
CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
THE CITY MANAGER) (1St Reading - May 13, 2015)
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing. After there were no interested
parties to speak on this item, the public hearing closed.
item.
Motion offered by Councilman Harris, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson to adopt this
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote.
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Vice Mayor Odom:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Councilwoman Davis:
Yes
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
(0) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(P) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
None
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 8
(Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Williams announced that on Saturday, May 30th trees will be planted along
42nd Avenue. This is in relations to the study done by the Health Foundation. He encouraged the
public to participate.
Councilwoman Davis shared that she along with State Representative Barbara Watson
will host a Farm Share event, Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Norwood Park from 10:00 AM. -3:00
PM. She further shared that she will be recognizing fathers from the community, as well as
employees during her sponsored Father's Day Event, July 24, 2015.
Councilman Harris announced that on Saturday, May 30, 2015 there will be a Teen Expo
at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Center. Later that same evening there will be a Family Fun
Night "Movie in the Community" event at the North Dade Community Church, 700 NW 175th
Street, from 7:30PM - 10:30PM. He invited everyone out.
Mayor Gilbert acknowledged Officer Ryan Thompkins and Officer Carmello Garcia.
They are the 2014 PBA Officers of the Year for the City of Miami Gardens.
(R) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
(S) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come
made and the meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM.
Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
before this Body and upon a motion being duly
Attest:
Ronetta Taylor, M f
City Clerk
Regular City Council Minutes - May 27, 2015 Page 9