HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.20.2003 INDEX
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
August 20, 2003
1. Called to Order/Roll Call of Members................................... Page 1
2. Invocation..................................................................... Page 1
3. Pledge of Allegiance......................................................... Page 1
4. Approval of Minutes......................................................... Page 1
4A) Approval of Installation Ceremony July 23, 2003
4B) Approval of City Council meeting July 24, 2003
5. Agenda/Order of Business (Additions/Deletions/Amendments....... Page 2
6. Special Presentations........................................................ Page 2
6A) Proclamation to Commissioner Betty T. Ferguson
6B) Proclamation to Meighan Pier, Acting City Clerk
7. Ordinances for First Reading
7A)Adopting a General Fund Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year
commencing May 13, 2003 and ending September 30, 2003.......... Page 2-3
8. Ordinance for Second Reading(Public Hearings) ....................... Page 3-4
8A) Ord. #2003-01 Implementing the Utility tax.............................. Page 3
8B) Ord. #2003-02 Implementing the Local Communications
ServicesTax......................................................................................... Page 3-4
9. Resolutions
9A)Res. #2003-23 Encouraging residents and visitors to support
Business within the boundaries of the City of Miami Gardens........... Page 4-5
10. Transition Team Discussion Items
l0A) Reports of Interim City Manager................................................ Page 5-6
11. Reports of Mayor and Council Members
1 IA) Report of Mayor on Emergency Management..................... Page 6-7
11 B) Report of Councilman Oscar Braynon on Rules of
Procedures...................................................................... Page 7
11C) General Reports from Council Members........................... Page 7
12. Requests, Petitions &other Communications from the Public
12A)North Dade regional Chamber of Commerce Presentation......... Page 7
12B) Public Comments...................................................... Page 8
13. Adjournment................................................................... Page 8
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
MINUTES OF THE WENDESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2003
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Miami Norland Senior High School
1050 N.W. 195 Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33169
1. CALL TO ORDER; ROLL CALL
Mayor Gibson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The following members of the City
Council were present:
Mayor Shirley Gibson
Vice Mayor Aaron Campbell, Jr.
Council Member Barbara Watson
Council Member Audrey J. King
Council Member Melvin L. Bratton
Council Member Sharon Pritchett
Council Member Oscar Braynon, II
The following staff members were present:
Interim City Attorney Hans Ottinot
Interim City Manager Cynthia Curry
Transitional Coordinator William J. Ing-Green
Acting City Clerk Meighan Pier
2. INVOCATION
Mayor Gibson read the Athenian Oath.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
William Green led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
4A) APPROVE MINUTES OF INSTALLATION CEREMONY-JULY 23, 2003 (as
amended)
413) APPROVE MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING-JULY 24, 2003 (as
amended)
Council Member King moved to approve the Minutes as amended. Seconded by
Vice Mayor Campbell. All voted in favor. The Motion carried.
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 1 of 8
5. AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS(ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/AMENDMENTS): There
were no additions, deletions or amendments offered.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
6A) PROCLAMATION TO COMMISSIONER BETTY T. FERGUSON
Mayor Gibson and the Council presented a plaque to Commissioner Betty T.
Ferguson,acknowledging and thanking her for her commitment and assistance with
incorporation efforts and representing District One.
Commissioner Ferguson expressed her gratitude and wished all the best in the future.
6B) PROCLAMATION TO MEIGHAN PIER, ACTING CITY CLERK
Mayor Gibson and the Council provided a plaque to Acting City Clerk Meighan Pier,
thanking her for volunteering her services.
Mrs. Pier thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the City.
7. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING:
7A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,ADOPTING A GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING MAY 13, 2003 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2003; PROVIDING FOR POST AUDIT; PROVIDING FOR
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED IN THE BUDGET;PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ms. Curry provided a report, advising that funds for the City are received from
several revenue sources,including State Revenue Sharing and utility tax. She noted
that some of the expenditures listed are Charter-mandated salary for Council and
allowance for reimbursement;salary for transition staff;and operating expenses,such
as legal advertisements,insurance,legal services,audio support,training,executive
search, in addition to providing contingency.
Vice Mayor Campbell questioned the staffing for the Clerk position.
Ms. Curry advised that this is the last meeting of Mrs. Pier. Staff is seeking to
identify another volunteer; however, if this can not be done, the budget including
funds to pay someone to provide Clerk services.
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 2 of 8
A Motion to approve the proposed Ordinance on first reading was made Council
Member Pritchett. Seconded by Council Member Braynon. All voted in favor. The
item was approved on first reading (7-0).
8. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING (PUBLIC HEARINGS):
8A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, IMPLEMENTING THE UTILITY TAX AUTHORIZED
BY FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 166.231,ET. SEQ.,UPON THE PURCHASE
OF ELECTRICITY, WATER SERVICE,METERED OR BOTTLED GAS, FUEL
OIL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS;
PROVIDING FOR ASSESSMENT OF INTEREST AND PENALTIES;
PROVIDING NOTICE TO THE DEPARMENT OF REVENUE;PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Attorney Ottinot explained the item.
Mayor Gibson opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m.
Mr. Leonard Coles, 2010 NW 191 Terrace, asked if cable services were included.
Attorney Ottinot advised that cable is included in the next item: local
communications.
Mr.Billy Isom, 1741 SW 183 Street,asked how the advance provided by the County
was calculated.
Ms. Curry advised that the City may realize $344 Million in utility taxes;however,
she was uncertain as to how the advance was determined but that the $300,000
received is adequate for current transition efforts. She asked Mr. Isom to visit the
City offices for further information.
Mayor Gibson closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
A Motion to approve the proposed Ordinance was made by Vice Mayor Campbell.
Seconded by Council Member Bratton. The vote was as follows: Mayor Gibson:
Yes; Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes; Councilmember Pritchett: Yes; Councilmember
Watson: Yes; Councilmember King: Yes; Councilmember Bratton: Yes;
Councilmember Braynon: Yes. Ordinance 2003-01 was adopted unanimously(7-0).
8B) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, IMPLEMENTING THE LOCAL COMMUNICATIONS
SERVICES TAX AUTHORIZED BY FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 202.19 ET.
SEQ.; PROVIDING FOR INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 3 of 8
LOCAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TAX RATE; PROVIDING FOR
NOTICE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Attorney Ottinot explained the item,noting that the tax is currently being collected by
the County and this Ordinance would put procedures in place for the City to collect
this existing tax.
Mayor Gibson opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
Ms. Rhonda Lier, 17200 NW 9 Place, asked if the revenue comes from the provider
or is the resident required to pay additional tax.
Attorney Ottinot noted that the tax is allowed by State law and is collected from
communication providers.
Ms. Curry asked Ms. Lier to come to the City offices and discuss the matter.
Mayor Gibson closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m.
A Motion to approve the proposed Ordinance was made by Council Member Watson.
Seconded by Council Member Braynon. The vote was as follows: Mayor Gibson:
Yes; Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes; Councilmember Pritchett: Yes; Councilmember
Watson: Yes; Councilmember King: Yes; Councilmember Bratton: Yes;
Councilmember Braynon: Yes. Ordinance 2003-02 was adopted unanimously(7-0).
9. RESOLUTIONS:
9A) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO
SUPPORT BUSINESSES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS;DIRECTING INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO DEVELOP A
PLAN OF ACTION TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Council Member Watson sponsored the Resolution. She explained that is imperative
that citizens support local businesses, as when a business is doing well, new
employees are hired, the City tax base is increased and new development is
encouraged.
A Motion to adopt the proposed Resolution was made by Council Member King.
Seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell.
Council Member Braynon asked for information regarding how this Resolution
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 4 of 8
would be effectuated.
Following discussion,Ms. Curry advised that she would return to Council with a plan
of action.
All voted in favor of the previous Motion. Resolution 2003-23 was adopted
unanimously (7-0).
10. TRANSITION TEAM DISCUSSION ITEMS:
l0A) REPORTS OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER
Mr. Green provided a written report to Council, indicating items that require
attention. He noted that the web page is currently being developed.
Mayor Gibson asked the creation of the City seal, logo and slogan be given priority.
Discussion ensued regarding how best to solicit an artist to provide renderings.
Council Members Watson and Braynon advised that some submissions had been
received.
Ms. Curry advised that staff would return information to the Council.
Mayor Gibson remarked that the police Interlocal agreement must be negotiated as
soon as possible in order to determine the budgetary impact of public safety.
Vice Mayor Campbell concurred, adding that he would be willing to chair a
subcommittee that would take this item under consideration.
Attorney Ottinot noted that the Charter requires that an ordinance be adopted to form
any committee.
Ms. Curry advised that an informal staff committee could be formed and Council
could be invited to the public meetings.
Council Member Braynon asked for status regarding the hiring of a permanent City
Attorney.
Ms. Curry advised that staff is in the process of bringing an item to the Council
concerning selection of a search firm for the City Manager position. She advised that
the City would be seeking a permanent Clerk next and then begin the process of
hiring a permanent City Attorney. She noted that the hiring of a City Attorney would
not require a national search with assistance through a firm, rather the City would
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 5 of 8
seek resumes from the South Florida area.
Ms. Curry reported that the State legislative session would commence in the Spring
and in order for the City to be in position to have representation, she requested
approval to develop and issue a Request for Qualifications(RFQ) for representation
and consulting services.
Following discussion,Attorney Ottinot noted that the contract with the vendor would
return to Council following the RFQ process.
Ms. Curry noted that she would contact the Council Members individually with
regard to the content of the RFQ.
The Mayor and the Council concurred.
Ms. Curry reported that with regard to advertising City Council meetings and other
notices, staff recommend that Council meeting and workshops be advertised in the
Miami Herald Neighbors-Zone 5&6,Saturday Edition and Diario de Las Americas.
She further noted that Employment advertisements and publie hearing notices would
be placed in the Miami Herald,the Miami Times and Diario de Las Americas. She
suggested advertising in this manner for a period of six months and then modify or
adopt a more formal policy in the future. She explained that Zoning hearings would
be advertised in the Miami Herald Neighbors- Zones 5 & 6. She advised that the
current recommendation would cost approximately$10412,000 per month.
Following brief discussion, Council Member Watson moved to accept the
recommendation on a six-month basis. Seconded by Council Member Pritchett. All
voted in favor. The Motion passed unanimously(7-0).
Ms. Curry advised that staff had provided five sites for the public to view copies of
the Agenda package. She clarified that at Florida Memorial College, the Agenda
could be found in the Administration Building, Public Affairs Office.
11. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
11A) REPORT OF MAYOR ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Mayor Gibson provided a report regarding emergency contact information given to
the County. She advised that she, Vice Mayor Campbell and Ms. Curry were
provided as the contact individuals. She noted that the City has a year to develop its
plan and currently the City is still under the auspicious of Miami-Dade County,Area
7,the North Miami Beach area.
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 6 of 8
Ms. Curry added that there are two shelters in the City listed by the Red Cross,
Norwood Elementary and Carol City Senior High.
Mayor Gibson announced the web site—www.miamigardens-fl.gov
11 B) REPORT OF COUNCILMAN OSCAR BRAYNON ON RULES OF
PROCEDURES
Council Member Braynon advised that he had met with staff and provided draft
Rules of Procedure. He suggested scheduling a workshop.
Following discussion, August 27`"was suggested as the date of a workshop.
Ms. Curry advised that she would notice the meeting.
11 C) GENERAL REPORTS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
• Council Member Bratton offered that he had attempted to contact Dorothy Smith
and Mr. Sinclair regarding Ms. Smith's concerns. He remarked that he is
attempting to respond to all citizen's concerns.
• Council Member Pritchett requests that the address of the office and the Village
phone number be placed on the Agenda.
Mayor Gibson replied that the location of the meeting is normally on Agenda;
however, since the next meeting will be held at the City offices located at 17801
NW 2 Avenue, Suite 201,she would insure that staff includes the phone number
as well.
Ms. Curry announced that budget workshops shall be held on August 27`" and
`". She advised that the next Council meeting is September 10`n
September 8
Council Member Braynon suggested staff draft a letter of thanks to Norland High
School for allowing the City the use of the auditorium.
12. REQUESTS,PETITIONS& OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC:
12A) R. Terry Cuson, President/CEO of North Dade Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Mr. Cuson offered a presentation with regard to the North Dade Regional Chamber
of Commerce, asking the Council and the City to join the Chamber and noting the
Chamber's accomplishments. Mr. Andre Williams concurred, adding that young
people should be encouraged to join the junior chamber commerce. He provided his
phone numbers 305-733-1521 or 305-690-1923.
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 7 of 8
12B) PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals addressed the Council: Mr.Reuben Burke,2320 NW 182
Terrace;Ms.Ebony Johnson of The Resource Room;Janice Coakley, 19681 NW 33
Avenue;Carolyn Middleton, 1110 NW 182 Street; Johnny Crawford, 1401 NW 173
Terrace; Angelo LaVecchia, 17340 NW 27 Avenue; Herzen Bain, 4320 NW 182
Street;Leonard Coles,2010 NW 191 Terrace;Oliver Gilbert, 17621 NW 23 Avenue;
Wendell James, 18820 NW 29 Place; and, Ansel Smith, 721 NW 187 Drive.
13. ADJOURNMENT:
Vice Mayor Campbell moved to adjourn. Seconded by Council Member King. The
meeting adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
Prepared and submitted by:
Meighan J. Pier, Acting City Clerk
Adopted by the City Council on
this day of September, 2003.
Shirley Gibson, Mayor
Minutes of the Council Meeting of August 20,2003
City of Miami Gardens
Page 8 of 8