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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.08.2003 INDEX CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 8, 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......................................................... Pagel 4A) Approval of minutes of City Council meeting of September 24, 2003 5. Agenda/Order of Business(Additions/Deletions/Amendments....... Page 1-2 6. Special Presentations........................................................ Page 2 6A) None 7. Ordinances for First Reading 7A)None...................................................................... Page 2 8. Ordinance for Second Reading(Public Hearings) ....................... Page 2 8A) None...................................................................... Page 2 9. Resolutions 9A) Deleted.................................................................... Page 2 9B) Deleted................................................................... Page 2 9C) Res. #2003-34 Encouraging Businesses within the City of Miami Gardens to Support economic development initiatives......... Page 2-3 9D)Res.#2003-35 Encouraging voter registration within the City.... Page 3 William J. Green, Jr., J.D. ................................................... Page 3 9E)Res.#2003-36 approving Amendment No.I to the agreement with William J. Green, Jr., J.D. ................................................... Page 3-4 9F)Res. #2003-37 (add-on item)Relating to the cost of transition Services except for Local and Specialized Police services.............. Page 4-6 10. Reports of Interim City Manager I OA) Budget Update and Final Disposition of Departmental Service Levels (Item Forthcoming)................................................... Page 6-12 1OB) Discussion of Interlocal Agreements................................ Page 12-13 10C) Transition Status Report.............................................. Page 13 11. Reports of Mayor and Council Members (None.......................... Page 13 11A) General Reports from Mayor and Council Members................. Page 13-14 12. Requests, Petitions &Other Communications from the Public (None)........................................................................... Page 14 12A) Public Comments....................................................... Page 14 13. Adjournment................................................................... Page 14 ��LAMI G 2003 �LORL9� CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 8, 2003 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on Wednesday, October 8, 2003, beginning at 7:05 p.m., in Suite 201 of the City of Miami Gardens Administrative Offices, 17801 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson, Vice Mayor Aaron Campbell and Council members Barbara Watson,Melvin L.Bratton,Audrey J.King, Sharon Pritchett and Oscar Braynon, II. Also in attendance were: Interim City Manager Cynthia W. Curry, Transition Coordinator William J. Green, Jr., Interim City Attorney Hans Ottinot and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. 2. INVOCATION Reverend Greg Williams delivered the Invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 4A) APPROVE MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2003 Moved by Councilmember Bratton, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to approve the minutes with the following amendments,page 3,line 20,change 2.5 million to 2.6 million; line 22, change$305,000.00 to$205,000,00; line 26,change 2.5 million to 2.6 million. Page 6,line 12,the sentence should read" May through September, FY 2002/03..." There being no further discussion the motion carried by a 7-0 vote. 5. AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS(ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/AMENDMENTS): Vice Mayor Campbell deleted Items 9A and 9B from the official agenda. October S,2003 City Council Minutes Page 1 of 14 Interim Manager Curry requested that Agenda Item 9F be heard after Item No. 10A. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: 6A) NONE 7. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING: 7A) NONE 8. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING (PUBLIC HEARINGS): 8A) NONE 9. RESOLUTIONS: Items 9A and 913 were deleted from the official agenda by Vice Mayor Campbell. 9A) A RESOLUTION OF T14E CITY COUNCIL OF T14E CITY OF MIAMI GARDE FLORIDA,A D Q T STi G MIAMI Aril it A i E COUNTY TNTV!"ON4P7 V WIT-14 iTC FISCAL L A D 2002 2003 BUDGET ORDINANCE NC AS IT RELATES A TTJ C TO Ti4E COSTS OF i TT DiAii SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE CITY OF MIAMI Aril G A RD NC. DIRECTING T14E iNTEPUM CITY MANAGER TO FORWARD A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE A i A VO f THE !'' BOARD OF OUNTV COMMISSIONERS AND THE COUNTV MANAGER OF A41 A Alii it A i E COUNTY iN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE TE TH TERMS OF T141S RESOLUTION; PROVTirING FORANEFFECT117E DATE.TL (SPO Cl1D L it DLV VICE MAYOR A YO AARON CAMPBELL) 9B) A RESOLUTION OF T-14E C-1TV COUNCIL OF T14E CITY OF MIAMI GARDE f 7 OPJD Af T D Q CTi G T14AT T Alii A I%41 DADE COUNTY TNTV REN A AiiL'THEili DiC i ISTPJCT iN T14E CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS FROM IIA41A Alii D A i E COUNTV POLICE DEPARTMENT CAROL CITY DIST- ICT-11 TO"Alii A NH D A DE CO TNTV POLICE DEPARTMENT MIAMI RDE#S DIST CT99; PROVIDING A DIRECTINIE TO THE il\TTL RIM (`r iTVMANAGERTO i O A i iTH iNGS NECESSARV TO EFFECTUATE THE NAME CHANGE N!''T+ ilii ALL OLICE �vr�--vr— � v a�a� STATIONS WITHIN T14E CCTV; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE EC TiVE it A TT (SPONSORED BY VICE MAVOR AARON CAMPBELL. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-34 9C) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ENCOURAGING BUSINESSES WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES SPONSORED BY THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BARBARA WATSON) Councilmember Watson explained her rationale for sponsoring this item. She emphasized the importance of businesses within this community partnering with the City of Miami Gardens in order to provide quality service to the residents. She said this is Phase II of an initiative to increase the City's revenues from within. The community power will become greater if the residents spend from within. It is also important that the businesses are responsive to the residents. October 8,2003 City Council Minutes Page 2 of 14 Moved by Councilmember Braynon, seconded by Councilmember King to approve this item. Motion carried by a 7-0 vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-35 9D) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ENCOURAGING VOTER REGISTRATION WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR PLACEMENT OF REGISTRATION EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS AT CITY HALL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCIL MEMBER AUDREY J. KING) Councilmember King gave emphasis to the importance of voter registration and making available to the residents of Miami Gardens the voter registration application. The resolution was amended to include the placement of voter registration applications at those locations identified for the placement of the City Council meeting agendas, after the Interim Manager has informed those proprietors that additional material will be delivered. Interim Manager Curry shared that citizens were not visiting some of the selected sites where City Council agenda packets are placed. Therefore, those sites may not be a good area to leave voter registration applications. There, being no further discussion it was moved by Councilmember Braynon, seconded by Councilmember Bratton to approve this item as amended. Motion carried by a 7-0 vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-36 9E) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND WILLIAM J.GREEN,JR.,J.D.; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CONSULTANT AGREEMENT ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (INTERIM CITY MANAGER) Interim Manager Curry explained the pertinent issues involved with this amendment. She indicated that this amendment would extend the agreement through the month of February 2004. Councilmember Pritchett asked Interim Manager Curry to further expound on this position as it relates to the Charter so that the public will have a clear understanding of the process. . Interim Manager Curry articulated that the Charter only addresses the positions of City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk. The Charter is silent on those positions that fall under the City Manager's jurisdiction. In this instance, Mr. Green's responsibilities fall under the Interim City Manager. However because no City Manager was on board when Mr. Green was hired,the initial agreement was approved by this Council. The only reason this item is being brought back to the Council is because of a time frame clause in the agreement. This extension would allow Mr. Green to work with the new manager in the day to day operation of the City until February 2004. Once the new manager is on board he/she will evaluate Mr. Green in Regular City Council Minutes 3 October 8,2003 terms of his/her goals and objectives and staff preferences. Also included in the agreement is a two weeks notice clause. Moved by Councilmember Watson,seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to approve this item. Motion carried by a 7-0 vote. This is an add-on Item heard after Item 10B 9F) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE COST OF TRANSITION SERVICES EXCEPT FOR LOCAL AND SPECIALIZED POLICE SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Interim Manager Curry explained that the police department was not included in this resolution because Council already passed a resolution dealing with police services. She expressed concern with the fact that the resolution relating to police services had a date of October 1, 2003, however the Interlocal Agreement will have another date. She emphasized the importance of not having the dates conflict with each other. Interim City Attorney Ottinot related that he would put a clause in the agreement to indicate that in case of a conflict between the resolution date and the agreement date, the agreement date would control. Interim Manager Curry pointed out that the resolution identified Code Enforcement,Public Works,Building,Zoning and Planning as services that would be provided by Miami-Dade County as of November 1, 2003, at a level of service allocated and reflected in the City's FY 03-04 budget. She indicated that based on the information presented tonight,the provision that indicates that Park and Recreation would continue at the same level of service until January 2004 requires further discussion from the Council. This amount would be approximately 1 million dollars. She opined that an RFP needed to be prepared,and it needed to be done immediately. She anticipated having the RFP back by the November 19'h Council meeting. Mayor Gibson suggested having administration look at other options. Interim Manager Curry indicated that to explore other options would take at least a couple of weeks. Vice Mayor Campbell suggested having Miami-Dade County provide the service until January 2004, at a reduced level. Councilmember Pritchett questioned how a determination would be made as to what the reduced level of service would be. Ms. Vivian Rodriguez, Director of Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Services appeared before the City Council to elaborate on the proposed budgetary restraints and level of Regular City Council Minutes 4 October 8,2003 services to be provided by her department. She provided different scenarios that would provide service at the 2.1 million dollar plus level. She indicated that staffing would be reduced at all Park. Two of the Park will not be staffed. Two pools will not be opened during in the summer months. Councilmember Bratton inquired about the funds to build the recreation facility located on 199th Street and NW 32nd Ms. Rodriguez conveyed her understanding that this matter was in the hands of the Miami- Dade County Commission. Councilmember Bratton asked if the facility would still be built even though there are Park scheduled to be closed. Ms. Rodriguez said that the building of this facility is a part of the Capital Improvement Budget and not related to the operating budget. She said that it would take a policy decision from Miami-Dade County Commission to determine if that Capital Improvement money would be transferred to the City. Councilmember King conveyed concern with the closing of the pools because the dangers of children using the canal as an alternate site for recreation. Mayor Gibson shared that it is a known fact that every year Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation has traditionally closed pools. Ms. Rodriguez indicated that park maintenance and recreation programming would mainly be affected. Mayor Gibson suggested doing an RFP for maintenance and keeping the programming. Ms. Rodriguez identified a scenario whereby Miami-Dade County could provide the same level of service but no maintenance. Councilmember Pritchett asked if it would be possible to have an RFP in place within the next three months so that the City will not have to go into another long contractual agreement with the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department. This would give the City enough time to come up with an RFP. Interim Manager Curry related that if the RFP is what the Council decides, it can be accomplished within that three month period. However, if Council wants other options explored then that presents a different situation. Ms. Rodriguez conveyed that unless Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department receives directions from this Council it will continue to operate at the full level of service. Moved by Councilmember Pritchett, seconded by Councilmember Bratton to approve this item. Motion carried by a 7-0 vote. Regular City Council Minutes 5 October 8,2003 Staff was directed to prepare an RFP for Park and Recreation Services.Those services shall commence January 2004, after the services being provided by Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department concludes. *Item No. 10C was considered at the conclusion of discussion on Item No. 9F. 10. REPORTS OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER 10A) BUDGET UPDATE AND FINAL DISPOSITION OF DEPARTMENTAL SERVICE LEVELS (ITEM FORTHCOMING) Interim Manager Curry read into the record a Memorandum entitled"Budget Update/Service Levels". She stated."Over the last several weeks since the last Council meeting of September 24`h,I, along with William Green have held meetings and engaged in numerous discussions with County staff to include the Office of the County Manager,the Office of Management and Budget(OMB),the Park and Recreation Department, the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) and Team Metro. During the last Council meeting, the operating budget for the City was approved, however, it was stated very clearly to the Council that the impact of the cost of interim services for the period May 13- September 30, 2003 provided by the County, as well as the offset of revenues collected on the City's behalf by the County, could result in a deficit. On Monday,October 6`h,staff received a report from the County that reflected all but one item that is currently pending,the value of the water utility tax for both FY 02-03 and FY 03-04. After factoring in additional revenues and expenditures that are directly incurred by the City, the cost of services provided by the County still exceeded revenues by $4,337,000. Although it was expected that expenditures would exceed revenues during this period based mainly on the cost of police services, the degree of the cost of County services far exceeded staff expectations. Over the last month, I have reported to Council the lack of solid budget estimates from OMB or Florida Power and Light(FPL)to base electric franchise and utility tax revenues in both FY 02-03 and 03-04 budgets. OMB recently shared with City staff information received from FPL that provided the information required by the County to produce more reliable budget estimates. The new estimates were reflected in the report received from the County on Monday, October 6th. As reflected on the attached chart,the FY 03-04 revenue projections based on updated estimates from the County are down by $2,438,000. The projection includes reductions in the following areas: electric franchise fees by $200,000; gas franchise fees by $205,000; electric utility taxes by $1,560,000;water utility taxes by$332,000(projection by County still pending);park program and facility fees reduced by$173,000 (expenditures has currently reflected in the FY 03-04 budget are already net of revenues). Fines and forfeitures projection increased by $32,000. Reserves established in the FY 03-04 budget at$1,300,000 are recommended to be frozen. Based on the FY 02-03 shortfall and the revenue and expenditure adjustments in the FY 03-04 budget to date,the total projected budget deficit for the City is $5,475,000. As a result of the foregoing,the City is facing a serious budget deficit out of FY 02-03 as well as a significant projected revenue shortfall for FY 03-04 that will severely restrict spending levels for the Regular City Council Minutes 6 October 8,2003 balance of the current fiscal year.As reported to the Council in earlier communication,close month- to-month monitoring of revenues and expenditures is paramount. Service Levels Prior to the specific identification of budget shortfalls mentioned above,the budgeted amounts for the provision of service levels by several County agencies were already reduced for FY 03-04 based on the fact that the City is not able to provide services at the current county rate. Services provided by the Miami-Dade Police Department(see attached comparison)based on the negotiated amount in the FY 03-04 budget will be reduced from the level of service provided in FY 02-03 by 50+ positions. Overtime and personnel assigned to the General Investigative Unit are also in the FY 03- 04 budget at reduced levels. (see attachment) FY 03-04 includes no funds for school crossing guards. However, Police officials stated that they would work with staff from the Miami-Dade Clerk's Office to establish a fund to begin the receipt of ticket fine revenue for the City of Miami Gardens. The estimate for this revenue is unknown at this time. The estimated cost for the program is estimated at$800,000 for the City of Miami Gardens for 66 officers. The Park and Recreation Department advised staff that it would not be able to provide the same level of service as provided in FY 02-03 for the budgeted amount of$2,100,000 in the FY 03-04 budget. The department shared several service level scenarios that the City could consider.(see attachment) The service level that matched the budget included the closing of two Park,the closing of two pools, and with the exception of a few Park, no programming to include after school care, sports development and summer programs. Services continue to be provided at the FY 02-03 budgeted levels. A full discussion by the Council is sought on this issue. Regarding code enforcement services,County staff advised the City that in order to provide services at the FY 03-04 budgeted level that staff would be reduced thereby impacting service levels. City staff was advised that code enforcement officers currently at six,would be reduced to 4,and service representatives currently at four, would be reduced to two for code enforcement activities only". Interim Manager Curry related that the budget passed on September 24,2003 will not change. Administration will be providing projections on a month to month basis.The only time the Council will respond to those projections is if there is a serious swing that would cause this Council to have to modify its spending plan and address cash flow issues. She emphasized that FY 03-04 budget hasn't changed but based on the budget revenue estimates received,the City has to be extremely cautious. She referenced the Interim Period Budget Update for FY 02-03 for the period of May 13 —September 30,2003 and indicated that Miami Dade County collected$7,905,024 in revenues,the City collected or will collect$2,163,157 in revenues for a total of$10,068,181. Interim Manager Curry shared that administration had some concerns and complaints,given the fact that Miami-Dade County had not provided figures for the projected revenues for franchises for FY 03-04 Budget. As a result, administration went with its best projection after discussions with County staff and representatives from FP&L. Subsequently, Miami-Dade County provided projected figures for the FP&L franchise, which is a $200,000 shift down from the projected revenues in FY 03-04 budget. As for Gas Franchise Fees, Miami-Dade County informed administration that they do not collect any Gas Franchise Fees. This information was shared during Regular City Council Minutes 7 October 8,2003 the MAC process. Therefore,the$205,000 depicted in FY 03-04 budget is something Miami-Dade County could not support because they do not collect any Gas Franchise Fees. Therefore, the $205,000 was taken out of the projected budget. The Utility Tax Fees went from $4,953,000 to 3,393,000,based on Miami-Dade County's projections. The Gas Utility tax remains at$190,000. The Water Utility tax information is still pending. Administration decided based on the current trend of information being provided by Miami-Dade County,that the projected Water Utility fee be reduced from$832,000 to $500,000. Hopefully this amount will represent a more realistic figure because Miami-Dade County did not have the figures from Opa-locks or North Miami Beach. The North Miami Beach numbers would really make or not make this estimate. She emphasized that these are estimates that may change next month,particularly on the revenue side. Since the City has no history month-to-month monitoring is essential because the City has no cushion. Interim Manager Curry referenced the Park Program and Facility Rental Fees in the amount of$173,000,and stated that this amount was taken out of the budget after discussions with Miami- Dade staff. This figure might not generate that much money. It all depends on how the City assumes the Park and Recreation services in terms of the delivery mechanism. This $173,000 is included in the net figure provided by the Miami-Dade County Park Department. Interim Manager Curry referenced the departmental budgets approved by Council, specifically as it related to the Park Department, with a projected budget of 2.1 million dollars. Miami-Dade County Park Department indicated that a budget of 3.2 million dollars is needed,if in fact,they were contracted to provide the service. The budget that was approved by this Council is 2.1 million dollars. Interim Manager Curry referenced the Police Department's budget and indicated that this amount is set at $21,063,080. The Code Enforcement departmental budget, which is set at $518,110, has also been discussed with the Miami-Dade County Code Enforcement Office. Interim Manager Curry stated that based on the projected revenues and expenditures she was recommending that the 1.3 million dollars set aside in the Reserve Fund (Tax Utilization and Contingency)be frozen. This recommendation is being made to offset the reduction in revenues. Based on expenditures in excess of revenues,the City has a shortfall of approximately$1,138,000 million dollars. Interim Manager Curry summarized that the FY 02-03 budget deficit is 4.3 million. The shortfall for the revenue projections for FY 03-04 is $2.4 million. The total estimated shortfall for FY 03-04 is $6,775,000. Interim Manager Curry indicated that Miami-Dade County's figures will change because of accounting reconciliation for FY 02-03. The 4.3 million dollar deficit for FY 02-03 is a bill that Miami-Dade County has billed the City. It is a debt that Miami-Dade County doesn't expect the City to pay immediately. She conveyed her belief that the City will not be able to pay this 4.3 million dollar invoice from its FY 03-04 budget. Miami-Dade County has made it clear that a pay plan over the next few years is something they will look at. Councilmember King asked Ms. Curry her opinion on what caused the deficit for FY 02-03. Regular City Council Minutes 8 October 8,2003 Interim Manager Curry related that the answer is the process that estimated the cost for services that came from the MAC. At times the figures that the MAC provided differed from what Miami-Dade County presented. During the process,Miami-Dade County had projected 25 million dollars in revenue and the MAC figure was approximately 36 million dollars. The process that projected the cost for those services did not project those cost at the rate that Miami-Dade was providing the services. Miami-Dade County's projections were lower in terms of revenues. Vice Mayor Campbell conveyed that in addition to the figures not being compatible,the cost of services also went up. Councilmember Pritchett asked based on the Interim City Manager's analysis what recommendations would she make in regard to service levels, staffing and spending. Interim Manager Curry related the City has to move forward and assume some of the services being provided by Miami-Dade County, infrastructure wise,the City is not in a position to do that. However,at it relates to Park,the Council is going to have to give direction to staff tonight to move forward for contractual services as it relates to administration, programs, and facility and ground maintenance for the Park Department. The Miami-Dade County Park Department has indicated that in order for them to provide services to the City of Miami Gardens for the next four months,the cost would be 1 million dollars. She emphasized that the City has to immediately make the decision to pull those services in. Interim Manager Curry recounted that Council had at its September 24th Council meeting passed a resolution contracting with Miami Dade County Police Department for localized police services at a cost of 15 million dollars and specialized police services at a cost of 6 million dollars for a total cost of 21 million dollars. Administration learned on this past Monday that Mr. Carlos Alvarez, Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department indicated that they would only provide services at this level through December 2003 because the City does not have funds to pay for those services. Administration was advised today that Miami-Dade County would like to have an agreement to follow the resolution adopted on September 24th, indicating the City's agreement to have Miami-Dade County provide the services at a reduced level. Miami-Dade County has indicated that it would continue to provide police services at the current level until December 2003 because it would take them that long to transition services downward. Interim Manager Curry reiterated that the 2.4 million dollar revenue projected shortfall mentioned earlier is a major concern. This deficit is not to be taken lightly. There are other areas incorporating that will face the same challenges. Interim Manager Curry related that the FY 03-04 budget represents some service reductions in the Park Department. This Council needs to identify where those reductions will take place. Mayor Gibson expounded on comments made by Interim Manager Curry in regard to the Park Department. She emphasized that because there is a lower amount allocated did not mean that the citizens couldn't get quality service. She stressed that the City must take these services in house in order to get some control of what is happening with the dollars that have been allocated to the City Regular City Council Minutes 9 October 8,2003 of Miami Gardens. Councilmember Pritchett asked Interim Manager Curry what she foresaw in terms of additional revenue sources that might be available to the City to address some of the deficits the City is currently facing. Interim Manager Curry indicated that Mr. Richard Miller has been in contract with the different agencies trying to get some grant funding for the City. No success there yet. She emphasized that grants are good but they are also limiting. Sometime they require a cash match,or in kind services. There are also time frames attached to the grants. The reality in this particular case is that the Ad Valorem tax is the largest revenue source for the City. After that comes the Utility taxes and the Franchise fees. Councilmember Watson referenced comments made by Interim Manager Curry as it related to the City not being able to afford the level of service being provided by Miami-Dade County. She accentuated the importance of the City taking immediate steps to take control of those services. She further pointed out that the rate in which Miami-Dade County is charging the City is constantly changing. She asked administration to go into detail about the ever changing police cost. Mr. Green,the City's Transition Coordinator indicated that the police cost has actually been reduced since the MAC process. Initially during the MAC process the police cost was calculated on a per call basis. At the time the cost estimate for May 13 through September 30, 2003 was 22 million dollars for localized services. Specialized services would cost an additional 6 million dollars for a proposed transition budget of 28 million dollars. It is now based on the number of officers used to patrol the City. The same level of service would be provided through September 30,2003. For FY 03-04 the police department would be providing a reduced level of service. Councilmember Watson shared that she's learned from other municipalities that have contracted for services with Miami-Dade County that the fees are constantly changing. She asked how the City can protect itself against this type of situation. Interim Manager Curry said that any governmental entity is going to be in a mode of reviews and revising. The City has to be very diligent in making sure everything is put into an Interlocal Agreement. Vice Mayor Campbell related that Miami-Dade County has made a rule that newly incorporated municipalities must contract with Miami-Dade County for police services,and they set the price. He opined that the City needs to move on with this item and when appropriate have an audit done to recoup whatever possible. Mr. Robert Parker, Assistant Director of Police Services for the Miami-Dade Police Department appeared before the City Council. He provided a brief historical perspective of the Miami-Dade Police Department. He stated that this was not an easy area to patrol. He related that the Carol City District has the second highest number of robberies (37) for one week. The highest number is in Northside. He underlined that in terms of crime fighting, resources are needed to address the problem. This area also has the highest number of arrest(17) for this time period. He Regular City Council Minutes 10 October 8,2003 referenced the newly incorporated Town of Miami Lakes and said that they have very few robberies therefore they can afford to hire fewer officers. He said that it is difficult to reduce police services by October 1St. He said there are approximately ten systems that must be modified to conform to the City of Miami Gardens. One of those systems includes the Burglar Alarm System. He related that the City might want to look at this particular system in terms of generating revenue for the City. He conveyed the department's commitment to providing the best police services possible,and if after three years, the City decides to not renew the contract, the Miami-Dade Police Department would definitely comply. The reduction in police officers will not represent a reduction in marked units (police vehicles) on the streets. The school crossing guard program is a separate service that will have to be paid for separately by the City. There will be a reduced number of police investigators, which means less crime being solved. There will be a reduced number of Community Oriented Police Personnel (COPS). This means a leaner police force, which in turn means an increase in crime. Mayor Gibson referenced the statement made by Mr.Parker indicating that this area is hard to police. She said this community made a strong statement when it incorporated. The citizens wanted more than what was being provided by Miami-Dade County. What has to happen to change the stigma that this area is hard to police is the residents who live here. She emphasized that the residents must have pride in where they live. She related that this community did not have the funds coming in to take care of those social services issues. This is why there are so many problems with the police department. The disproportionate number of police officers is a direct result of this community not getting the other social services needed. All this community receives is police service. Major Marshall appeared before the City Council to reaffirm his commitment to providing the best possible police service to the City of Miami Gardens. He indicated that in essence he would be the Chief of Police for the City of Miami Gardens and as such would report directly to the City Manager. Vice Mayor Campbell expressed concern with the disparity between the police service contract between Miami-Dade County and Palmetto Bay and the proposed contract between Miami- Dade County and the City of Miami Gardens. He said provisions were being included in Miami Gardens' contract that was not included in the contract entered into with the Village of Palmetto Bay. Interim Manager's financial reports that outline revenues and expenditures for May13- September 30 period for the City operations only is attached hereto as Exhibit"A"and made a part of the official record. At this time, Mayor Gibson opened the floor for public comments. Barbara Jordan of 2251 NW 188"'Terrace appeared before the City Council to express her views about the Budget Update provided by the Interim City Manager;the discrepancy between the MAC budget and the budget prepared by Miami-Dade County. Mr. Anselm Smith of 721 NW 187"'Drive appeared before the City Council to express his concerns with the City's budget, police and park and recreation services. He further voiced his Regular City Council Minutes 11 October 8,2003 dissatisfaction with Miami-Dade County's lack of cooperation with the City of Miami Gardens. Mr.Robert Parrish of 1421 NW 179`"Street appeared before the City Council to express his views about parking on the public right of way. He asked the Council to advise residents living within a two block radius of any school to take the stones off the swale area. Ms. Robin Brown-Beamon an employee with the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department,residing at 15820 NW 37th Avenue and an employee of the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department appeared before City Council to express her views about the budget,and in defense of the services provided by Miami-Dade County. Ms. Sharon Frazier-Stephens of 145 N.E. 193`d Street appeared before the City Council to express her views about the budget, and the Park and Recreation Department. She further encouraged everyone to support Commissioner Betty Ferguson at the County level. Ms. Janice Coakley of 19681 NW 33`d Avenue appeared before the City Council to express her concerns about the Park and Recreation programming. She emphasized that she did not believe in privatizing and asked the Council to save the jobs of the part-time park workers. She further provided a listing of the additional water fees being imposed by the City of North Miami Beach. Mayor Gibson ended the public comments and returned to the official agenda. Councilmember Pritchett indicated that during the last Council meeting she'd requested that a list be made available to the Council reflecting the current level of police services being provided this fiscal year (FY 02-03) as opposed to next fiscal year's (FY 03-04) reduced level of services. According to the minutes,Major Marshall indicated that Major Thompson would be providing that information to the Interim City Manager. Interim Manager Curry said the information she'd received and provided to Council might not be what Councilmember Pritchett was requesting. Councilmember Pritchett related that she was looking for specific information so that she would have a better understanding of what those actual services were, and what the proposed services will be. She related that she was asking for a comparison and analysis so that she,as well as the other Council members could actually look at and compare. Major Marshall said that the police department's district station did not have an actual list. All of the community related items such as the DARE program were done out of Miami-Dade Police Department's Community Affairs Division. He opined that those types of services will not be done any more because Miami-Dade County pays for those. 10B) DISCUSSION OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS Mr.Green indicated that the Master Interlocal,the Interlocal for local police services and the Interlocal for specialized police services were tentatively scheduled to come before the Council at this Council meeting. The Interlocal Agreements have been put on hold to get some direction from Regular City Council Minutes 12 October 8,2003 the Council for things that are a necessity for the Interlocal Agreements. The Master Interlocal Agreement has time frames included as to when certain services would be assumed by the City. There is an adequate notice requirement as to when those services would be assumed, how they would be assumed and how long would the County continue to provide the services. In addition, a mechanism for extending the one year negotiation period is required. Interim Manager Curry further expounded on this issue and stated that the Council passed a resolution knowing that it did not have an Interlocal Agreement for police services. She suggested having the City Attorney draft an agreement that addresses police services,and a second agreement that addresses, Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning, Public Works, with an effective date November 1, 2003. Park and Recreation is an area that needs additional discussion. She opined that it is critical to get those services on board on a level that the City can afford. Vice Mayor Campbell opined that the Miami-Dade County Police Department wasn't changing its position. He recommended moving forward. At this time the Council considered Item No. 9F. This item is reflected in its respective place on the official agenda and the minutes. 10C) TRANSITION STATUS REPORT Administration provided a written report. There were no questions or comments from Council in regard to this matter. 11. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 11A) GENERAL REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS 1. "WALKING FOR MIAMI GARDENS"—COUNCIL MEMBER AUDREY J. KING Councilmember King proposed that every other month the Council members walk together in the various District areas. The purpose of this project is to bring the members of this Council closer to the residents. At the same time encourage residents who may not come to the Council meetings to attend. The walk will occur on a Friday night in areas selected by the individual Council members. The Mayor and At-Large seats will select an area of their choice to walk. This is another way of introducing ourselves to those we represent.Vice Mayor Campbell has designated the month of January 2004 to walk in District 1. Vice Mayor Campbell opined that this is an excellent idea. He conveyed that this should be the responsibility of each Council member to do. He said that he did not feel that the walk had to be a structured program. Council members Bratton and Braynon conveyed support for the Walk For Miami Gardens Program. Councilmember Pritchett shared that she'd had a concern with Sunshine Law violations. The Interim City Attorney has assured her that everything is okay as long as members of Homeowner Associations are involved with the walk. This would provide witnesses who could attest to the fact Regular City Council Minutes 13 October 8,2003 that the Council members did not discuss anything that might come before the Council. She opined that whatever we can do to help residents become familiar with us as council members is a good idea. She stated that each Council person often walk and this is not something new to them. She said that this is a good idea if it will help the council members to get in touch with the people. Interim Manager Curry announced that two tentative dates have been set via the City Clerk for the Zoning meetings. Those dates are Wednesday,October 29,2003 and Wednesday,November 12, 2003. Interim City Attorney Ottinot indicated that in order for the Council to hear the Comprehensive Plan amendments,it has to be established as a Local Planning Agency(LPA),which has to be done by Ordinance. This ordinance will be prepared for the October 22"d City Council meeting. 12. REQUESTS,PETITIONS&OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC: None 12A) PUBLIC COMMENTS—20 MINUTES Less Williams of 17204 NW 49`h Place appeared before the City Council to express his views about the budget and politics. Reverend Leonard Coles of 2010 NW 191" Terrace appeared before the City Council to express his views about Park and Recreation issues. He recommended that the Council start appointing residents to Citizen Boards in order to assist the Council members with the pressing issues they are currently facing. Mayor Gibson indicated that citizens' input is always welcomed. However,the City is not in a position as yet to bring on Citizen Boards. There is not sufficient staffing on board to coordinate and support the activities associated with citizen boards. 13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before this Body,it was moved by Councilmember Bratton, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to adjourn the meeting at 11:55 p.m. Approved e � Attest: Ofiffley Gibson Mayor Ronetta Taylor, C City Clerk Regular City Council Minutes 14 October 8,2003