HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 10, 2004 INDEX
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 10,2004
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
Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting of-
Regular
fRegular Council Meeting of February 25,2004......................... Page 1
5. Agenda/Order of Business (Additions/Deletions/Amendments....... Page 1
The agenda was amended to include the following item:
a) A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Miami Gardens, Florida,
Endorsing Senate Bill 1846 which seeks to rename a portion of NW 199th
Street(Honey Hill Drive)between 47th Avenue and 27th Avenue.... Page 1
6. Special Presentations......................................................... Page 2
6A)Major Willie B. Marshall Miami-Dade Police Department; City of
Miami Gardens, Carol City District Commander—Monthly update.. Page 2-3
6B) Proclamation ........................................................... Page 3
7. Ordinances for First Reading
7A) Adopting the Official City Seal....................................... Page 3-4
7B) Adopting regulations pertaining to Official use of the City's
Logos........................................................................... Page 4-5
7C Establishing Code Enforcement procedures.......................... Page 5-6
8. Ordinance for Second Reading(Public Hearings) ....................... Page 5-6
8A) Ord. 2004-08-24 Adopting an Occupational License Tax pursuant
to Chapter 205................................................................. Page 6-7
9. Public Comment............................................................... Page 7
10. Resolutions
l0A) Res. 2004-43-94 Supporting the movement tour and the Miami
Gardens Music Festival ...................................................... Page 7-8
l OB) Res. 2004-45-95 Approving a Waiver of Plat Requirement for
property generally located at Northwest 165'h Street and Northwest 49th
Avenue.......................................................................... Page 8-9
1OC) Res. 200445-96 Expressing opposition to House Bill 1237
and Senate Bill 2322 relating to Communications Service Taxes...... Page 9
10D) Res. 2004-46-97 Endorsing Senate Bill 1846 which seeks to rename
a portion of NW 199th Street(Honey Hill Drive)......................... Page 10
11. Reports of City Manager....................................................................... Page 10
12 Reports of Mayor and Council Members ................................... Page 10
12A) General Reports from Mayor and Council Members.............. Page 10-12
13 Requests, Petitions &Other Communications from the Public......... Page 12
13A) Public Comments...................................................... Page 12-13
14. Special Presentations
None............................................................................. Page 13
15. Adjournment.................................................................... Page 13
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 10, 2004
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on
Wednesday, March 10, 2004, beginning at 7:05 p.m., in Suite 201 of the 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 Audrey J.King,Barbara Watson,Melvin L.Bratton,
Sharon Pritchett and Oscar Braynon, II.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K. Knighton
and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
2. INVOCATION:
Father Horace B. Ward, Pastor of Holy Family Episcopal Church 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:
Regular Council Meeting - February 25, 2004
It was moved by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve the
minutes with the following addition to page 2, line 16, "identify the maker of the motion." There
being no further discussion the motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
5. AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/
AMENDMENTS):
Manager Crew requested that the official agenda be amended to include the following item:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,
ENDORSING SENATE BILL 1846 WHICH SEEKS TO RENAME A PORTION OF NW 199TH
STREET(HONEY HILL DRIVE)BETWEEN 47TH AVENUE AND 27TH AVENUE,AND FROM
THE TURNPIKE EAST TO HIGHWAY 441, IN HONOR OF JUDGE WILKIE D. FERGUSON,
JR; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO SIGN THE RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY
CLERK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
It was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to amend the
official agenda to include the above referenced item. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0
vote. This item was placed on the official agenda as Item No. I OD.
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Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 1 of 13
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S):
6A) Major Willie B. Marshall—Miami-Dade Police Department; City of Miami Gardens,Carol
City District Commander—Monthly update
Major Marshall appeared before the City Council to report that crime continues to decrease in
the City of Miami Gardens, and is down overall by eight percent across the board. In particular
robberies are down 41% from January to February 2004. Calls for service prior to December 1,
2003 were averaging approximately 10,000 calls per month. The average call for service now, is
approximately 12,000 calls per month. In addition, the Specialized Police Services information
will be provided to the City of Miami Gardens on a monthly basis.
Major Marshall further provided a status report on organized activities occurring at Scott
Park. He reported that a vendor was cited for operating a business without a license. He conveyed
the police department's continued enforcement at Scott Park.
Councilwoman Watson inquired as to the reason why the crime rate is down overall in the
City of Miami Gardens.
Major Marshall shared that the City of Miami Gardens has more officers on the road than
before December 1,2003. Before December 1,2003,the officers would have to patrol north from
Countyline Road to 103`d Street,south. Since December 1,2003 the officers only go as far south as
151s' Street, this resulted in a quicker turnaround because there is less area to patrol. This also
provides for more visibility of police officers. In addition,there are younger more aggressive police
officers patrolling the streets that want to do a good job for the City of Miami Gardens.
Vice Mayor Campbell asked if the response time has improved.
Major Marshall said that the response time has definitely improved. A formal written report
on a three month Work and Productivity Study conducted by the Carol City District Police
Department will be provided to the Council and administration.
Councilman Bratton inquired about the Crime Watch contact information for the City of
Miami Gardens.
Major Marshall indicated that some of the crime watch organizations previously mentioned
are not within the corporate boundaries of the City of Miami Gardens.
Captain Rifkin appeared before the City Council and informed Councilman Bratton that the
crime watch contact information is being updated. He provided the City Council with a final
analysis of the Product Activity Survey, which clearly indicated that this district with the current
resources can provided routine police service for the City.
Councilwoman King commended the Miami-Dade County/Carol City District Police
Department for doing an excellent job in making Miami Gardens a safe place to live.
Councilman Bratton inquired about the Police Explorers Program.
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Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 2 of 13
Captain Rifkin said that the previous Explorers Program was implemented by the Miami
Dade County Police Department however this would not preclude the City of Miami Gardens from
starting its own Police Explorers Program.
Vice Mayor Campbell suggested identifying a funding source in order to hire a community
service oriented police officer to spearhead a Police Explorers Program in the City of Miami
Gardens.
Mayor Gibson asked Major Marshall to advise the City Council when Carol City District
officers are recognized as Officer of the Month by Miami-Dade County so that the City of Miami
Gardens can recognize them as well.
Major Marshall shared that in December 2003 and January 2004,two of this District's police
officers were recognized as officer of the Month for the entire Miami-Dade County Police
Department. He said it is not often that two officers from the same District receive such an honor
back to back.
Mayor Gibson asked Major Marshall to provide this information to the City Manager so that
this matter can be placed on the City Council agenda.
6B) PROCLAMATION
Councilwoman King and members of the City Council presented a Proclamation,
proclaiming Wednesday, March 10, 2004 as "Mrs. Eunice J. Davis Day", in the City of Miami
Gardens. Mrs. Davis was recognized for her outstanding achievement as Principal of the Year for
Access Center I of Miami Dade County Public Schools.
6C) James Clausell appeared before the City Council to provide information on the Citizen Corps
Council and the Miami-Dade County Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group. He requested that
the Council officially appoint him as the City's liaison to these entities.
Attorney Knighton was directed to prepare a resolution for the next City Council meeting for
the Council's approval, appointing Mr. Clausell as the City's Citizen Liaison to the Miami-Dade
County Mitigation Strategy Working Group and the Citizen Corps. Council.
7. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING:
7A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE OFFICIAL CITY SEAL;
ADOPTING REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO OFFICIAL USE OF THE
CITY SEAL; 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 Crew explained that this ordinance would establish regulations for the use of the
official seal of the City. He said that a seal is necessary in order for the City Clerk to certify legal
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Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 3 of 13
documents as well as other official documentation. In addition, City Clerk is the keeper of the seal.
At the conclusion of this discussion, it was moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by
Councilwoman Watson to approve this item on first reading,with second reading and public hearing
scheduled at the March 24, 2004 City Council meeting. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0
vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
7B) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING OFFICIAL CITY LOGOS; ADOPTING REGULATIONS
PERTAINING TO OFFICIAL USE OF THE CITY LOGOS;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 Crew related that two samples are being recommended for the Council's
consideration. He suggested using the more elaborate logo on official documentation, the less
decorative logo on uniforms. He emphasized the importance of the City having an official logo in
place. The logo,if approved would be embossed onto uniforms to be worn by City of Miami Gardens
personnel.
Ms.Paulette Sims Wimberly,residing at 17351 NW 29th Avenue,Miami Gardens,Florida was
afforded an opportunity for comments. She reminded the Council members of its commitment to
involve the public in this process.
Mayor Gibson recounted that the public did participate in the initial project. However, the
Council was not impressed with what was presented at that time. She emphasized the importance of
the City moving forward with the logos recommended by the City Manager.
Councilman Braynon concurred with Mayor Gibson's statements and said there was citizen
participation in the initial process.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked for a minute to explain how the agenda was structured as it
related to ordinances on for first reading and second reading so that the audience will be empowered to
understand the process.
Mayor Gibson asked Attorney Knighton to prepare applicable language in a user-friendly
format explaining the agenda format at it related to first reading and second reading ordinances. This
information should be email to the City Clerk, who will in turn make sufficient copies and place in a
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Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 4 of 13
conspicuous place for the general public.
At the conclusion of this discussion, it was moved by Councilman Bratton, seconded by
Councilwoman King to approve this item on first reading, with second reading and public hearing
scheduled for March 24, 2004. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
7C) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA ESTABLISHING CODE ENFORCEMENT
PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR
CIVIL INFRACTIONS AND PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR
QUALIFICATIONS,APPOINTMENT,REMOVAL AND COMPENSATION
OF SPECIAL MASTERS; SETTING FORTH THE POWERS OF SPECIAL
MASTERS; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY TO INITIATE
ENFORCEMENT; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES;
PROVIDING FOR CIVIL PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS OF
VIOLATORS;PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT OF FINES;PROVIDING FOR
THE RIGHT TO APPEAL; PROVIDING FOR THE SCHEDULING AND
CONDUCT OF HEARINGS; PROVIDING FOR A PROCEDURE FOR
REDUCTION OF FINES/LIENS; PROVIDING REMEDIES TO RECOVER
UNPAID CIVIL PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL
ENFORCEMENT POWERS; ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF CIVIL
PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.(SPONSORED BY THE CITY
MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that the adoption of this ordinance would provide for the City's
Code Enforcement procedures, as well as for the use of a Special Masters. The Assistant City
Manager for Business Services will make a complete report on this item at the next City Council
meeting.
Mayor Gibson asked how would the City handle the issue of abandoned cars.
Manager Crew said that this ordinance doesn't address any of those types of issues. It is a
procedural ordinance only. The city has adopted the Miami-Dade County Code as it relates to Code
violations. In the very near future the City will hold a workshop to identify those issues relevant to
the construction of a Code Enforcement Code for the City of Miami Gardens.
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Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 5 of 13
Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of having a hard copy of the Miami-Dade County
Code in-house. She asked that the City Manager secure a hard copy of the Miami-Dade County
Code of Ordinances for the City of Miami Gardens and the general public.
Ms. Paulette Sims Wimberly,residing at 17351 NW 29th Avenue, Miami Gardens,Florida,
appeared before the City Council to express her view that a fifth Code Enforcement Officer was
needed to address those violations occurring after 5:00 p.m., on weekends and holidays.
Manager Crew indicated that it is his priority to bring on board approximately 10 to 12 Code
Enforcement Officers in the very near future to address those concerns.
Mayor Gibson opined that the four Code Enforcement officers are being hired with the
understanding that their work is not limited to 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.,and that they will do whatever
it takes to get the job done. She voiced the Council's and administration's commitment to work as a
team to get the things that need be done taken care of in a most efficient manner.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on behalf of this item,the public hearing
was closed.
It was moved by Councilwoman King,seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve this
item on first reading,with second reading and public hearing scheduled for March 24,2004. Motion
passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
8. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING(PUBLIC HEARINGS):
ORDINANCE NO. 2004-08-24
8A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING AN OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE TAX PURSUANT TO
CHAPTER 205, FLORIDA STATUTES (1999); PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY
MANAGER) (1st Reading—February 25,2004)
Manager Crew said that the City is in the process of getting this program out to the public.
After reviewing several municipalities' fee schedules,the fee schedule currently being utilized by the
City of Miramar is being recommended for the City of Miami Gardens. This occupational license
tax is payable on October 1, 2004. Occupational license software has been purchased for this
purpose. An employee of CSA will be responsible for the collection of the fees.
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 6 of 13
Mayor Gibson opened the floor for the public hearing.
Mr. Eric Rock, residing at 3260 NW 200 Street, Miami Gardens, appeared before the City
Council to inquire about a Peddler's License.
Manager Crew indicated that the City has adopted Miami-Dade County's Code as the City's
Code therefore, the same law applies.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on behalf of this item,the public hearing
was closed.
At the conclusion of this discussion, it was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by
Councilwoman King to adopt this ordinance. Motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
9) PUBLIC COMMENT - 10 MINUTES
Ms. Rosie Marie Brown, residing at 1861 NW 186th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida,
appeared before the City Council to ask for the Council's support of the Special Marathon for
Stroke Victims' event, scheduled for June 20, 2004. She related that for anyone wanting to
contribute to this event,that donation would be tax deductible. Additional information is provided
at the back table.
Mr. Wendell James, residing at 18820 NW 29th Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared
before the City Council to make comments and support of Item Nos. 6A and 6C, on tonight's
agenda.
10) RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-43-94
10A) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,SUPPORTING THE MOVEMENT TOUR AND THE
MIAMI GARDENS MUSIC FESTIVAL; PROVIDING FOR JOINT
SPONSORSHIP; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE
RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR REPRESENTATION; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN BRAYNON)
Councilman Braynon recounted that at the last Council meeting,Mr. Clark was provided an
opportunity to talk about the event. This is a resolution of support for that event.
Councilwoman King asked if financial support was required of the City.
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 7 of 13
Councilman Braynon replied that no financial support from the City was required.
Councilwoman King volunteered her services to help with voter registration.
Councilwoman Pritchett questioned the first whereas clause of the resolution relating to
"hundreds of thousands of voters were denied the right to vote in the past two elections and that
African Americans were more likely to have their ballot discarded"and asked whether Councilman
Braynon had documentation to confirm that statement.
Councilman Braynon said there is documentation to prove that this is a true statement. He
related that he had inserted the language to emphasize the importance of the Music Tour.
Attorney Knighton suggested amending the resolution as follows"African American voters
were denied the right to vote in the past two elections; and Whereas, African American voters are
more likely to have their ballot discarded".
At the conclusion of this discussion, it was moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by
Councilwoman Watson to approve the resolution as amended. This motion passed and carried by
a 7-0 vote.
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-44-95
10B) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS; APPROVING A WAIVER OF PLAT REQUIREMENT FOR
PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT NORTHWEST 165TH STREET
AND NORTHWEST 49TH AVENUE;PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.(SPONSORED
BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that this is an administrative matter. The waiver of plat was approved
by Miami Dade County and forwarded to the City of Miami Gardens. Miami-Dade County is
recommending the approval of this waiver of plat with the following conditions: 1) A public water
supply and sewer system must be utilized to serve this entire subdivision;and 2)that the specimen size
trees are preserved where ever reasonably possible on the site.
Mr.Albert Toussaint,a surveyor representing the applicant with offices at 620 NE 1260'Street,
North Miami, Florida, appeared before the City Council to answer any questions the council might
have.
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 8 of 13
There being no discussion on this item,it was moved by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by
Councilman Braynon to approve this item,with the conditions recommended by Miami-Dade County.
This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-45-96
10C) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 1237
AND SENATE BILL 2322 RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
TAXES; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that municipalities collect a franchise fee for communication
services. This franchise fee is supposed to be paid for communication services using a municipal
right-of-way. However, the Communication industry lobbyists are being paid to lobby the State
Legislature.
Mayor Gibson conveyed the importance of the City Council being aware of the various Bills
that are attempting to go through the State House and Senate. She related that she'd provided the
Council members with information at the last Council meeting regarding this and other matters.She
encouraged the City Council to send emails to the elected officials in Tallahassee. She emphasized
that if the citizens did not tell the State elected officials how they wanted them to vote,those officials
are going to vote the way the lobbyists wants them to vote. She related that Tallahassee is on the
move to take billion of dollars away from municipalities. She indicated that the Miami-Dade County
League of Cities has done a lot of research and provided a wealth of information on this and other
issues before the Legislature.
At the conclusion of this discussion, it was moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by
Councilman Bratton to approve this item. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 9 of 13
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-46-97
10D) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, ENDORSING SENATE BILL 1846 WHICH SEEKS
TO RENAME A PORTION OF NW 199TH STREET(HONEY HILL DRIVE)
BETWEEN 47TH AVENUE AND 27TH AVENUE, AND FROM THE
TURNPIKE EAST TO HIGHWAY 441,IN HONOR OF JUDGE WILKIE D.
FERGUSON, JR; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY
CLERK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Councilwoman King conveyed her support of this item. She suggested designating NW 17th
Avenue in honor Judge Wilkie D. Ferguson.
Mayor Gibson indicated that NW 17'h Avenue was a Miami-Dade County Road. She
explained that this item is attached to a Bill in the Transportation Committee in Tallahassee. Initially
the Bill proposed to name Miami Gardens Drive. After some discussion with the maker of the Bill,
the venue was changed to 199th Street.
Councilwoman King suggested naming 441 in honor of Judge Wilkie D. Ferguson.
Vice Mayor Campbell suggested naming 199th as well as the park being built at NW 47th
Avenue in honor of Judge Ferguson.
Attorney Knighton suggested amending the last whereas clause to"Whereas the City Council
of the City of Miami Gardens desire to recognize Judge Ferguson's contributions to the Miami
Gardens area through the renaming of Honey Hill Drive from 47th Avenue to 27th Avenue and from
the Turnpike East to 441, or alternatively to name the western section.
At the conclusion of this discussion,it was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by
Councilwoman King to approve this item, as amended pursuant to recommendations by the City
Attorney and the City Manager. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
11. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER
Ms.Tsahai Codner,Director of the Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful Program provided a status
report on the Earth Day Event scheduled for May 8, 2004.
12. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
12A) GENERAL REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 10 of 13
MEMBERS
Councilwoman Pritchett related that she has information available from a workshop she
attended in Broward County. She said this workshop was sponsored by the Florida League of Cities,
the Florida Storm Water Association and the Florida Association of Council. She opined that it is
very important for Council members who attend workshops and seminars to share that information
with each other.
Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of the City Council working together for the
betterment of the entire community. She related that a Town Hall meeting was held in Seat 3,which
was very well received. The citizens were very appreciative of the information provided. Additional
Town Hall meetings will be scheduled in the very near future for Seats 1 and 4. She further
announced that a State of the City Message is scheduled for May 13,2004. It is anticipated that the
event will take place at Florida Memorial College. Other elected officials from around Miami-Dade
County will also be invited.
Vice Mayor Campbell related that he would like to see a somewhat extravagant State of the
City event. He suggested forming a committee to work on this event.
Mayor Gibson asked if there were any prohibitions on the City soliciting donations for this
type of event.
Attorney Knighton said there is no prohibition on asking for sponsorship of an event.
Councilwoman Watson announced the second Monday of every other month is being
established as Town Hall meeting day for Seat 2. She related that she was trying to schedule the
meeting date so that all council members can participate.
Mayor Gibson related that there might be conflicts with having all the council members
present at these meetings.
Vice Mayor Campbell opined that each Council member should hold individual meetings in
their respective areas.
Councilwoman Watson said that with the type of information being disseminated throughout
the community, she thought that it was important for this City Council to show a united front and
provide the correct information. She emphasized the importance of the getting the correct facts out
into the community.
Councilwoman King related that there were individuals at the Town Hall meeting that were
border-line on recalling the City. However because of the information received those individuals
changed their minds and are now in support of this City, and want to see it grow. She emphasized
the importance of showing a united front.
Councilman Bratton related that he'd received a letter from an individual wanting to donate
furniture to the City of Miami Gardens. He further referenced the Flavor Magazine and the picture
on the cover of that magazine. He proposed to have an artist paint a portrait utilizing this picture,to
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 11 of 13
be placed in City Hall.He said the cost for this is$1,600 and asked that each Council member donate
$240.00 toward the painting. He further expressed concern with the lack of a fire truck at fire
stations on 165th Street NW 27th Avenue. He asked that administration find out when this station
would get a fire truck based on the number of calls received.
Councilwoman Pritchett complemented Ms. Knighton on her quick response. She further
related that a resident is willing to provide whistles for the school crossing guards.
Attorney Knighton provided a report on the License Agreement to be utilized by individuals
utilizing City Parks. A copy of this License Agreement was provided to the City Council.
Clerk Taylor provided the City Council members with various samples of proclamations
issued by other municipalities in Miami Dade County, as well as sample proclamations,
Commendations and Sympathy resolutions from her professional Municipal Clerk Associations.
At the conclusion of this discussion, it was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by
Vice Mayor Campbell as follows: All Proclamations issued by the City of Miami Gardens will be
signed by the Mayor as prescribed by the City Charter and attested to by the City Clerk.
Commendations and Certificate of Appreciations will be signed by the Mayor and other Council
members. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
13. REQUESTS,PETITIONS& OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM
THE PUBLIC:
13A) PUBLIC COMMENTS- 20 MINUTES
A representative of the Miami Norlands Lions Club appeared before the City Council to
invite them to the Miami Norlands Lions Club event scheduled for Friday, March 19, 2004. He
further requested that a proclamation from the City of Miami Gardens be presented that night
Mr. Lemuel Wims,residing at 19675 NW 32"d Court,Miami Gardens,appeared before the
City Council to convey concern with the school crossing guards located between 199" and 191s'
Streets and NW 37th Avenue.
Councilwoman King shared that she's received complaints about the school crossing guards
socializing instead of assisting the children across the streets.
Vice Mayor Campbell conveyed that the citizens are the eyes and ears for the City and if a
citizen witnesses any inappropriate activity to call the service provider providing that service.
Ms. Sandra McDowell appeared before the City Council to relate that the Earth Day event is
scheduled on Mother's Day weekend. She commended the City Council members on a job well
done. She further expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the School Crossing Guards.
Councilman Bratton asked Manager Crew to contact Kemp Services with the concerns
raised by the citizens at tonight's meeting.
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 12 of 13
Councilwoman Watson suggested implementing a Hot-Line so that citizens can call in with
their concerns.
Councilman Bratton asked if monthly status reports were being provided to the City by
contractors providing service to the City.
Mayor Gibson suggested having those service providers come to this Council to provide
their report, as well as hear complaints from the residents.
Manager Crew said that he would have Kemp Services present at the next Council meeting.
Ms.Janice Coakley,residing at 19681 NW 33`d Avenue appeared before the City Council to
express her views regarding the Earth Day cleanup event. She suggested that because of the heat,
starting the event at 7:00 a.m., instead of 9:00 a.m. She further suggested utilizing junior high
school students instead of elementary school age children.
14. SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S)
None
15. ADJOURNMENT:
There, being no further business to come before this Body and after being properly moved
and seconded the meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m.
A$9irloison, Mayor
Attest:
Ronetta Taylor, C
City Clerk
Miami Gardens City Council
Meeting—March 10,2004 Page 13 of 13