HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 22, 2004 INDEX
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 22, 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
4A) Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting of
August11, 2004................................................................ Page 1
5. Agenda/Order of Business(Additions/Deletions/Amendments......... Page 1
l OD) A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Miami Gardens,
Florida,providing for the appointment of Marjorie Speicher as the
City's Alternate Informal Citizen Liaison to Crime Watch of
Miami-Dade County, Inc. .................................................... Page 1-2
6. Special Presentations:
6A) Carol City Neighborhood Resource Center Summit................ Page 2
7. Ordinance(s) for First Reading
7A) Approving the rezoning of certain property located at Northwest
199`b Street and Northwest 37h Avenue.................................... Page 2-3
7B) Providing for an additional Homestead Exemption for certain
qualifying senior citizens to be applied to taxes levied by the City...... Page3-4
7C) Amending Ordinance No. 2004-08 concerning Occupational
License Taxes................................................................... Page 4-5
8. Ordinance(s) for Second Reading(Public Hearings)None............... Page 5
9. Public Comment................................................................ Page 5-8
10. Resolutions
IOA) Res. 2004-103-154 Requesting that Congress reinstate the assault
weapons ban that expired on September 13, 2004......................... Page 8-9
1OB) Res. 2004-104-155 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a
contract with Salvant&Associates, Inc. .................................... Page 9-10
1OC) Res. 2004-105-156 Authorizing the City Manager to purchase
software and hardware from Dell Systems through Salvant &
Associates Inc. .................................................................. Page 10-12
l OD) Res. #2004-106-157 Providing for the appointment of Marjorie
Speicher as the City's Alternate Informal Citizen Liaison to Crime
Watch of Miami-Dade County, Inc. ......................................... Page 12
11. Report of the City Attorney(No Report)..................................... Page 12
12. Reports of City Manager ...................................................... Page 12
13. Reports of Mayor and City Council Members.............................. Page 12-13
13A) General Reports from Mayor and City Council Members......... Pagel3
14. Requests, Petitions &Other Communications from the Public
14A) Public Comments........................................................ Page 14
15. Special Presentation(s) (There are none).................................... Page 14
16. Adjournment...................................................................... Page 14
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 22, 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, September 22, 2004, beginning at 7:10 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515
NW 167 ' Street, Miami Gardens, FL.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson, Vice
Mayor Aaron Campbell, Jr., and Council members Audrey J. King, Barbara Watson, Melvin L.
Bratton, Sharon Pritchett and Oscar Braynon, II.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K.
Knighton and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
2. INVOCATION:
Dr. Lester Brown 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 - August 11, 2004.
Moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to accept the
minutes with the necessary corrections/additions/deletions; page 14, line 26 the insertion of
Councilman Bratton's announcement of District Four's Town Hall meeting date and time; page
16, line 19, change the word reasoning to reading; page 9, line 25, change the tense of expound
to expounded.
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 add the following item as
Item 101)) "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MARJORIE
SPEICHER AS THE CITY'S ALTERNATE INFORMAL CITIZEN LIAISON TO CRIME
WATCH OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, INC., PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Regular City Council Agenda
September 22,2004
Page 1
It was moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to approve
the Official Agenda with the above referenced addition as Item IOD). This motion passed and
carried by a 7-0 vote.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S):
6A Carol City Neighborhood Resource Center Summit—Not present
7. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
7A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE REZONING OF CERTAIN
PROPERTY LOCATED AT NORTHWEST 199TH STREET AND
NORTHWEST 37TH AVENUE IN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,
FROM RU-3M, MINIMUM APARTMENT HOUSE DISTRICT, TO BU-IA,
LIMITED BUSINESS DISTRICT, A LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF WHICH
IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING CERTAIN
FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that prior to the City taking over the Planning and Zoning
function, all re-zoning matters handled by Miami-Dade County were done by resolution. The
City of Miami Gardens' Charter require that re-zoning matters be done by Ordinance. The first
reading of this ordinance is taking place on the regular City Council meeting, with the second
reading and adoption of the ordinance will take place at the City's Planning and Zoning meeting
scheduled for October 6, 2004.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve this
item on first reading, with second reading and public hearing scheduled for October 6, 2004.
Councilman Braynon related that the recommendation from Miami-Dade County is for
denial.
Manager Crew explained that this is the recommendation put forth by County staff.
However, this first reading is a formality to allow for public input and discussion during the
second reading.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked whether all applicable information would be provided at
the second reading.
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 2
Manager Crew said that a full agenda packet will be provided with all pertinent
documentation.
Councilman Braynon stated that he was voting to move this item forward in order to
allow for the public hearing and public input.
There being no further discussion, the motion to approve on first reading 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 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN QUALIFYING SENIOR
CITIZENS TO BE APPLIED TO TAXES LEVIED BY THE CITY;
PROVIDING FOR THE ANNUAL SUBMISSION OF A SWORN
STATEMENT TO THE PROPERTY APPRAISER, ALONG WITH
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR WAIVER OF
EXEMPTION; PROVIDING FOR COMMENCEMENT OF EXEMPTION;
PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL INCREASE IN THE INCOME
LIMITATION; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY
CLERK; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR GIBSON)
Mayor Gibson shared that she'd attempted to pass this ordinance last fiscal year, however
it was past the time for the City's residents to take advantage of it. As a municipality, the City of
Miami Gardens has to adopt its own ordinance because residents are paying municipal taxes.
She opined that it is only fair that residents of Miami Gardens have an opportunity to apply for
the additional Homestead Exemption just as they did when this area was under Miami-Dade
County. There are specific guidelines and qualifications that must be adhered to when applying
for this extra Senior Citizens Exemption.
It was moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by Councilwoman King to approve this
item on first reading, with second reading and public hearing scheduled for October 13,2004.
Councilman Bratton questioned whether those applying for this extra exemption would
send the application to the City or to Miami-Dade County. He further asked it this would be an
automatic renewal.
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 3
Mayor Gibson said that the application for this extra Senior Citizens Exemption is to be
sent to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's office. In addition, the senior would have
to re-apply each year,however a re-application notice would be sent in the mail.
Councilwoman Pritchett stated that currently there are other exemptions (e.g. disabled,
widow, and widower) and asked if the City would be adopting similar legislation to ensure that
Miami Gardens' residents can take advantage of those other exemptions.
Mayor Gibson shared that the City did not have jurisdiction over those other exemptions.
An individual would have to apply directly to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's
Office.
There being no further discussion, the motion to approve this item on first reading, with
second reading and public hearing scheduled for October 13, 2004, 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, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2004-08
CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE TAXES, TO PROVIDE A
RENEWAL CREDIT TO BUSINESSES, PROFESSIONS AND
OCCUPATIONS OPERATING WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,
FLORIDA; 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 weeks prior, there were some small business owners who
came before the City Council to complain about the impact of their occupational license. The
City is addressing their concerns, with the understanding that the City's Occupational License
Fee Schedule is different than Miami-Dade County's. He explained that this ordinance provides
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 4
that on the renewal application for next year, each applicant would get a$25.00 renewal credit.
It was moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by Mayor Gibson to approve this item
on first reading, with second reading and public hearing scheduled for October 13, 2004.
There being no further discussion, the 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. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING (PUBLIC HEARINGS):
None
9. PUBLIC COMMENT- 10 MINUTES
Mr. Leonard Cole, residing at 2010 NW 1915 Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared
before the City Council to voice concern with not having the entire agenda packet on the
internet.
Clerk Taylor shared that anyone wishing to obtain a complete agenda packet can request
that information from the City Clerk's office.
Manager Crew related that the City Clerk at present is running a one person shop. The
individual that does the scanning also has a full time job and conveyed that the City does not
have sufficient staff at this particular time to scan the entire agenda onto the website. He
conveyed anticipation that when the Clerk's office has staff (after October) the entire agenda
packet, as well as minutes, resolutions and ordinances would be placed on the webpage.
Mr. Cole further stated that he'd almost missed tonight's meeting because when he went
to the internet to see if a meeting was scheduled there was no information showing, ten minutes
later the information was there. He questioned whether this information was only posted today.
Mr. Horace McHugh, Assistant City Manager appeared before the City Council in
response to Mr. Cole's question. He shared that a three month scheduled of meetings, which is
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 5
prepared by the City Clerk is also posted on the website, therefore, if you can not find the
information in one place, it does appear in another area on the webpage. In addition, an
abbreviated version of the agenda is posted on the website, with the understanding that if
someone wants a particular item all they would have to do is request a copy from the Clerk's
office.
Attorney Knighton further shared that a complete agenda packet is provided for public
review in the lobby area.
Mayor Gibson related that until that additional staff is on board, Reverend Cole can call
the City Clerk, who in turn will provide him or any other interested parties with a complete
agenda packet.
Mr. Cole also expressed concern with residents being given an opportunity for
employment with the City of Miami Gardens. He referenced the Emergency Debris firm hired
out of Alabama to clean up after Hurricane Frances. He stressed the importance of turning the
dollar around within the community.
Mayor Gibson related that Weed-A-Way, a local black firm also has a contract with the
City and took part in the emergency clean up after Hurricane Frances. She communicated that
when request for proposals are made there are criteria that must be followed to ensure that the
vendor meet all the federal and state guidelines. In addition, the City must take the lowest
qualified bidder. She placed emphasis on the fact that the City can't commit to every job
within the City of Miami Gardens going to a city resident. The City Manager is aware and
mindful about hiring residents, and every citizen applying for a job, gets careful consideration.
Councilwoman Watson expressed appreciation for Mr. Cole's comments regarding
economic growth. She related that this is the essence of legislation she's sponsored previously,
to turn that dollar around within the community by patronizing businesses within this
community. She further asked the City Manager if there was a breakdown of how much money
has been awarded to companies within the City and asked if opportunities are given to people
who may not always get those opportunities.
Manager Crew shared that the City's Auditing firm is based out of North Miami Beach,
however the individual actually conducting the audit is a City of Miami Gardens' resident, an
African American, and a Florida State University graduate. Therefore, even though the firm
might be located elsewhere, their employees can live in local areas. This is a metropolitan area
and almost impossible to restrict those employed with the City to this particular location. He
opined that most of the people in this City who work, probably work outside of Miami Gardens,
with other municipalities. In addition, as it relates to the bid process, the City can not by law
hire a firm based upon whether that firm is a minority or not. The City tries hard to solicit bids
from minority firms. He related that he has recommended bid awards to minority firms in the
amount of approximately $3 Million dollars, and non-minority firms of approximately
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 6
$750,000.
Manager Crew shared that bids were solicited for a sidewalk repair. Out of those bids,
the local firm in Miami Gardens came in approximately $4,000.00 higher than the low bid, with
entire repair job costing approximately $8,000.00. Legally, the bid could not be awarded to the
local firm because of the difference in the bid amount. He emphasized that the City tries to
attract local firms to submit bids.
Manager Crew related that the City is at present looking for a building official. This is an
almost impossible task because of the stringent guidelines imposed by Miami-Dade County. He
conveyed that he is going to hire the most qualified individual for the job, which the City
deserves. Individuals have a right to be selected upon merits.
Mr. Wendell James, residing at 18820 NW 29`h Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared
before the City Council to express his views about not following after other cities. He opined
that the City of Miami Gardens needs its own identity. He further expressed concern with the
increased in the Occupational License fees.
Manager Crew shared that the laws provides that municipalities can adopt the
Occupational License fees of near by cities. Staff decided to fashion its Occupational License
Fees after the City of Miramar. The inventory based system is the most commonly known
Occupational License Fee Schedule, which is allowed by State Law.
Mr. Christopher Steers, Assistant to the City Manager for Business Services, appeared
before the City Council to further expound on the Occupational License Fee Schedule. He
related that several individuals have come forward to discuss their fees. The City is in the
process of reevaluating those fees.
Councilman Braynon shared that he's received similar complaints and have referred
those individuals to Mr. Steers for reevaluation. He placed emphasis on the importance of those
business owners, not understanding the process to contact Mr. Steers.
Mr. James made referenced to physician offices and insurance companies and asked how
the inventory process would apply to those Occupational License Fees. He expressed his
confusion with this process.
Mayor Gibson asked that Mr. James meet with Mr. Steers to get a clear understanding of
this process, so that when he is approached by those business owners with concerns, he can
better explain the process to them, or if nothing else,have those individuals contact Mr. Steers.
Mr. Thomas Spaulding, residing at 18805 NW 32nd Place, Miami Gardens, Florida,
appeared before the City Council to suggest that the City establish a policy and or guidelines
that vendors doing business with the City of Miami Gardens must make every effort to hire the
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 7
City's residents,within the applicable guidelines of the law.
Mayor Gibson asked Attorney Knighton to expound on the legal ramifications of
establishing such a policy and or guidelines.
Attorney Knighton said that the City can implement a small/local business preference. It
becomes more difficult when you specify a preference to hiring a certain race/ethic orientation.
The City Manager has been discussing bringing forward in the near future a small business
preference ordinance.
Mr. Phil Covenant, residing at 2750 NW 172 n Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida,
appeared before the City Council to showcase his newspaper "Urban American Newspaper".
He conveyed his support of the City Council, City of Miami Gardens and the future of this City.
10. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-103-154
10A) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT CONGRESS REINSTATE
THE ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN THAT EXPIRED ON SEPTEMBER 13,
2004; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR GIBSON).
It was moved by Councilwoman King, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve this
item.
Councilwoman Pritchett, for clarification purposed stated that the press release that was
issued indicated that the police officer was shot near the City of Miami Gardens, however the
resolution indicates that the police officer was shot in the City of Miami Gardens; she asked which
was correct.
Mayor Gibson stated that the police officer was shot near the City of Miami Gardens.
Attorney Knighton said that she would make that correction.
There being no further discussion,the motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 8
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-104-155
10B) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH SALVANT & ASSOCIATES, INC., IN
THE AMOUNT OF EIGHT THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS
($8,800.00), WITH SAID AGREEMENT BEING FIRST APPROVED BY
THE CITY ATTORNEY; AUTHORIZING A WAIVER OF THE
COMPETITIVE BID REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF
ORDINANCE 2004-17,THE CITY'S PURCHASING ORDINANCE;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY THE CITY
MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that the City is preparing to hook up all the new computers to
operate the Planning and Zoning and Building Departments in the next building. The individual
currently involved with the City's computer system has been doing an excellent job. He opined
that it is not prudent at this point, to go out and have a stranger to come in to work on the internal
system of the City's computers.
It was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to approve
this item.
Councilman Braynon inquired about the length of this contract.
Mr. McHugh, Assistant City Manager appeared before the City Council and shared that the
contract for the installation is basically contingent on the next agenda item being approved. The
target date is October 1, 2004.
Mayor Gibson asked Mr. Salvant whether he or any of his staff lived within the City of
Miami Gardens.
Mr. Carl Salvant, residing at 13704 NW 13'x' Avenue, Pembroke Pines, Florida, appeared
before the City Council and stated that he has staff members who reside within the Cities of Miami
and North Miami.
There being no further discussion,this motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 9
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Out of room
Mayor Gibson: Yes
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-105-156
10C) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
PURCHASE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE FROM DELL SYSTEMS,
THROUGH SALVANT & ASSOCIATES INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED SIXTY TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($62,000); AUTHORIZING
A WAIVER OF THE COMPETITIVE BID REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT
TO ARTICLE V OF ORDINANCE 2004-17, THE CITY'S PURCHASING;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY
MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that staff was asking for a wavier on this particular item because
the competitive bid process would take a long time. He emphasized the importance of getting this
project underway as soon as possible. He shared that a suggestion was made that perhaps the City
could negotiate a lower price by going directly to the company. He said that if the City Council
recommends going directly to the company, that they authorize staff to negotiate with Mr. Salvant
and or Dell directly, in an amount not to exceed the $62,000.00, and recommended modifying page
2, Section 2,of this resolution accordingly.
Attorney Knighton recommended amending the title of the resolution as well as the body.
The amended title should read "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE
SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE FROM DELL SYSTEMS, THROUGH SALVANT AND
ASSOCIATES, INC, OR DIRECTLY THROUGH DELL SYSTEMS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED$62,000..."Section 2, line 25 of the resolution should have the same language.
It was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to amend the
resolution as prescribed by Attorney Knighton.
There being no further discussion on the amendment, the motion passed and carried by a
6-0 vote.
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Pav-e 10
Councilwoman Pritchett: Out of room
Mayor Gibson: Yes
It was moved by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve
this item.
Councilman Bratton inquired about the warranty on the equipment.
Mr. McHugh indicated that there was a two year warranty on the equipment.
Councilman Bratton inquired as to whether there would be an additional charge for
upgrades.
Mr. McHugh stated that there was insurance that would be paid for by the City to provide
for upgrades, but that is an option the City can decide to take or not, depending on an evaluation and
the associated cost.
Councilman Bratton inquired about the time line for the installation.
Mr. McHugh indicated that the installation would take place within the next two weeks.
Councilwoman King questioned whether Mr. Salvant had gotten the quotes from Dell and
the other two companies.
Mr. Salvant replied that his company had secured the quotes.
Councilwoman King shared that she's received information that these prices were too high
and conveyed her anticipation of dealing directly with Dell to get a better price.
Mr. McHugh shared that Councilwoman King had brought this information to staff s
attention and as a result, the City did receive a direct quote from Dell, at approximately 7:00 p.m.
this evening. He related that this is why the resolution states "Not to exceed$62,000. He conveyed
staffs commitment in getting the best price possible for the City.
Councilman Braynon referenced the other two companies and opined that perhaps they too
would be willing to give the City a better price quote.
Mr. McHugh conveyed his appreciation for Councilman Braynon's comments. He stated
that it is better to have an integrated system rather than one that is comprised of different software
and technology.
There being no further discussion,this motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 11
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Out of room
Mayor Gibson: Yes
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-106-157
10D) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF
MARJORIE SPEICHER AS THE CITY'S ALTERNATE INFORMAL
CITIZEN LIAISON TO CRIME WATCH OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY,
INC., PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILWOMAN PRITCHETT)
Councilwoman Pritchett explained that this item is an outgrowth from the last City
Council meeting where she's suggested the appointment of Ms. Speicher as an alternate
information citizen liaison, to Mr. Clausell and to the Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County, Inc.
It was moved by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Braynon to approve
this item.
Councilwoman Pritchett verified that Ms. Spiecher is willing to serve in this capacity.
There being no further discussion,the 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
11. REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
No report.
12. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER
No report.
13. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 12
Councilwoman King emphasized the importance of voting during this election season.
Councilwoman Watson concurred with Councilwoman King's comments. She
encouraged her colleagues to take a proactive role as a City and identify a Civic organization that
has contact with individuals in Haiti. She shared her understanding that Haiti was the first black
independent country in the hemisphere. She said that Miami Gardens needs to reach out to Haiti.
She encouraged the City of Miami Gardens to identify and adopt a city in Haiti, and provide the
necessary resources to put that city back on its feet.
Councilman Braynon shared that the North Dade Library is a drop spot for donations.
Also the Holy Family Church is collecting items to send to Haiti.
Councilwoman Watson commended those organizations for their efforts and opined that
as a City, Miami Gardens needed to do this as well. She suggested encouraging other
predominately African American cities to do the same.
Manager Crew suggested contacting Sister Cities International to assist with this
endeavor. He said that he would contact this organization to gather further information.
Councilman Bratton thanked the citizens for participating in the Town Hall Meetings for
Seats 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked Ms. Odom, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and
City Council to come forward and provide a brief report of the MLK Steering Committee
meeting.
Ms. Lillie Odom appeared before the City Council to highlight some of the preliminary
planning discussed during this first meeting. She commended the group for their commitment in
this endeavor and stated that all the members were very enthusiastic about working on this
upcoming event. Major Rifkin has also volunteered his service to this committee.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked Attorney Knighton if the resolution appointing the
members to the committee needed to be amended in order to add Major Rifkin.
Attorney Knighton advised that the resolution did not have to be amended, that Major
Rifkin can be added as a staff member.
13A) GENERAL REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL
MEMBERS
14. REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM
THE PUBLIC:
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 13
14A) PUBLIC COMMENTS —20 MINUTES
Mr. Wendell James appeared before the City Council to express his views about the
selection of the Dell Computer System and the fact that the City can deal directly with the
company. He further suggested forming a committee to assist Mr. Clausell with his Crime
Watch efforts.
Mr. Leonard Cole appeared before the City Council to express his views about the waiver
of the competitive bid process, and not being able to hire exclusively from within the City of
Miami Gardens. He stated that this sound a bit confusing to him because a waiver is provided
for one purpose because it is in the best interest for the City, but it would seem that economic
development is in the best interest of the City as well. He further commended Councilwoman
Watson for her initiative in the Haiti crisis. He emphasized the importance of addressing this
situation in an expeditious manner.
Mr. Marc Henderson appeared before the City Council and suggested that the City
Manager office contact some of the Haitian churches for assistance in identifying a City in Haiti
to adopt.
Dr. Lester Brown appeared before the City Council to express his views about the
importance of voter registration and exercising the right to vote.
15. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS)
None
16. ADJOURNMENT:
Upon being duly motion by Councilman Braynon and seconded by Councilman Bratton, the
meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Z�
Shir Gibson, Mayor
Attest:
J'6a�c.
Ronetta Taylor, CNV, City Clerk
Regular City Council Minutes
September 22,2004
Page 14