HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 25, 2006 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 25, 2006
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL.
The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens,Florida,met in regular session on Wednesday,
January 25, 2006, beginning at 7:08 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515 NW 167`h Street,
Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Vice Mayor Oscar Braynon Il,and
Council members Barbara Watson, Aaron Campbell Jr., Melvin L. Bratton, Ulysses Harvard and
Sharon Pritchett. Mayor Shirley Gibson was not present due to a conflict in scheduling.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew,City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens
and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
(B) INVOCATION. Delivered by Dr. Lester Brown
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Recited in unison.
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular City Council Meeting—January 11, 2006
Moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by Councilwoman to approve the minutes with
necessary corrections as provided by the City Clerk. There being no discussion the motion passed and
carried by a 6-0 vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/AMENDMENTS):
Manager Crew asked that the agenda be amended to add the following item,as Item K-5 "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND A SUM NOT TO EXCEED$86,250
WITH HOMESTEAD CONCRETE & DRAINAGE AS PRIMARY VENDOR, AND
DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATION GROUP OF FLORIDA, AS SECONDARY
VENDOR,PURSUANT TO AN EXISTING CONTRACT,FOR SIDEWALK REPAIRS DUE
TO HURRICANE WILMA;PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE"
Moved by Councilman Harvard, seconded by Councilman Campbell to approve the official
agenda with the above referenced addition.There being no further discussion,the motion passed and
carried by a 6-0 vote.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1 Tsahai Codner, Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful Director
Ms.Codner along with Tom Ruiz,Public Works Director appeared before the City Council to
showcase a Certificate designating the City of Miami Gardens as a Tree City USA Community. This
is a nationally recognized designation, which recognizes the City for its efforts to improve its Urban
Regular City Council Agenda
January 25,2006
Tree Canopy.
Ms.Codner further announced in honor of Arbor Day,the City of Miami Gardens is sponsoring
a Tree-Give-A-Way, on Saturday, February 18, 2006, at Cloverleaf Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
This event is open to City of Miami Gardens residents.
F-2 Proclamation—Arbor Day
Vice Mayor Braynon and members of the City Council presented Ms. Codner with a
Proclamation proclaiming February 18, 2006,as Arbor Day in the City of Miami Gardens.
(G) ZONING MATTERS
There were none.
(H) ORDINANCES) FOR FIRST READING
There were none
(I) ORDINANCES) FOR SECOND READING "PUBLIC HEARINGS."
ORDINANCE NO. 2006-03-84
I-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AMENDING SECTION 5 OF ORDINANCE NO.2005-
10-48, THE CITY'S PURCHASING ORDINANCE, RELATING TO THE
CITY MANAGER'S AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE OPTIONS ON REAL
PROPERTY; 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 this amendment would change the language in the purchasing code,
which would in turn allow him to go out and negotiate options for property and bring that option
back to the City Council for its consideration. The ordinance also provides for the City Manager to
delegate his authority to a designee for purchasing matters.
Moved by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to adopt this
ordinance.
Vice Mayor Braynon opened the floor for this public hearing. After there were no interested
parties to speak on this item, the public hearing was closed.
Councilwoman Pritchett said from her understanding of this ordinance the Council is giving
the City Manager the authority to put a good faith deposit down on a property he thinks would be in
the City's best interest to acquire.
Regular City Council Minutes 2
.January 25,2006
Manager Crew in response to Councilwoman Pritchett's statement said this is correct.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked if for some reason the Council did not agree with the City
Manager's purchase option what would happen to the good faith deposit.
Manager Crew said that would depend on the individual contract. The rule normally is that
the good faith deposit would go to the seller because he/she is taking that property off the market and
missing out on other opportunities to sell the property. It really depends on the seller, for example
the seller involved with the Option brought to the Council last month was willing to put a clause in
the agreement that stated the City would get the deposit back if the sale did not go through. There is
always that risk the option could be lost. There is a limit on the City Manager's authority to spend
money. The risk on the other side is if it is announced the City is negotiating to purchase a piece of
property the price of that property could escalate.
Councilwoman Pritchett conveyed her understanding of Manager Crew's explanation. She
asked if there was something else that could be done to protect the City's interest.
Manager Crew reiterated the standard in the industry is that the seller gets to keep the down
payment if the purchaser decided not to buy.
Councilwoman Pritchett questioned whether it would be appropriate to amend the ordinance
to more specifically identify the City Manager's designee for purchases to that of Assistant City
Manager, etc.
Attorney Dickens opined that it was not necessary to make that specification. She shared she
would amend the language to say his/her designee.
Councilman Harvard questioned for clarification purposes whether the final purchase would
be made by the City Manager or his designee.
Vice Mayor Braynon in response to Councilman Harvard's questioned said only the City
Council has to power to purchase,therefore this item would be brought to the Council for approval.
Attorney Dickens further expounded on this issue and stated once the Council approves the
purchase, the Mayor then signs the purchasing contract on behalf of the City.
There being no further discussion,the motion to adopt this ordinance passed and carried by a
6-0 vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes 3
January 25,2006
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
ORDINANCE NO. 2006-04-85
I-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA CREATING AN ELDERLY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE;
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 COUNCILWOMAN PRITCHETT)
Councilwoman Pritchett explained this ordinance is an outgrowth of fiscal year 2005/06
budget process. The concern,which was repeated over and over,was for the city to establish some
type of mechanism for senior citizens to have input as it relates to having moneys in the budget to
deal with elderly affairs.
Vice Mayor Braynon opened the floor for the public hearing.
Sharon Frazier-Stephens, 145 NE 193 d Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City
Council in support of the legislation.
Hugh Dodd, 17125 NW 19th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to question whether funds would be allocated to facilitate this Board's efforts.
Councilwoman Pritchett in response to Mr.Dodd's question said if this ordinance is adopted
by the City Council,the issue of funding certain programs would be discussed by the Elderly Affairs
Committee, with recommendations being brought back to the Council for its consideration.
Mr. Dodd questioned what would happen if no funds were available for the Elderly Affairs
Committee.
Councilwoman Pritchett opined it might be a little premature in assuming nothing will be
placed in the budget for the Committee because the City is not into the budget process for FY 06/07
as yet,where that recommendation or request could be made. She advised Mr. Dodd of his right to
attend any public meeting for the City of Miami Gardens, which includes the Elderly Affairs
Committee meetings.
Paulette Sims-Wimberly, 17351 NW 291h Avenue,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before
the City Council to express her support for the Elderly Affairs Committee. She asked for a real
commitment from the Council members to support and fund this Committee.
There being no other interested parties to speak on this item,the public hearing was closed.
Regular City Council:Minutes 4
January 25,2006
Moved by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to adopt this
ordinance.
Councilman Bratton asked what age would constitute"senior citizen'as it relates to getting
service from the Elderly Affairs Committee.
Attorney Dickens clarified the Elderly Affairs Committee will not provide service to a senior
citizen;that is the purview of the City Council. The Committee meets to address certain issues. If
there is something the Committee wants the Council to consider,that issue must be brought before
the Council. The City Council can not delegate its authority to people to act. The City Council
creates committees to advise the Council on how it should act. The goal of this committee is to be
focused on those issues relating to elderly affairs. As it relates to a budget, the Elderly Affairs
Committee will not get a budget because it is not the City Council. The Committee can make a
recommendation to spend money on a particular program however, the Council would make the
decision and spend the funds.
Councilman Bratton restated his question and asked at what age must an individual be in
order to receive these services from the City Council.
Councilwoman Watson opined Councilman Bratton is trying to establish at what age in this
City would an adult need to be in order to be considered a senior citizen.
Attorney Dickens opined it is up to the person. Who ever wants to be considered a senior
citizen has the right to be considered because there is no law establishing an age for senior citizens.
There are different ages identified for different purposes, such as AARP, etc.
Councilman Campbell stated if this ordinance is adopted and a committee is formed, the
Committee members as a group would recommend an age to the City Council for its consideration.
Councilman Harvard shared that he has worked with programs involving the elderly. He
opined establishing a minimum age requirement in order to get services provided by programs
recommended by this Committee might be something for the Committee to make a recommendation
to the City Council for consideration.
At the conclusion of this discussion,the motion to adopt this ordinance passed and carried by
a 6-0 vote.
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes 5
January 25,2006
I-3) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, OPTING OUT OF SECTION 101.657(2), FLORIDA
STATUTES,WHICH REQUIRES THAT THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
PREPARE AN ELECTRONIC DATA FILE FOR EARLY VOTING;
PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO CLERK;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 MAYOR
GIBSON)
Clerk Taylor explained the pertinent issues involved with Miami-Dade County Supervisor of
Election's request to have municipalities opt out of this provision.
Vice Mayor Braynon opened the floor for the public hearing.
Paulette Sims Wimberly, 17351 NW 29"'Avenue,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the
City Council for clarification purposes.
Clerk Taylor explained,Section 101.657(2)of the Florida Statues provides that the Supervisor
of Election must provide an electronic data file of those voters voting during early voting to any one
requesting information, by 12 noon the next day on those individuals that voted the previous day.
Miami-Dade County is asking municipalities to opt out of this provision because of the complexity
involved and the cost municipalities would incur to comply.
Ms.Sims Wimberly expressed opposition to the City opting out of this provision due to the fact
that there might be lawsuits filed because the information is not being provided.
Attorney Dickens said Ms. Sims Wimberly's point is well taken. She said she had issued an
opinion on this and from the City's standpoint the City did not have a duty to provide this information;
Miami-Dade County Supervisor of election does pursuant to the Florida Statutes. This particular
statutes specifically requires the Supervisor of Elections to provide this information. She stated she
would be quite confident in defending any lawsuit brought on by the City opting out of this provision.
Councilwoman Pritchett questioned if this ordinance is voted on would an organization such as
the Democratic Party be able to go to Miami-Dade County to receive this information.
Attorney Dickens said no that is why the City is opting out of the provision. The Supervisor of
Election is hoping it can rely upon these ordinances as a mechanism for not complying with state
statutes. She opined she was not sure that is legal,but is not worried about it from a city's perspective
because the City does not have a statutory obligation to do this.
Clerk Taylor reiterated the City of Miami Gardens has no jurisdiction over voter registration.
Regular City Council Minutes 6
January 25,2006
Even though Miami Gardens is a municipality and does have municipal elections the information
gathering as sit relates to the voters still falls under the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County.
Councilwoman Watson referenced the letter from Lester Sola,Miami-Dade County Supervisor
of Election, which referred to a potential cost to municipalities for having to comply with the state
statutes. She said the letter was not clear as to the monetary amount to be charged if the City elected to
not opt out of this provision.
Sharon Frazier-Stephens, 145 NE 193rd Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City
Council in opposition to this ordinance. She emphasized the importance of providing as much
information as possible to the voting public.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on this item,the public hearing was closed.
Moved by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to adopt this
ordinance.
Councilwoman Watson asked whether this item was time sensitive.
Clerk Taylor said the City of Miami Gardens Primary Election would not occur until September
5,2006. She said she could contact the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Election to find out about
the complexity issue and associated cost,and would provide that information at the next City Council
meeting.
Moved by Councilwoman Watson,seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett to defer this matter to
the February 8,2006,City Council Meeting,in order to provide the City Clerk with an opportunity to
get some of the Council's questions answered.
There being no further discussion,the motion to defer passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
(,l) PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 - MINUTES)
Dorothy Smith, 18880 NW 32"d Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to voice her concerns about complaints she had previously made to members of the City
Council and the City Manager about the crime in her area, as well as quality of life issues and code
enforcement violations. She further expressed concern for her safety and that of her son due to an on-
going problem with her neighbor.
Regular City Council Minutes 7
January 25,2006
Councilman Bratton advised Ms.Smith that her complaint and concerns were being taken care
of. He apologized for the length of time it has taken to get to this point.
Sharon Frazier-Stephens, 145 NE 193`d Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to report on the meeting of the Miami Norland PTSA, held January 8, 2006. She further
announced the dedication ceremony for the new gymnasium at Norland High School was held earlier
during the day.
Ana Chavanes, 16800 NW 25th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council and shared that she had as part of a school project for Barry University School of Nursing,
conducted a survey on public health care in the City of Miami Gardens.She expressed concern with the
lack of access residents have to health care. Her research revealed the nearest hospital a resident can go
to for emergency treatment is Parkway Hospital,with North Dade Health Clinic being the closet clinic
to service this area. She questioned whether the City had plans to increase the availability of health
care to its residents.
Manager Crew in response to Ms. Chavanes' question said health care is a private market and
hospitals are located where they can make the most money. In addition,the City of Miami Gardens has
no available of vacant land to attract a hospital complex. In terms of a clinic to better serve this area,
the City Council can at some point approach Jackson Hospital about this possibility.
William Dozier, 19435 NW 43`d Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to express his concern with the quality of service provided by the City's vendor for emergency
debris removal. He provided the Council members with a brochure detailing his company's
qualifications and offered to sit with the administration to determine if his company,which is located in
the City of Miami Gardens could provide a better service.
Councilwoman Watson asked Mr. Dozier whether he was listed on the City's vendor list.
Mr.Dozier said if this is a listing separate from Miami-Dade County's then he was sure he was
not listed.
Manager Crew asked Mr.Dozier to see Pam Thompson the City's Procurement Manager to get
signed up. He further explained the City currently has a contract for emergency debris removal. The
City is looking into redoing that contract. He said at that point there will be an open bid and Mr.
Dozier is certainly invited to bid at that time.
Hugh Dodd, 17125 NW 19th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to share his views about Arbor Day. He further expressed concern with purchase option
agreements which protects the seller/property owner and not the purchaser/city in case the deal does not
go through. He asked what would happen if the City Manager had put money down on an option and
the City Council decide not to purchase the property.
Regular City Council Minutes 8
January 25,2006
Manager Crew said when one wants to buy someone else's property that property owner is in
control. If the seller is willing to give the money back,the purchaser will get it back. If the seller is not
willing to give the money back and the purchaser still wants that property,the seller would have to sign
that contract. The City has only done one Purchase Option and that seller agreed to put a clause in the
contract that states the City will get its money back if the City did not purchase the property. Therefore
the City did not lose anything either way. The next Purchase Option contract the City enters into might
have this clause or it might not.
Marie Conyers, 18714 NW 32nd Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to express concern with the young people riding the ATV's and dirt bikes in the Carol City
Park. This activity,which is destroying the park is being done during the school day when these young
people should be in school. She further shared that she is a participant in the CERT Training Class and
inquired about the status of the City's Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Manager Crew said the Plan is 99.9%completed. However,every time staff starts to work on it
something else comes along. Staff wanted to make sure the CERT Program was included in the Plan.
Therefore the Plan was put on hold until the necessary protocols were in place to ensure the use of
CERT volunteers as part of the Plan. The Plan was actually done prior to Hurricane Wilma,but staff
learned so much from that hurricane that the Plan was revisited and completely revised. It is
anticipated the Plan will be completed within the next two weeks and provided to the City Council at
the next Council meeting.
Charles Johnson, 8390 NW 18th Avenue,Miami,Florida,appeared before the City Council to
express his views about Item I-3 and stated emphasis should be on maintaining and increasing the voter
turnout for the City of Miami Gardens. Anything that would hurt the voter turnout should be
considered very carefully.
Vernetta Miles, 1705 NW 185th Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to share with the Council problems she is encountering with her next door neighbor.
Vice Mayor Braynon asked Ms.Miles to meet with Captain Alonzi about being harassed by her
next door neighbor.
Paulette Sims Wimberly, 17351 NW 29th Avenue,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the
City Council to report an abandoned van parked in her neighborhood. She said she had reported this
vehicle to the police department but has not received a response as yet. She further shared the City of
Opa-locka had received,as part of the Front Porch initiative$75,000 to renovate Sherbondy Park. She
said a portion of the City of Miami Gardens is a part of the Front Porch designation and suggested
writing a letter to Governor Jeb Bush requesting that all of Miami Gardens be included in the Front
Porch designation so the City's parks would be eligible for this type of funding. She further mentioned
the Florida Department of Corrections contract with the City and informed the Council that she had
found from her research that a federal law provides that before a contract like this is entered into the
business community as well as bargaining units must be informed to ensure the inmates would not be
taking jobs away from the residents.
Regular City Council Minutes 9
January 25,2006
(I� CONSENT AGENDA/RESOLUTION(S)
Please note, Councilwoman Pritchett pulled Items K-1, K-2, K-3 and K-4 from the Consent
Agenda. Those items are reflected under L—Resolutions, respectively.
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-07-353
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXPEND
A SUM NOT TO EXCEED $86,250 WITH HOMESTEAD CONCRETE &
DRAINAGE AS PRIMARY VENDOR, AND DEVELOPMENT &
COMMUNICATION GROUP OF FLORIDA, AS SECONDARY VENDOR,
PURSUANT TO AN EXISTING CONTRACT, FOR SIDEWALK REPAIRS
DUE TO HURRICANE WILMA; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.(SPONSORED
BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Moved by Councilwoman Watson,seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve the Consent
Agenda. There being no discussion this motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
(L) RESOLUTIONS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-08-354
L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
PURCHASE A ONE (1) TON CREW CAB TRUCK, A ONE (1) THREE-
QUARTER(3/4) TON UTILITY TRUCK AND TWO (2)THREE-QUARTER
(3/4) TON PICK-UP TRUCKS IN THE AMOUNT OF EIGHTY-TWO
THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE ($82,881.00) DOLLARS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THAT CERTAIN FLORIDA SHERIFFS'
ASSOCIATION BID #05-13-0822 AWARDED TO DUVAL FORD OF
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED
BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Councilwoman Pritchett conveyed her understanding that this purchase was to replace used
trucks previously purchased by the City. She asked if the City had any kind of warranty on those used
Regular City Council Minutes 10
January 25,2006
trucks.
Manager Crew indicated there was no warranty on the used trucks previously purchased. The
trucks were purchased at auctions from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. The cost for each truck
was approximately$1,000.00.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked if this item is approved what fund would the money be allocated
from to purchase the trucks.
Manager Crew said the money would come from the 2.5 Million Dollar bond issued last year,
which is in the General Services Fund. The General Services Fund would then charge the allocations
out to the departments utilizing the vehicles.
Moved by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve this item.
There being no further discussion, this item passed and carried by a 5-1 vote.
Councilwoman Pritchett: No
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-09-355
L-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND
THE AGREEMENT APPROVED UNDER RESOLUTION NUMBER 2005-20-
197 WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR A FACADE RESTORATION PROGRAM IN
THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND
($300,000.00) DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED
BY THE CITY MANAGER).
Councilwoman Pritchett made referenced to the fact the City was asking for an extension on
this item until the fiscal year ending December 31,2006,and asked whether the City's fiscal year still
ended on September 30`h.
Manager Crew said these are Federal funds with a fiscal year ending the same as the calendar
year. When the City was first awarded the funds there was only three months left in the Federal
system's fiscal year.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked if the City would be finish with the projects by December 31
Regular City Council Minutes 1 1
.January 25,2006
Manager Crew said staff is anticipating the projects would be completed by then or the money
would go back to the Federal government. The Town Center study is almost completed. A good
portion of the funds for the Code Enforcement Program also have been spent.
Moved by Councilwoman Pritchett,seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve this item.
There being no further discussion,this motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
RESOLUTION NO.2006-10-356
L-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND
THE AGREEMENT APPROVED UNDER RESOLUTION NUMBER 2005-21-
198 WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR A CODE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM IN
THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND($200,000.00)
DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY
MANAGER)
Councilwoman Pritchett said the questions have already been answered.
Moved by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve this item.
There being no discussion,the motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-11-357
L-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
Regular City Council Minutes 12
January 25,2006
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND
THE AGREEMENT APPROVED UNDER RESOLUTION NUMBER 2005-22-
199 WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR A PUBLIC FACILITIES PRE-ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF TWO
HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND ($275,000.00) DOLLARS;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Councilwoman Pritchett said the questions have already been answered.
Moved by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve this item.
There being no discussion,the motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Not present
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
(M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY.
Ula Zucker,the City's Media and Special Events Coordinator appeared before the City Council
to provide a proposed calendar of events for 2006/2007.
Councilman Bratton thanked Ms. Zucker for her participation in his absence.
Manager Crew announced the City has received official notice from the Department of HUD
that the City of Miami Gardens is a Community Development Block Grant community. Those funds
will be available to the City after October 1, 2006. The City still has several issues it must and will
resolve prior to that date.
Manager Crew shared the Department of Transportation has declared the City of Miami
Gardens as a LAP designation(Local Agency Participation). This allows the City to manage projects
on DOT's properties. He credited the Public Works department with assisting in securing this special
designation.
Manager Crew provided the Council members with a Quarterly Financial Report for the first
quarter of this year. The four pages of the documents provide background on the report. He cautioned
for those not familiar with governmental budgeting will find this Quarterly Financial Report quite
different from private budgeting. Governmental budgeting operates by funds. Each fund is an
independent entity. Without a history of expenditures, this report is very misleading and distorted,
Regular City Council Minutes 13
January 25,2006
which is normal from a governmental accounting aspect. Therefore the revenues shown are estimates
of 1/12 per month. He said after the City has two to three years of experience, the estimates will be
adjusted based upon real figures that have come in. He further anticipated that by next October staff
would be able to provide a monthly report instead of a quarterly report.
Manager Crew asked that the Council review this document and within the next two weeks if
they have questions he would be happy to meet with them to have their questions answered.
Attorney Dickens announced her firm's affiliation will change in the very near future. All that
will happen here is that the Retainer Agreement will change to reflect the name of the new firm of
which she will be a partner.
(1) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
Councilwoman Pritchett thanked every one who attended the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebration at the Carol City Complex on Monday,January 16,2006. She conveyed special appreciation
to the constituents,residents,the business community and staff for helping the event to be such a success.
She invited residents with suggestions for next year's event to come to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Steering Committee meetings. She further encouraged residents to attend any and all City Board and
Committee meetings,because they are open to the public.
Councilman Bratton thanked the citizens,his colleagues and staff for their prayers,phone calls and
visits during his stay in the hospital.He further thanked the City Manager for the street repairs being done
in Seat 4 area. He also conveyed his thanks to the City Manager and staff for cleaning up the staging area
on 199 ' Street and NW 32"'Avenue where the hurricane debris was stored.
Councilman Harvard thanked the residents and staff for their participation during the Martin
Luther King Jr.,event. He shared that he has taken the initiative to go out with the various departments,
e.g.police,code enforcement,school crossing guard and public works departments to see what it is they
do on a daily basis. He explained his rationale for doing this is to make this City a lot cleaner and a lot
safer. He further shared that he would like to sponsor a workshop in the community on Code
Enforcement as well as other issues. This would provide residents with pertinent information as to why
they are being ticket,etc. The date,time and site location of the workshop will be announced at a later
date.
Councilwoman Watson made referenced a memorandum she had provided the Council members
with regard to Dade Days in Tallahassee. She said in the past this event provided the City of Miami
Gardens Elected Officials with an opportunity to go to Tallahassee to lobby their legislatures about their
concerns and the visions of this City,as well as solicit funding for various municipal improvements. It has
been deemed necessary to no longer have Dade Days.
Councilwoman Watson said even though Dade Days is now defunct, the City of Miami Gardens
is a young municipality therefore it is a good idea for the elected officials,as a unified front to visit and
lobby the Legislative Body in Tallahassee on issues that are pertinent to this City.
Regular City Council Minutes 14
January 25,2006
Councilwoman Watson emphasized the importance of bringing this matter forward at this time in
order to make the necessary travel and hotel arrangements as well as providing the City's lobbyist with the
dates in order to schedule the necessary appointments for the Council's visit during Legislative Days in
Tallahassee,Florida.
It was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by Councilman Harvard to extend Annual
Florida League of Cities Legislative Days in Tallahassee to include March 27, 28 and 29, 2006. This
motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
(0) REQUESTS,PETITIONS& OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE
PUBLIC.
Dr. Lester Brown, 18801 NW 291h Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to congratulate Vice Mayor Braynon for being featured in February Edition of Ebony
Magazine,Article 30 Leaders Under 30. He further congratulated Attorney Dickens for her being made
a partner in another law firm. He further commended the City Council and staff for the manner in
which they have been conducting the City's business.
(P) ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business to come before this Body,and upon a motion being duly made
by Councilman Bratton and seconded by Councilman Harvard,the meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
Attest: S/�OqAibsiG
Ronetta Taylor, C , City Clerk
Regular City Council Minutes 15
.IanuarN 25,2006