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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 8, 2006 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 8, 2006 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL. The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens,Florida,met in regular session on Wednesday, March 8,2006,beginning at 7:12 p.m.,in the City Council Chambers, 1515 NW 167th Street,Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson and Council members Barbara Watson, Aaron Campbell Jr., Melvin L. Bratton, Ulysses Harvard and Sharon Pritchett. Vice Mayor Braynon was out of the Country. Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew,City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. (B) INVOCATION. Dr. Lester Brown delivered the Invocation. (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Recited in unison. (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular City Council Meeting—February 22,2006 Moved by Councilwoman Watson,second by Councilwoman Pritchett to approve the minutes. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote. (E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/AMENDMENTS): Manager Crew requested the following additions to the official agenda: 1) the addition of as Item K-4 "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,800 TO PDP PRODUCTIONS,INC.,FOR LIGHTING,SOUND AND STAGING SERVICES FOR THE JAZZ IN THE GARDENS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON MARCH 25, 2006; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AGREEMENT(S) WITH PDP PRODUCTIONS, INC., FOR THE SERVICES; AUTHORIZING A WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS;PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE"; and 2)as item F-4,the addition of a presentation from Cody and Associates to present a Salary Survey. Moved by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Councilman Harvard to amend the official agenda with the addition of the above referenced items. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote. (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) 1. Major Matthew Boyd, Miami Gardens District Police Division Major Boyd appeared before the City Council to provide the monthly crime stats. He reported that from the month of January to the month of February there has been a slight increase in Aggravated Regular City Council Minutes March 8,2006 Assaults;in Aggravated Batteries there was a decrease,there was an increase in auto thefts; there was a decrease in commercial burglaries; an increase in residential burglaries; there was a decrease in robberies;and a decrease in sexual batteries. Overall percentage there was a 2%decrease in crime from January to February. Major Boyd stated he had expected a slight increase in residential burglaries because of some personal changes he initiated in the General Investigations Unit. He said during this transition period, and with a new Lieutenant in place,a slight increase in residential burglaries is anticipated over the next couple of months. However, after that there should be a steady decrease in this activity. Major Boyd reported crime is down in all categories for the year-to-date stats for 2005-2006, except for residential burglaries, which is up by 15 percent and sexual battery, which is up by 18 percent. Major Boyd reported the police department handled 6,128 calls for service for the month of January 2006. During the month of February 5,589 calls for service were handled. In addition,the police department handled 290 emergency calls for service. Councilwoman Pritchett asked about the Larceny stats. Major Boyd said the Larceny (theft) stats were up slightly. This is an area that is hard to control,and mainly affects businesses. He opined businesses need to put more security in place to deter this crime. 2. Broward County MPO regarding the "Broward Transit Bridge" Mario Aispuro,Project Manager for the"Transit Bridge appeared before the City Council to provide information on the Rapid Bus Transit Project, which is a plan to connect Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. This project would have a considerable affect on the City of Miami-Gardens. Mr.Aispuro said this is the first phase of a three phase project,which has been in discussions for the past ten years, with Miami-Dade County's MPO. In 2002, an Alternatives Analysis (Planning Study) for providing premium transit service to connect Miami-Dade and Broward Counties was done. This Planning Study also provided information about detail traffic/transit operations analysis of bus rapid transit alternatives. The study findings are being presented to residents, business owners and elected officials to seek their input. Mr.Aispuro stated this project would go from Palm Beach to the Golden Glades Interchange. The modified route would operate during peak hours in the morning and afternoon. In addition,the Rapid Bus Transit Project is anticipated to run an entire day and not just for peak hours. This project would also extend into Palm Beach County. The Rapid Transit Project is scheduled to be completed in 2011 or 2012,which would be in time to make a connection with the proposed Metro Rail North Corridor project. He further provided a visual map of the route, which had four components. Councilman Bratton inquired about the anticipated ridership for this service. Regular City Council Minutes 2 March 8,2006 Mr.Aispuro said there would be approximately 9,000 to 10,000 people utilizing this service each day. Councilwoman Watson said staff has put together a presentation highlighting those areas of concern for the City of Miami Gardens, and invited Ms. Pandya to come forth and make this presentation. 3. Bhairvi Pandya—PowerPoint Presentation (441 Corridor) Bhairvi Pandya,Senior Planner provided a PowerPoint Presentation,which defined,Calder Race Track, Dolphins Stadium, Golden Glades International Park, St. Thomas University and Florida Memorial University as areas within the City of Miami Gardens that are important for this project and the general development of the City. She identified SR 7 Corridor, 27th Avenue Corridor, and the Palmetto Corridor as major development corridors within the City. The Golden Glades Interchange is at the center of these three corridors and essential to the development because it is a multi-destination point for these transit services. The fast bus tract also identifies with the Metro Rail Corridor, along 27th Avenue, which is an anticipated development within the City. Ms. Pandya provided an overview of concerns for the City. There are approximately 16 different transit projects occurring within the City. The most important project is SR 7, which involves the development and redevelopment of the SR 7 Corridor. There area approximately seven different projects occurring along the SR 7 Corridor,which was provided in a visual format during the PowerPoint presentation. Ms. Pandya made reference to the Transit Route and stated the existing Broward County MPO Alternative shows the connection between 441 and NW 27th Avenue,and 199th Street. There will be dedicated lanes,with 199th Street having three lanes in each direction. However,there is no median, which affords a low level of safety for school age children. The level of service existing based on 2004 data is Level of Service "E"; Dan Marion Boulevard has a Level of Service "B". There is also a Miami-Dade County Transit Route on this roadway and no Broward County transit routes. Ms. Pandya noted the existing conditions on 215th Street shows there are two lanes in each direction,however there is a median,which affords a high level of safety to not only the school age children but also the residents. The Level of Service in this area is rated "B", which is better than Level of Service "E". Ms. Pandya said the proposed alternative being sponsored by the City of Miami Gardens for 199th Street is to have no dedicated lanes. She explained the Broward MPO is proposing dedicated lanes however, the City of Miami Gardens is proposing no dedicated lanes. There is a lot of proposed development along 441, which would be bringing in a considerable amount of residential development. In addition there are proposed projects along 215 Street, which would bring in residential developments as well. Due to these developments there would be a greater ridership afforded to Countyline Road,which would bring in approximately 1,000 more residents along that Regular City Council Minutes 3 March 8,2006 corridor and provide ridership. In addition,the northern portion of Countyline Road continues in to Broward County. Therefore there will be an advantage for Broward County to utilize that part of Broward County for dedicated lane if they so choose. It is staff's understanding that Broward County MPO and Miami-Dade County MPO are looking into the City's request. Ms.Pandya conveyed staff anticipates coordination and open communication with Broward County MPO,with updates being provided to the City. In addition there will be City representation at the public meetings and citizen meetings to afford pertinent information to the City of Miami Gardens. Councilwoman Watson asked Mr. Aispuro whether land acquisition would be involved in order to erect the booths at the two transit route stops (215th Street and NW 183rd Street) being imposed by Broward County MPO. Mr. Aispuro conveyed his belief that no land acquisition is required in order to erect the booths at the two transit stops, which are very simple and not elaborate facilitates. Councilwoman Watson request that Broward County MPO consider enhancing the 215th Street bus route by incorporating additional stops. This provides an opportunity to pick up new ridership from the developments in this area. She expressed concern with having a dedicated lane on 199th Street due to the elementary school located near the Turnpike. She opined having that dedicated lane would increase safety concerns for those elementary students having to cross 199th Street. Councilwoman Watson further expressed concern that the dedicated lane would also move the Level of Service to "F" due to the extra traffic generated by the various sport activities at Dolphins Stadium. She opined the utilization of Countyline Road instead of 199th Street would allow traffic to continue to flow,which is the purpose of the rapid transit buses. She further opined that dedicating a lane on the 441 Corridor and 199th Street will create serious traffic jams and congestion. She reemphasized the importance of moving this project to 215th Street. Mayor Gibson asked when the engineering phase of this project would start. Mr. Aispuro indicated that he did not have a date when the engineering phase would start. Broward County MPO would be looking at 215th Street as an alternative. However, the final decision will be made by the City of Miami Gardens, Miami-Dade County MPO and Broward County MPO. 4. Cody and Associates—Salary Survey. Manager Crew explained his rationale for having this salary survey conducted for the City. He said it is important to have a personal personnel system in place. The City has to meet the mandate "Equal pay for equal work." In addition, employee retention is starting to become a problem. Furthermore,if the City does not have a system that is fair and equitable,it will not be able to recruit. The salary survey is not something the Council has to take action on however, Regular City Council Minutes 4 March 8,2006 understanding this document, why it is being done and how it was done is important. N.E.Pellegrino,Principal Partner of Cody and Associates,Inc,305 Jack Drive,Coco Beach, Florida,appeared before the City Council to further expound on the salary survey conducted by his company. One of the components of the survey was to ensure the City,which is a young city and growing, has a pay range that would attract people. This comprehensive salary survey was approached from the importance of the City being competitive and getting the type of people it wants. The retention value is also very important. Models from several municipalities were used in this process. Manager Crew said the implementation of this salary study for the current fiscal year would cost approximately$159,000.00. There will be a lot of employees that will not receive anything and there will be a lot of employees receiving significant increases. Councilwoman Pritchett inquired about the pay grade for a secretary position. Manager Crew said this would be equivalent to an Administrative Assistant,with a pay grade of 109. Councilwoman Pritchett clarified that the Administrative Assistant pay range would be a minimum of$27,577, with a maximum of 41,366. Manager Crew replied"yes". (G) ZONING MATTERS There were none. (H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING There were none. (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING "PUBLIC HEARINGS." There were none. (.I) PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 - MINUTES) Sady I. Diaz, 1120 NW 6d' Street, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, a representative with Dickey Consulting Services, appeared before the City Council to invite everyone to attend a Charrette/Community Design Workshop, starting March 11, 2006 and ending March 16, 2006, to discuss the North Corridor Planning Project. This event will be held at the North Dade Regional Library. Cornelia Sands, 1371 NW 173rd Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to inquire as to whether Code Enforcement officers worked on the weekends. She further reported there is an individual in her neighborhood doing illegal car repairs during in the evening and weekend hours.She also inquired as to what the City is doing about the trash in the neighborhood. She Regular City Council Minutes 5 March 8,2006 then thanked the public works department for its quick response in addressing her complaint about downed signage in her neighborhood. Mayor Gibson asked Mrs. Sands if she had spoken to Mr. Steers about whether the City had Code Enforcement on the weekends. Mrs.Sands said she has not spoken with Mr.Steers about whether there was Code Enforcement on the weekends. She said she has spoken with Mr. Steers before about the illegal automobile repairs. She shared that she had called the Code Enforcement Office on a Sunday and never got an answer. Mayor Gibson shared she receives numerous calls about bulk trash. She said there are several services the City of Miami Gardens is not allowed to provide to the residents;one of which is bulk trash pick up. That service is provided via Miami-Dade County. The City works very diligently with County Commissioner Jordan's office to address those concerns. She asked that residents address their concerns about bulk trash pick up to Commissioner Jordan's office as well. She further asked residents to call for a trash pick up before putting the trash out. Miami-Dade County will provide a schedule as to when that trash will be picked up. Councilwoman Pritchett asked Mrs. Sands if she had spoken with Angela Holloman, Code Enforcement Director about her concerns. Mrs. Sands said she had called Ms. Holloman's office and let a message but never received a call back from her. Mayor Gibson stated Ms. Holloman is out of town due to a death in the family. She told residents if they can not get the director to call Mr.Steers,if Mr.Steers can not be reached then they are to call Dr. Crew. Mark Brown, Assistant to County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, appeared before the City Council to address concerns about the amount of bulk trash still remaining. He said the hurricanes had a major impact on Miami-Dade County as a whole. Secondly, Miami-Dade County Solid Waste department is working diligently to remove the trash. In addition, Miami-Dade County is in communications with FEMA to receive more funds to assist with the hurricane debris still littering the streets. Reva Kinney, 1831 NW 186th Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council and stated the trees in her area needed trimming. She also expressed concern with the new drainage system installed and shared the water is now backing into her driveway. Mayor Gibson asked Ms. Kinney to speak with Tom Ruiz the City's Public Works Director about the drainage problem. Wade Jones, 1831 NW 186th Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to express support for Item K-3,which establishes a Veteran's Day Steering Committee. He shared the veterans in this particular area feel as if though this new City has not focus specific attention to the Regular City Council Minutes 6 March 8,2006 particular needs of its veterans. He further conveyed his hopes that this celebration would also balance out the Memorial Day Event. Mayor Gibson said she did not want any one to think that when this area was incorporated services to the veterans were lost; they never had any. Keith Butler, 2200 NW 192"d Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to share with them and the listening audience information he felt could be valuable and useful to the police department and its crime fighting efforts. He said the City of North Miami Beach pays Miami-Dade County Department of Corrections to transport prisoners to the jail facilities. This eliminates the police officers having to travel out of the city to transport the prisoners and keeps those officers on the streets as well as curtailing overtime. Willie Dykes,3460 NW 205th Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to clear up any misunderstanding as to whether he was against the City. He apologized for any misinterpretation that he was anti-City of Miami Gardens. He placed emphasis on the importance of being incorporated and conveyed his support for the City of Miami Gardens. Billy Isley, 1740 NW 193d Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to inquire about the monthly financial report. He further questioned why the representative from New Communities Strategy(the City's finance contractor)was not present at tonight's meeting even though he(Isley)was assured the Contractor would be present. He opined the contract is not being honored because it provides for the presence of the contractor at each City Council meeting and asked that the contract be revoked. Mr. Isley stated the City has now been in existence for almost three years and as such a performance report of each department has not been conducted as well. In addition,there is a trash pile north of 191St Street and NW 22"d Avenue,which has been there for four months thus creating a haven for rodents. Charles F.Johnson,8390 NW 18th Avenue,Miami,Florida,appeared before the City Council in support of Item K-3,which establishes a Veteran's Day Steering Committee. He further referenced the City's crime stats for the last month and stated from the information provided at a Crime Watch Meeting, there was in excess of 5,000 calls for service from residents to the police department. He recommended increasing police services,recovery of the budget shortfall and a detailed report from the City Manager with dates and a time frame as to when that would be implemented. Dorothy Smith, 18900 NW 30th Court,Miami Gardens,Florida,Chairperson of the Brentwood Crime Watch,appeared before the City Council to expound on the information provided at the crime watch meeting. She emphasized the importance of acquiring more police officers for the City of Miami Gardens. She further requested the City allocate an additional six thousand dollars for crime watch events. Todd Walker, 1111 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, a representative of the Scott Lake Optimist League appeared before the City Council seeking their assistance with addressing the Regular City Council Minutes 7 March 8,2006 conditions of the fields, removal of downed light poles and a status report on the new recreation building at Scott Lake Park. Mayor Gibson asked Mr.Walker whether he had spoken with Ms.Nelson,the City's Parks and Recreation Director about his concerns. Mr. Walker acknowledged he had called Ms.Nelson and was told there was no money in the budget to address these concerns. Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of contacting staff first to get issues resolved. If staff does not address those concerns,the next step is to contact the City Manager. If the City Manager does not respond then the Council is the next step. Vemita Nelson,Director of Parks and Recreation appeared before the City Council to expound on concerns raised by Mr. Walker. She stated she recently spoke with the new president as well as the immediate past president of the Scott Lake Optimist League in reference to the field and storage. Inquiry was made about the new building. Staff advised that it is working diligently with Scott Lake and wants to occupy the new building as much as it wants the community to be able to use it. She stated she had advised the president and past president that the new building was going through the inspection phase. The City has a new park superintendent who is doing a comprehensive assessment of the irrigation systems at all of the parks. This is being done in an expedient manner so that the fields can be done before Optimist Season,as well as for the use of the park in general. Funds have been set aside for irrigation however; it is a larger task than expected. The light poles were brought down by Hurricane Wilma;this situation also exists at other parks.In an effort to resolve these safety concerns, the City is currently in communications with FEMA as well as the Florida League of Cities. Councilwoman Pritchett asked if there was active electricity on the downed light poles. Ms. Nelson said electricity to the poles has been cut off from the main line. In addition the downed poles are surrounded by yellow caution tape. Councilman Campbell mentioned the City had received those parks from Miami-Dade County in their current deplorable conditions. Therefore,it is going to take time to bring those parks up to the standards that the City Council and the citizens expect. Ms.Farmer,Assistant City Manager for Public Services appeared before the City Council and stated although she has not spoken with Mr. Walker she has communicated to the different Optimist Leagues that she has an open door policy and would be happy to explain the City's timeframe at anytime. In addition,the conditions of the parks are being addressed in a systematic manner and in the very near future staff would be bringing forth the Parks Master Plan. Manager Crew said it is hard to imagine the conditions the parks were in when they were turned over to the City from Miami-Dade County. One of the park buildings caught fire due to electrical problems. Another park building was condemned by the City's Building Department because it was not safe to use. Approximately thirty million dollars has been identified to be used over the next five Regular City Council Minutes 8 March 8,2006 years to exclusively address these concerns. Harold Lawton, 1860 NW 1701h Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to make comments about Item K-3. He stated that he did not believe a Veteran's Day event could not be any grander than the one sponsored last year. He said he had a problem with a Committee that does not take into consideration last year's event. He opined whoever put the event on last year did a super job. He said he did not know how that event could be done any better. Wendell James, 18820 NW 29th Place,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the Council in support of Councilwoman Watson and her comments about the Transit Bridge alternative to 215d' Street. He encouraged the City to take care of the down electrical poles. Dr. Lester Brown. 18801 NW 29th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express his views about how wonderful it is to have a government for the people,and by the people. He conveyed how excellent it is that any citizen can come to a council meeting and voice his/her opinion about any matter than comes before this distinguished council. He further conveyed his delight with the fact that the City's crime rate has gone down, and extended hospitality to the police officers to stop by his home for refreshments. He also commended the City of the salary survey that was conducted. (K) CONSENT AGENDA/RESOLUTION(S) Please note: Item K-1 was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Councilwoman Pritchett. Item K-3 was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Councilman Bratton. Both items are reflected under L- RESOLUTIONS, respectively. The Agenda has been renumbered accordingly. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-22-368 K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAROL CITY COMMUNITY CENTER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2006-23-369 K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,800 TO PDP PRODUCTIONS, INC., FOR LIGHTING, SOUND AND STAGING SERVICES FOR THE JAZZ IN THE GARDENS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON MARCH 25,2006;AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AGREEMENT(S) WITH PDP PRODUCTIONS, INC., FOR THE SERVICES; Regular City Council Minutes 9 March 8,2006 AUTHORIZING A WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Moved by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Councilman Harvard to approve the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote. Councilman Bratton: Yes Vice Mayor Braynon: Out of Country Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Harvard: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Councilwoman Watson: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes (L) RESOLUTIONS) RESOLUTION NO. 2006-24-370 L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN CONTRACT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,296.00, IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM AS THAT AGREEMENT ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT"A";PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK;PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilwoman Pritchett referenced the City Manager's memorandum,which states,"Unlike most of our contracts, State of Florida Department of Corrections' contracts do not include an indemnification provision. This means that the City assumes some liability for the actions of the Crews(as we do our own employees)". She then referenced the City Attorney's memorandum,Item No.2,more particularly the language"In the event a claim is made against the City,the City will have to take sole responsibility for any such claims." She asked for clarification between"some liability"as opposed to"sole responsibility". Attorney Dickens said the phases are not different. The Manager Crew's comments as well as the City Attorney's are correct. What the City Manager is saying is, if someone was to sue the Department of Corrections and the City,the City would assume whatever responsibilities that would come to the City. The City Attorney's memorandum is saying if the claim is against the City,the City would assume sole responsibility, which is not inconsistent. Moved by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve this item. Regular City Council Minutes 10 March 8,2006 Motion passed and carried by a 5-1 vote. Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Harvard: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Vice Mayor Braynon: Out of Country Mayor Gibson: Yes L-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A VETERAN'S DAY "STEERING COMMITTEE" TO ORGANIZE EVENTS FOR A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN PRITCHETT) Councilman Bratton shared during the planning phase of last year's Memorial Breakfast event he had discussions with the City Manager regarding this matter as well. Furthermore,he had similar discussions with Mr. McHugh,the Assistant City Manager about this event. Horace McHugh,Assistant City Manager appeared before the City Council to further expound on this subject. He shared last year Councilman Bratton had approached him with the concept of having a Memorial Day Breakfast as well as a Veteran's Day event. Staff had advised Councilman Bratton to hold off on the Veteran's Day event due to staffing and resource concerns. He said he wanted to let the Council know about what was being told to Councilman Bratton privately as it related to holding a Veteran's Day event and shared with current staffing and resources, staff is unable to support additional programs in this fiscal year. A few months previously,staff presented to the Council a Media Events Calendar for this calendar year. This Media Events Calendar incorporated some of the events staff had in mind, recognizing that some of the events listed are not being done. For the past week the Special Events Coordinator has been working until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m.,as well as working on weekends. Staff supports these efforts, the City Manager is a veteran and has advocated having something like this,however currently the Council has not provided adequate resources to address an event such as this. Councilwoman Pritchett read into the record a letter dated October 8, 1954"I have today signed a Proclamation calling upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday,November I Id'as Veteran's Day. It is my honest hope that all veterans, their organizations, and the entire citizenry will join hands to ensure proper and wide spread observance of this day,with the thought that it will be most helpful to coordinate the planning I am suggesting of a Veteran's Day National Committee. I have every confidence that our nation will respond wholeheartedly in the appropriate observance of Veteran's Day. Signed sincerely,Dwight D. Eisenhower, President." Councilwoman Pritchett stated, "Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of Regular City Council Minutes I I March 8,2006 their country. Particularly those who died in battle or as, a result of wounds sustained in battle. Veteran's Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorable in the military,in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veteran's Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service,to acknowledge their contributions to our national security are appreciated,or the fact that all those who served, not only those died, have sacrificed and done their duty. In an opportunity to continue to empower the residents, and include the residents in every single facet of this City's government,first of all because we promised to do so,during the incorporation process. And secondly of all involvement from the Stakeholders guarantees the success of every facet of this City,I have asked that this resolution be brought to this full Council,establishing a Steering Committee to be comprised of residents from the City of Miami Gardens so Stakeholders who will take a personal interest in seeing the Veteran's Day event be successful. Especially given the fact there are still 248 days left until Veteran's Day is celebrated on November 11, 2006. Thank you Madam Mayor." Councilwoman Watson conveyed her appreciation of the information shared by Councilwoman Pritchett. She further voiced her understanding of the difference between the two events. She said what she is hearing tonight isn't about Memorial or Veteran's Day but is about staff's request to delay this event because the City does not have enough staff or resources in place. In addition, another Council member had brought this matter forth. She asked Councilwoman Pritchett,out of courtesy,to withdraw this item because there is another Council member that has diligently moved forward with this same initiative. She reiterated her request of Councilwoman Pritchett to withdraw this item from consideration. Councilwoman Pritchett stated, "Mr. McHugh's comments,just like the Stakeholders in the audience who heard it for the first time tonight, I too heard it for the first time tonight. I have never been informed of the fact that this item has ever come up before. Contrary to what may have been said, this is my first time hearing it too. What we can do is vote it down,and I understand that. However,I do think because we do have 248 days left, it is yet another opportunity to involve the Stakeholders from this community in another project. I think this is something we as a Council should consider and given the fact we are not allowed to talk with each other except on the public record. I would like to see what your feelings are and vote this up or down". After there was no further discussion, this item was moved by Councilwoman Pritchett, but died for a lack of a second. (M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY. Manager Crew provided the City Council with a draft of the City's Emergency Plan. He asked the Council members to review this plan and provide any comments or input. Councilman Harvard thanked Manager Crew for providing this information to the Council. He asked when this information would be available for the public's review. Manager Crew said this information would be provided to the Office of the City Clerk as well as the North Dade Regional Library. He suggested having a workshop to discuss the"Plan",and receive input for revisions. Regular City Council Minutes 12 March 8,2006 Mayor Gibson placed emphasis on the importance of residents knowing what is in this plan and what they should be doing to prepare for the hurricane season. Manager Crew said the City would put out a newsletter, which would provide residents with pertinent information in order to prepare for a hurricane. Mayor Gibson said in addition to putting this information into a newsletter that an information card(magnetized)outlining relevant points on hurricane preparedness be provided to residents,something that is can be placed in a conspicuous place for easy reference(e.g.refrigerator,etc.). Manager Crew opined there should be funds available in the Urban Area Initiative or other resources to offset the cost of preparing magnetic information cards. Mayor Gibson shared she had received an email from the City's lobbyist about what Bills were under consideration in Tallahassee. Discussions about disaster preparedness were previously held with the City's lobbyist. Mayor Gibson shared the lobbyist wanted to know if there were any other issues she could bring forth before the Committee, and she had sent back her concerns about emergency equipment such as radios,etc. This might be an additional avenue for the City to pursue in getting those additional funds. She opined it is important to get the information out and it needs to be in a form that people will keep. Councilman Campbell opined it is good this discussion is occurring however,all the information mentioned is already available. FEMA publishes a booklet that every household should have. The problem is getting this information out to the people. The City has made an effort through education and training. He said people need to start preparations to take care of themselves. If there is a disaster be it natural or man made,the police and fire departments would be overwhelmed and would not be able to get to individuals for several days. Those departments takes care of priorities first. (N) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Harvard shared he along with Major Boyd,Assistant City Manager Renee Farmer and City of Miami Gardens staff met with the local school representatives about concerns the City has. The School Board has been made aware of these concerns. He informed Manager Crew that staff is doing a good job addressing some of the concerns raised by residents. Code Enforcement has been doing some proactive enforcement in the community. Councilman Campbell asked how much of the Code Enforcement Officer's time is spent responding to complaints and how much time is spent issuing random citations. Manager Crew said the Code Enforcement Department conducts planned enforcement in the neighborhoods and areas periodically. However,the complaints received are just overwhelmingly. Attorney Dickens shared that she has been involved with the Code Enforcement process for many years and in every city most of the time spent by a Code Enforcement Officer is responding to complaints Regular City Council Minutes 13 March 8,2006 called in. Councilman Campbell opined if Code Enforcement is important to the citizens,then perhaps there should be an increase in Code Enforcement Officers. In order to do this,an increase in Ad Valorem taxes would be warranted. Mayor Gibson pointed out before this area was incorporated,there were five Team Metro Code Enforcement Officers assigned to this area. The City currently has eleven and that is still not enough. She emphasized the City did not get in to condition since 2003. The Code Enforcement issues were inherited from Miami-Dade County. She opined the residents are requesting more service because they are now getting service. Councilwoman Pritchett introduced Mr. Remard Scott, newly elected Feeder Pattern Representative for the Norland Senior High School,Feeder Pattern. Mayor Gibson announced County Commissioner Barbara Jordan would be having a grand opening of her North West District Office on March 17, 2006, at 10:00 p.m. She indicated she had a conflict at that time and therefore a representative from the elected body should be on hand to bring greetings. She said she would speak with the Vice Mayor about his attendance. Councilman Harvard stated that he would be in attendance at this event. Councilman Bratton shared the Code Enforcement Officers have been writing citations on the trucks being parked along 22nd Avenue between 177`"and NW 179th Street. He asked how can the City get Major Boyd and the police department involved with this enforcement. Councilman Bratton shared he was asked to be a judge for the Miss Miami Scholarship Pageant. He further announced the anticipation of the City hosting a Miss Miami Gardens Pageant in the near future. Mayor Gibson announced on March 23,2006,at El Palacio Hotel,on NW 167th Street and 12ffi Avenue, at 6:00 p.m., a kickoff will be held for the Miami Gardens Chambers. She further invited everyone to come out to the Jazz Festival,hosted by Dolphins Stadium,Saturday,March 25,2006,from 2:00— 10:00 p.m. This event is being advertised on a tri-county level. (0) REQUESTS, PETITIONS& OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. There were none. Regular City Council Minutes 14 March 8.2006 (P) ADJOURNMENT. After there was no further business for this Body, and upon a motion being duly made by Councilman Bratton and second by Councilman Harvard, the meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. t r Attest: hirley Gib ay r Ronetta Taylor, CM ity Clerk Regular City Council Minutes 15 March 8,2006