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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 26, 2008 THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 26, 2008 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens met in regular session on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, beginning at 7:17 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515 NW 167' Street, Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson, Vice Mayor Barbara Watson and Council members Aaron Campbell Jr., Andr6 Williams, Melvin L. Bratton and Sharon Pritchett. Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. (B) INVOCATION Invocation was delivered by Dr. Lester Brown. (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting - February 27, 2008 Motion offered by Councilman Bratton, seconded by Vice Mayor Watson to approve the minutes with necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. Regular City Council Meeting- March 12, 2008 Motion offered by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve the minutes with necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. (E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items shall be pulled from the Consent Agenda at this time): Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson,seconded by Councilman Campbell to pull Item J-6 from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote. Councilman Bratton requested to have a Presentation of the Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship Pageant added as Item No. F-3. Mayor Gibson requested to have Item K-2 moved forward on the Agenda to be heard after - Special Presentations. Regular City Council Minutes March 26,2008 Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve the Official Agenda with the requested additions,deletions and changes. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) F-1) February 2008 Budget Status Report William Alonso, Finance Director, presented the February 2008 Budget Status Report. He stated there have been no budget amendments; the General Fund has collected 42.3% of the budgeted revenues, and expenditures are at 40.3% of what was budgeted. Furthermore as of February the City is operating within the approved budgeted levels and no department has gone over budget for the first five months of the year. The ending fund balance was lowered again due to the increasing deficit reported in the Development Service Fund. Mr. Alonso added the Tax Reform Committee in Tallahassee has a proposal,which will go to the voters in November, and if passed, would eliminate the School Board tax portion of the property tax bill(which represents 1/3rd of the tax bill). A one cent increase in sales tax will be implemented to replace the School Board tax. This would leave a shore fall of$9 billion in education. $4 billion is expected to be generated in the$.01 sales tax increase. The other$5 billion would be generated in eliminating some sales tax exemptions such as dry cleaning services and by reducing the State's budget. In addition to this proposal the Committee is looking into placing caps on government spending. As of today nothing has been agreed upon. Lastly, Mr. Alonso stated the County Budget Office stated that the County's budget for next year will contain visible service cuts. These cuts will be mainly in Social Services due to the January 29' amendment. On another note staff has begun budget classes for the 08/09 budget. Councilman Williams questioned with the Finance Committee considering a cap on City Revenues; would it be possible as, with the City's past success, would it be appropriate to go to Tallahassee to seek an exemption. Mr. Alonso replied any help we can get in Tallahassee is welcomed. Manager Crew countered in this instance that it would not help because this is not the Legislators considering this measure. The Finance Committee is an independent commission that can skip the Legislature and put items on the ballot. Mr. Alonso furthered expounded on this matter and stated there are some lobbyists who are in contact with these particular commissions, and are providing input about the effects capping local revenues would have on local governments and their communities. Councilman Williams commented the City of Miami Gardens is a new city; that newness should be an exception. He questioned whether it is viable to campaign the City's newness to the Financial Committee. Regular City Council Minutes 2 March 26,2008 Mr. Alonso indicated in the last proposal the City of Miami Gardens did not fall within their new city guideline in order to receive an exemption, which was four years. F-2) Miami Norland Basketball Team Champions Councilwoman Pritchett presented the Miami Norland Senior High School as the FHSAA Class 6A State Champions. The City Council presented plaques to the entire Basketball Team and Coaching staff for their accomplishment. F-3) Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship Pageant Councilman Bratton presented the winner Shantel Chester of Miami Norland Senior High School,as the winner of the Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship Pageant;runner-ups Ingrid Louis from Florida Memorial University, and Stacey Ashley from Miami Carol City Senior High School. He added ,the queen will take part in the Miss Florida Pageant in Saint Petersburg, FL from June 29`'to July 5". Should she win the Miss Florida Pageant, she would then compete in the Miss America Pageant, January 2009. RESOLUTION NO. 2008-52-739 K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,ACCEPTING THE MAYOR'S NOMINATION OF OLIVER G. GILBERT TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF COUNCILMAN OSCAR BRAYNON, II UNTIL THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MIAMI-DADE COUNTY-WIDE ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR GIBSON) Mayor Gibson affirmed per the Charter of the City of Miami Gardens when there is a vacancy, depending on the length of the term the Mayor shall make a nomination to the Council within 30 days of the vacancy. That nomination shall be ratified by the City Council and the vacancy shall be filled until the next County-wide Election,which is scheduled for August 26,2008. Mayor Gibson recognized Mr.Thomas Nelson,Mr.Vincent Manousi Jr.,Mr.Joseph L.Cook and Mr.Oliver G.Gilbert III for submitting application and going through the interview process for the vacant seat. Mayor Gibson presented her nomination of Mr.Oliver G.Gilbert to fill the unexpired term for Seat 6 of the City Council, to the City Council for ratification. She added Representative Oscar Braynon H sent letter recommending the nomination f Oliver G. Gilbert to the vacant seat. She also noted the numerous achievements of Oliver G. Gilbert. Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Vice Mayor Watson to approve this nomination Regular City Council Minutes 3 March 26,2008 At the conclusion of this discussion, the motion to approve passed and carried by a 6-0 vote Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Vice Mayor Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes Oliver G. Gilbert III was sworn in into office by Judge Prescott. After the Oath of Office was administered, Councilman Gilbert took his place on the dais and actively participated in the Council's deliberations. (G) PUBLIC COMAMNTS Robert Renceher, 16305 N.W. 48'Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, member of Locis Baptist Church appeared before the City Council to recall the recent events that took place at Antioch Baptist Church and Locis Baptist Church. Considering the recent events he requested for law enforcement assistant. Mayor Gibson asked if he has been in contact with the Police Chief or any member of his staff. Mr. Renceher replied that a report was generated;however he has not spoken to the Chief or any of his staff. Mayor Gibson reaffirmed if any resident or business owner within the City of Miami Gardens are having problems and are not sure of what department to call, please contact the City Manager. Do not wait until you have four or five incidents before you come to the Council. Mayor Gibson requested that Mr. Renceher forward his contact information to Renee Farmer Assistant City Manager so that dialogue can be created to help resolve this issue. Councilman Williams asked whether open cases were still pending. Mr. Renceher in response to Councilman Williams' question stated there may still be one case open where a female staff member of the church was attacked while entering the building. He added security has been hired for any special meetings and Sunday services. Councilman Williams suggested that Mr. Renceher follow-up with the Police Department. Vince Manousi, 17201 N.W. 42"d Place, Miami Gardens,FL appeared before the Council to express his appreciation to the Mayor for interviewing him for the appointment to Seat 6. He stressed the importance of seeking unity especially with the upcoming economy struggle and budget Regular City Council Minutes 4 March 26,2008 cuts. He further shared that he has heard several complaints from citizens as well as employees and conveyed anticipation of the Council resolving those issues and concerns. Mr. Manousi asked the Mayor to sponsor an item that would give the citizens of Miami Gardens' employment preference. Mayor Gibson replied there is large amount of city employees who live within the city, however the City must be sure to not violate the law in regards to employment practices. Hugh Dodd, 17125 N.W. 19`'Ave, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council to inquire about possible service cuts and cuts in the police department. Mayor Gibson responded there have not been any officers who were hired cut. However,the city will not be able to hire additional officers. Mr. Dodd recalled that the City Manager reported that the funds for the Police Department were already there. Mayor Gibson reiterated the funds for the Police Department are there; however, the City will not be able to hire the desired number of additional officers. (H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ELECTIONS, CALLING THE 2008 GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE MAYOR'S SEAT AND CITY COUNCIL SEATS 1, 3, 5 AND SEAT 6; SCHEDULING THE DAY,PLACE AND TIME OF THE ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR RUNOFF ELECTION IF NECESSARY; PROVIDING FOR QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES; PROVIDING FOR CLOSE OF ELECTION BOOKS; APPROVING THE OFFICIAL BALLOT FORM; PROVIDING FOR NOTIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT;PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY CLERK) Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, second by Councilman Bratton to approved this item. Ronetta Taylor, City Clerk, stated this Ordinance would start the process for the General Election scheduled for August 26, 2008. The candidates' qualifying period opens June 2, 2008 and will continue through June 9, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. sharp. Advertising process announcing the election and qualifying period will start May 2008. Councilman Williams asked if the ballots will be done on paper or electronically. Regular City Council Minutes 5 March 26,2008 Clerk Taylor in response to Councilman Williams question stated there has been no confirmation from Miami-Dade Division of Election with regard to that matter. Councilman Williams raised the issue of long lines if there are paper ballots due to the expected record number of voter turn outs. Additionally he would like the City to be at the forefront to handle this issue if in fact it becomes an issue. There being no further discussion, the motion to approve for first reading passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Vice Mayor Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes H-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR A PROCEDURE FOR THE DISPOSITION OF LIENS AND FORFEITED PROPERTY; CREATING A LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH §932.7055 FLORIDA STATUTES; AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008 BUDGET TO ESTABLISH THE FUND; 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 commented now that we have the Police Department, from time to time there would be funds or properties confiscated from criminals that are arrested by our agency. The state has a process to account for the funds and properties. This Ordinance tracks that process;establishes the City's Law Enforcement Trust Fund. The ordinance also provides for a procedure destroying those certain properties; how liens are paid off of the properties, and sets up the procedure to ensure we are in line with state law. Councilwoman Pritchett indicated the ordinance does not include who destroys the item and according to the State Statue it should be destroyed by the seizing agency. Attorney Dickens this is a scrivener's error and will ensure this information is incorporated in the ordinance. Councilman Gilbert recommended an amendment to the Ordinance to include a value amount after final judgment granting forfeiture of real property or personal property. He suggested the language, which would require the City Manager to bring the item before the Council if the valued amount is more than $5,000, before disposing it. Regular City Council Minutes 6 March 26,2008 Manager Crew stated the cash will go into the fund and only council can approve the spending of the fund. As well property can be converted to cash and put into the fund. Councilman Gilbert added even though this ordinance allows for the property to be converted perhaps the council might not want to convert and instead use it in the parks program or give it to a non-profit organization. Attorney Dickens agreed with Councilman Gilbert. She suggested an amendment that would make this ordinance consistent with the surplus ordinance. She suggested the following language as an amendment "that if the property value is less then$5,000 the manager has the authority over the disposal property" and "that if the property value is more than$5,000 the manager most come to the council for the disposal of the property". Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Watson to amend the ordinance with the language as prescribed by Attorney Dickens. The motion to amend passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. There being no further discussion,the motion to approve for first reading passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Vice Mayor Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S): ORDINANCE NO.2008-11-147 I-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, CREATING THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE;PROVIDING FOR MEMBERSHIP; PROVIDING FOR TERMS OF OFFICE; PROVIDING FOR ORGANIZATION; PROVIDING FOR DUTIES AND POWERS; 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 VICE MAYOR WATSON)(1't Reading—March 12, 2008) Vice Mayor Watson stated this particular Ordinance provides an opportunity to disseminate Regular City Council Minutes 7 March 26,2008 valuable and accurate information to our residences; to eliminate rumors. This will also allow the Council to have individuals who are concern about the welfare and the safety of our citizens, who would work in conjunction with our public safety department. Mayor Gibson opened the floor for this public hearing; there being no interested parties to speak on this item,the public hearing was closed. Councilman Gilbert recommended deleting the language providing that the Committee would serve as a liaison between the city,the police department and the public. He the police department is in fact the city;therefore the language should read the Committee shall serve as the liaison between the city and the public. He explained this will not actually change the duties and powers of the Miami Gardens Citizens Advisory Committee. Attorney Dickens said the change will be treated as a scrivener's error. There being no further discussion on this item,the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Vice Mayor Watson: Yea Councilman Williams: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes ORDINANCE NO.2008-112-148 I-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.08-03- 139, THE CONE OF SILENCE ORDINANCE TO EXTEND THE CONE OF SILENCE FOR ADVERTISED SOLICITATIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF GOODS AND SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT;PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)(1"Reading—March 12,2008) Manager Crew explained this will extend the Cone of Silence to the beginning of the City Council meeting,especially in those circumstances where there may be multiple vendors coming to meetings for presentations. Mayor Gibson opened the floor for this public hearing. After there were no interested parties to speak on this item,the public hearing closed. Regular City Council Minutes 8 March 26,2008 Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, seconded by Councilman Bratton to adopt this ordinance. There being no discussion,the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Vice Mayor Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes (J) CONSENT AGENDA/RESOLUTION(S) RESOLUTION NO.2008-53-740 J-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH THE BUXTON COMPANY TO PREPARE A RETAIL MARKET ANALYSIS FOR THE CITY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.00, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR GIBSON) RESOLUTION NO.2008-54-741 J-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ADOPTING REVISED POLICIES FOR THE HOUSING REHABILITATION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AS OUTLINED IN EXHIBITS"A"AND "B,"ATTACHED HERETO;PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2008-55-742 J-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ADOPTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM AS OUTLINED IN EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2008-56-743 Regular City Council Minutes 9 March 26,2008 J-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN ADDENDUM TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER AND SEWER SERVICES, A COPY OF WHICH IS 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) RESOLUTION NO. 2008-57-745 J-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DECLARING THAT THE TRASH COMPACTOR DESCRIBED ON THE EXHIBIT ATTACHED HERETO IS SURPLUS;AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AUCTION THE SAME TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2008-58-746 J-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,DECLARING THE ITEMS LISTED ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF SAID PROPERTY IN A MANNER THAT HE DEEMS FIT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-1 voice vote. Councilwoman Pritchett cast the dissenting vote. (K) RESOLUTION(S) RESOLUTION NO.2008-59-747 J-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO VAC-CON,INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF$52�6092.75 $530,000.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO(2)2008 STERLING TRUCKS WITH SEWER CLEANERS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Regular City Council Minutes 10 March 26,2008 Manager Crew explained this item is a couple of thousand dollars off therefore,this item will be brought back to Council once the amount has been established. Attorney Dickens recommended rather than having to bring this item back that the City Manager gets appropriate authority from the Council at tonight's meeting to spend the funds. Manager Crew said staff believes the actual cost is going to be less than what is listed on the agenda. Mayor Gibson for clarification purposes asked whether the City Manager was talking a $2,000 difference. Manager Crew answered in the affirmative. He asked for a change in the spending amount in the resolution to not exceed$530,000. He further provided the Council with information about the pros and cons of leasing and buying. He said it is much more advantageous for the City to purchase a piece of equipment rather than leasing it. For example to lease this equipment for five years would cost 1.4 million dollars;a lease purchase would cost$587,000.00,at the end of the lease purchase the City would be allowed to purchase the equipment at a 20%residual. Attorney Dickens recommended a change in the title and in Section 2 of the resolution to read "in an amount not to exceed $530,000"for the purchase of the two vehicles. Motion offered by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Councilman Bratton to amend the resolution with the language as prescribed by Attorney Dickens. The motion on this amendment passed and carried by a 6-1 voice vote. Councilwoman Pritchett cast the dissenting vote. Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Bratton to adopt this resolution. There being no further discussion,the motion to approve this item passed and carried by a 6- 1 vote. Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Vice Mayor Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes RESOLUTION NO.2008-60-748 K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, URGING THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO DEVELOP THE ORANGE LINE — PHASE 2 NORTH CORRIDOR METRORAIL EXTENSION AS ITS FIRST PRIORITY; INSTRUCTIONS TO THE Regular City Council Minutes 11 March 26,2008 CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN SHARON PRITCHETT) Councilwoman Pritchett thanked Attorney Dickens for drafting this resolution. She opined the Metrorail Extension coming through this community must remain the first priority. Shektod it is very beneficial for this Council to unequivocally make that statement to everyone who will listen. She asked for the Council's support of this resolution in sending a clear message so everyone is aware that the Council and the City of Miami Gardens sponsors an expansion that should have taken place over twenty years ago. It was promised that would be the first project up and it never materialized. Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert,seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett to approve this item. Councilman Williams conveyed agreement with Councilwoman Pritchett. He further stated that from his understanding there is an issue between Miami-Dade County and the Federal government over funding and that the funds have now been put in jeopardy. Councilwoman Pritchett stated perhaps Miami-Dade County can be invited to come to a Council meeting to explain the funding mechanism. She shared the grade was reduced because of the package that was submitted to the Federal level. Mayor Gibson shared there is a meeting taking place on tomorrow night at Miami Dade North to discuss this particular issue. She encouraged members of the City Council to attend this meeting. Councilwoman Pritchett interjected and shared that County Commissioners Edmonson, Jordan and Rolle will be at this meeting because this will directly impact their districts as well. Councilman Williams stated that he is angry because there appears to have been some inefficiency with respect to Miami-Dade County's application. He opined this is to our detriment because it seems like this community is going to suffer because of that. He suggested stronger language be added to the resolution. Mayor Gibson stated she was no in support of bringing people before the Council. She shared Miami-Dade County has made numerous presentations and those representatives will be present at tomorrow night's meeting. Mayor Gibson stated the Transportation Committee and Miami-Dade County government is chaired by Commissioner Rolle. The Vice Chair is Commissioner Jordan. There are two powerful black Commissioners on that Transportation Committee. She shared she has spoken with Commissioner Jordan who has shared her concerns. She opined the Council members should communicate with these two individuals about their concerns. Councilwoman Pritchett pointed out a scrivener's error the word should be resolve instead of reserve. Regular City Council Minutes 12 March 26,2008 Councilman Campbell questioned the color designation of this project(Orange Line Project) and asked whether this means the projects have been combined. He shared in the design phase of this project this area was called the North Corridor. Mayor Gibson explained the project has now been combined and Phase 1 has now become the east/west connection. Councilwoman Pritchett said it is so interesting how in the middle of the stream,Miami-Dade County changed the direction, which includes a new director. Motion offered by Mayor Gibson,seconded by Councilman Bratton to amend the resolution title to read"re-designate the Orange Line Phase 2 as Phase 1 North Corridor." There being no further discussion on this amendment,the motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Councilman Williams reiterated the importance of adding more teeth to the resolution. He suggested added the names of those Miami-Dade County Commission members (Rolle, Jordan, Edmonson)whose districts will be adversely affected by this change,to the resolution. Councilwoman Pritchett said it is important to ensure that each Miami-Dade County Commissioner as well as the representatives in Washington, D.C. receives a certified copy of this resolution,and have it more forward. She asked Councilman Williams to please understand. Councilman Williams yielded to Councilwoman Pritchett and stated he understood. He conveyed support of this resolution. Mayor Gibson reminded everyone to remember the final decision will be made by the Board of County Commissioners. There being no further discussion,the motion to adopt this item passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Vice Mayor Watson commented in the past when resolutions adopted by this Council have been designated to be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners a cover letter has sometimes accompanied that particular legislation,reiterating the Council's position. She opined that would be an appropriate measure in this instance to get that message to the County Commissioners. She asked Councilwoman Pritchett if she would have any objections to having a cover letter accompany this resolution. Councilwoman Pritchett expressed belief that a cover letter is always provided when documents adopted by the City Council are forwarded to the applicable parties. Attorney Dickens in those instances where a cover letter is required the Council usually directs the Mayor or City Manager to write the letter. Generally instructions are provided to the City Clerk to send certified copies with a transmittal letter. However,if the Council wants more than what is said in the resolution,typically directions are given to either the Mayor or City Manager for that purpose. Regular City Council Minutes 13 March 26,2008 communities that would accomplish and ensure equal representation. Councilman Campbell shared Mr. Rosemond the City's Community Development Director knows some of the Hispanics who are activists in the west side of this City that would fall into this category. Councilwoman Pritchett stated that she has already completed that process and did take into consideration Councilman Campbell's concerns. (1) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. There were none. (0) ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to come before this Body,and upon a motion being duly made by Councilman Bratton,the meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m. Attest: ll3laley Gibson, Mayor o etta Taylor,CM ity Clerk Regular City Council Minutes 16 March 26,2008