HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 9, 2008 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 9, 2008
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on
Wednesday, April 9, 2007, beginning at 7:10 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, Sharon Pritchett and Oliver G. Gilbert III.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K.
Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
(B) INVOCATION
Invocation delivered by Mr. Robert Ham
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance recited in unison.
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular City Council Meeting - March 26, 2008
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett to approve
the minutes, with necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice
vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items shall be pulled from the Consent Agenda at this time):
A revised Items 1-2 and J-3 were provided to the Council.
Mayor Gibson requested the following item be added to the Consent Agenda as Item J-8:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING MAYOR SHIRLEY GIBSON'S
APPOINTMENT OF CAROLYN NELSON-GOEDERT, TO THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS COMMISSION ON WOMEN FOR A TERM OF THREE
(3) YEARS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATION;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett,seconded by Councilman Gilbert to pull Item J-2
from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Regular City Council Agenda
April 9,2008
Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Vice Mayor Watson to pull Item J4 from
the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote..
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to approve the
official agenda with the additions and deletions as stated above. This motion passed and carried by a
7-0 voice vote.
M SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) City of Miami Gardens Police Department Monthly Status Report
Mathew Boyd, Chief of Police appeared before the City Council to present the City of Miami
Gardens Police Department's Monthly Status Report. Chief Boyd reported that total crime is up by
2% in comparison from February to March;however from March 2007 to March 2008 we are down
18%. Although total crimes are up slightly there was a 28% decrease in residential burglary, 8%
decrease in robbery, and 13% decrease in auto theft. As indicated in the monthly statistical
comparison aggravated assault and aggravated battery is up but the department has counter acted it
by making 44 arrests for those types of crimes. Additionally the Police Department has been
working with Code Enforcement on citing vehicles that have been left on the City's right-of-ways.
Chief Boyd added robberies are occurring all over the City, more on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays. Residential robberies have been reduced in large parts due to the work of the Crime
Suppression Team. The Narcotics Unit made 12 narcotics arrests,received 15 tips, 11 CI's buys, 13
firearms seized, and 2 executed search warrants. For the month of March the Unit seized a total of
$3,487.00. Also during that month the department attended five(5)Crime Watch Meetings,two(2)
Community Development Meetings, and two (2) Career Days at Carol City Middle School and
Norland Sr. High School. Lastly calls for services increased dramatically; for the month of March.
Emergency calls for service this year is 922 versus 343 calls for the month of March 2007.
Councilman Bratton questioned the meaning of Cl?
Chief Boyd replied it mean confidential informant. Those are individuals who make
purchases or deals for the police department to establish whether a crime is occurring within a
building.
Councilman Bratton asked what will happen to the Cheap Store which was found to have
drugs inside.
Manager Crew in response to Councilman Bratton's question said the first thing the City will
do is issue a revocation of their business license, and then take the case before the Special Master for
approval to revocation. If the property does not agree with the revocation of their license, they can
challenge the ruling in the courts.
Councilman William asked whether the police department keeps a track of what type of
firearms are being used in the commission of crimes.
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April 9,2008
Chief Boyd in response to Councilman Williams' question said in certain cases the
department can distinguish what types of weapons are being used.
Councilman Williams asked how often are AK 47's used in Miami Gardens?
Chief Boyd responded it's the weapon of choice.
Councilman Williams asked for further clarification on the overtime summaries, and if the
numbers presented were routine.
Chief Boyd responded the summary indicates the overtime that is being used within the
department. The only number that is high is the overtime used by the communications department. It
is high due to call volume for services, which has doubled. The manager has authorized the
department to hire additional dispatchers to offset the overtime cost
Councilman Bratton asked about the status of a state law that if passed,will allow individuals
to carry weapons in their cars while parked at work.
Manager Crew responded more than likely that law will pass.
Councilman Campbell questioned whether the complaint officers and dispatchers were the
same.
Chief Boyd replied it is the same but two different classifications. The department is trying to
get the dispatchers dueled certified.
Councilman Campbell furthered stated it may be ideal to separate the responsibilities so that
the dispatchers are not burnt out. Also it is his understanding that the community service aides are
working in the communication center as well.
Chief Boyd indicated the service aides where pulled in the communications center to assist so
that the dispatchers are not burnt out; he conveyed understanding that this is not why the community
service aides where hired.
Councilman Campbell suggested that part of the planning is to make it a goal to get the
community service aides back on the road to handle the routine calls for service to free up officers
for the more emergency calls for services.
Chief Boyd agreed.
Councilman Campbell raised suspicions on the increase of emergency calls for service when
Miami Dade handles the calls versus when Miami Gardens handles them. He suspects that Miami
Dade County screened the calls a lot better when their police department served Miami Gardens.
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April 9,2008
Councilman Gilbert asked what constitutes an emergency call.
Chief Boyd replied it all falls on the county and how their dispatchers interpret the calls. All
911 calls go thru Miami-Dade County. The calls are then dispatched to the City's dispatchers. The
City of Miami Gardens does not have the power to determine what an emergency call for service is.
Councilman Gilbert asked does the department keep records of what was received as an
emergency call and what it actually is. That way we can go to the county and prove that some calls
that they indicated was not really an emergency call.
Chief Boyd answered it can be done but it may be too tight to do that type of log with the
amount of calls we are receiving and not having a full dispatch crew.
Councilman Gilbert added it may be even tighter if the calls for service continue to go up at
the rate they currently are. It may be easier to document calls in order to get Miami-Dade County to
change the way they are screening their calls.
Chief Boyd concurred.
Councilman Gilbert asked whether the City can find out what Miami-Dade County uses as a
criterion for classifying emergency calls.
Chief Boyd responded he will get those criteria from the county.
Councilman Bratton asked who determines whether Fire Rescue or Miami Gardens Police
Department should be sent out.
Chief Boyd responded the Miami-Dade County determines what type of service however, if
the supervisors deems the call does not require police service; they would cancel the call and let Fire
Rescue handle the call.
Councilman Bratton concurred with the suspicions of Councilmen Campbell and Oliver.
Councilman Campbell stated maybe we should make a public records request for the
emergency calls made for the months of March 2007 and 2008. Then we can go thru this print out
and notice the differences of calls.
Mayor Gibson directed the City Manager to request the records.
Councilman Gilbert further asked that staff be sure to request both emergency and non-
emergency calls made for the month of March 2007.
F-2) Proclamation proclaiming April 2008 as "Water Conservation Month"
Mayor Gibson, in recognition of water conservation, presented a Proclamation proclaiming
Regular City Council Minutes 4
April 9,2008
April 2008 as "Water Conservation Month to Mr. Lewis Beilman of the South Florida Water
Management District.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Willie Dykes, 3460 NW 205 'Street, Miami Gardens, FL appeared before the Council. He
stated the City has a very bad mosquito problem, and requested that chemicals be put into the
majority of drains within the city to help reduce these insects. Secondly, there is a problem with
vehicles being left on the streets and using the handicaps spaces illegally within Miami Gardens.
Oliver Gross, 16001 East Bunche Park Drive, Miami Gardens, FL appeared before the
Council. He indicated that the road of East Bunche Park Drive is in bad condition. Secondly, he
stated that he is being citied for not having a landlord permit however his home is owned by his wife.
Mayor Gibson asked if he has been cited for not have a landlord permit.
Mr. Gross replied yes. He shared he along with his wife came to the city to correct the
problem however,he is still being questioned by the Code Enforcement Department as to whether he
is operating a business from his home.
Mayor Gibson asked Mr. Gross to met with Assistant City Manager Christopher Steers about
his concerns.
Marjorie Speicher, 18125 NW 6'Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL appeared before the Council
to express her views about the City's Police Department. She shared that as President of the PenTab
Neighborhood Crime Watch she has witnessed first hand, the improvement since the City has taken
over police services. She opined the City of Miami Gardens Police Department has given 110%
satisfaction to this community; to add on the interaction among the Police Chief and his supervisors
in meeting with the community has been just as satisfying.
Janice Coakley, 19681 NW 33'Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL appeared before the Council.
She stated that she has been unable to receive community service letters for the girl scouts who
volunteered during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., event. She asked who can she contact to obtain
these letters. Additionally she added that the community service aides should be compensated
properly for working as dispatchers.
Councilwoman Pritchett advised Ms. Coakley that Ms. Retha Boone the chairperson of the
MLK committee has the letters ready and available for Ms Coakley's girl scouts.
Sharon Frazier-Stephens 145 NE 193'd Street, Miami, FL appeared before the Council. She
indicated that she works for the Center of Family Child Enrichment and the Department of Fostering
and Adopting; she placed emphasis on the importance of adopting. She further announced if anyone
is interested in fostering a child to please contact her.
Esther V. Martin, 4335 NW 182' Street, Miami, FL appeared before the Council. She
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April 9,2008
questioned why she has to pay $225 in order to get rid of possums.
Mayor Gibson asked who did she contact?
Ms. Martin replied Animal Control.
Mayor Gibson advised Ms. Martin that Animal Control is a Miami-Dade County service.
Councilwoman Pritchett added Ms. Martin may want to contact County Commissioner
Jordan's office.
Ms. Martin thanked the Miami Gardens Police department for their professional service.
Claudette Brinson, 3908 NW 2131'Street, Miami Gardens, FL appeared before the Council
and stated that there has been a killing her community, Vista Verda. She shared there has not been a
killing in this community for over seven years. She added the killings among our teens need to stop.
Mayor Gibson thanked the residence for their comments. She stated since the city has a
greater level of service it is certainly going to encourage our residents to continue to bring their
concerns to the city. However, she reminded everyone that the areas they live in have had problems
for thirty or forty years. The City is certainly moving in the right directions in improving those
conditions.
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
(n ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S):
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-17-153
I-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) (1st
Reading—March 26,2008)
Mayor Gibson opened the floor for this public hearing;there being no public comments she
Regular City Council Minutes
April 9,2008
closed the floor.
Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Bratton to adopt this
ordinance.
There being no further discussion, the motion to approve for second 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
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-18-154
I-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) (1" Reading — March 26,
2008)
Manager Crew indicated now that the City has its own Police Department and we are
beginning to confiscate items and cash; the state provides procedures on the way items and cash
are confiscated. This Ordinance sets that procedure for us and starts a new fund call the Law
Enforcement Trust Fund.
Mayor Gibson opened the floor for this public hearing; there being no public comments she
closed the floor.
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to adopt this
ordinance.
There being no further discussion, the motion to approve for second reading passed and
carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Gilbert: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes 7
April 9,2008
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Vice Mayor Watson: Yes
Councilman Williams: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman to pull Items J 3 and
J-8 from the Consent Agenda. Councilwoman Pritchett explained she wanted to vote in the
affirmative on these items, but not necessarily on the other items on the Consent Agenda.
There being no further discussion, the motion to pull Items J-3 and J-8 passed by a 5-2
vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Campbell: No
Councilman Gilbert: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Vice Mayor Watson: No
Councilman Williams: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
(.I) CONSENT AGENDA/RESOLUTION(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-65-752
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 CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT
OF CORRECTIONS,A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO
AS EXHIBIT A,FOR THE PROVISION OF LANDSCAPING WORK
SQUADS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $55,777.00; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO
THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-66-753
J-5) 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 MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING WITH THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL,
TOBACCO,FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES,A COPY OF WHICH IS
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A; PROVIDING FOR
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April 9,2008
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-67-754
J-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH
CROSSROAD CONSULTING GROUP IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THAT PROPOSAL ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A," IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $31,800.00, FOR CONSULTING
SERVICES FOR THE CITY'S 2008 STRATEGIC PLAN RETREAT;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR
GIBSON)
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-68-755
J-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, WAIVING THE COMPETITIVE
BIDDING REQUIREMENTS OF THE CITY'S PURCHASING
ORDINANCE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE
PURCHASE ORDERS TO LANDSCAPE FORMS FOR$37,360 AND
$13,288, RESPECTIVELY, FOR THE PURCHASE OF PARK
FURNITURE FOR ROLLING OAKS PARK,AND BUNCHE PARK&
POOL; 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 adopt the
Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-1 vote. Councilwoman Pritchett cast the
dissenting vote.
(K) RESOLUTION(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-69-756
J-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING COUNCILWOMAN
SHARON PRITCHETT'S APPOINTMENT OF, MARJORIE I.
SPEICHER, WENDELL A. JAMES, JR., AND HERZEN BAIN, TO
THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS CITIZENS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE; FOR A TERM OF TWO(2),THREE(3),AND FOUR
(4) YEARS, RESPECTIVELY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN PRITCHETT)
Councilwoman Pritchett thanked the Council for allowing her to pull this and other items
from the Consent Agenda. She placed emphasis on the importance of residents willing to come
Regular City Council Minutes 9
April 9,2008
here and serve as board appointments; having said that Councilwoman Pritchett recognized her
three appointees to the Citizens Advisory Committee and thanked them in agreeing to serve.
Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to adopt this
item.
Councilman Campbell shared his reasons for voting no on pulling this item from the
Consent Agenda. He said it was not because he opposed to the Resolution or the appointments,but
rather his feeling that it would be more appropriate to recognize the members of the board once all
the vacancies have been filled.
There being no further discussion this item was passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-70-757
J-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING VICE-MAYOR
BARBARA WATSON'S APPOINTMENT OF FATHER HORACE
WARD,CLAUDETTE BRINSON,AND LEONARD BRADY,TO THE
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE;
FOR A TERM OF TWO (2), THREE (3), AND FOUR (4) YEARS,
RESPECTIVELY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR WATSON)
Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to adopt this
item.
There being no further discussion this item was passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-71-758
J-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING COUNCILWOMAN
SHARON PRITCHETT'S APPOINTMENT OF,PATRICIA WRIGHT
AND JANICE ANN COAKLEY, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS COMMISSION ON WOMEN;FOR A TERM OF TWO(2)
AND THREE(3)YEARS,RESPECTIVELY;PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN PRITCHETT)
Councilwoman Pritchett recognized and thanked her appointees to the Miami Gardens
Commission For Women for agreeing to serve.
Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, second by Councilman Campbell to adopt this
resolution.
Councilman Gilbert thanked the appointees for agreeing to serve.
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April 9,2008
There being no further discussion this item was passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-72-759
J-8) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING MAYOR SHIRLEY
GIBSON'S APPOINTMENT OF CAROLYN NELSON-GOEDERT,
TO THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS COMMISSION ON WOMEN
FOR A TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR SHIRLEY GIBSON)
Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Williams to adopt
this item.
There being no further discussion this item was passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote.
(L) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY.
No reports.
(lam REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
M-1) Vice Mayor Barbara Watson- Florida Sports Hall of Fame
Vice Mayor Watson stated there has been a Florida Sports Hall of Fame since 1958 located in
Lake City, Florida; however, this facility has been closed for maybe four years. This museum
embraced all sports in the State of Florida. Having learned they were close, she thought it would be to
this City's advantage to get this museum relocated to the City of Miami Gardens, since Miami Gardens
is a place where sports is embraced by our children on a day-to-day bases. A good location for this
museum would be right by Dolphin Stadium.
Vice Mayor Watson added previously this was a joint venture between the State of Florida,City
of Lake City, and different sports organization. Vice Mayor Watson provided the Council with a
illustration and layout of the facility. She asked the Council to consider the opportunity of bringing this
type of facility to our City. She furthered stated one of the reasons this facility closed was due to lack of
attendance. However, with the City having the ability to link it with our sports stadium we will not
have this lack of attendance.
Vice Mayor Watson opined this would be a plus for this City, which can further identify our
City and advance the vision of our City.
Councilman Bratton asked if the concept to target those who live in Florida to be part of the
Hall of Fame.
Vice Mayor Watson replied the Museum's Board will be responsible for inducting individuals
to this Hall of Fame. We were the only City to show any interest in the last four years, but now two
other Cities, Lakeland and St Petersburg, have showed interest as well.
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April 9,2008
Councilman Bratton asked if Vice Mayor Watson is looking for the support of the Council to
direct staff to do a feasibility study in regards to this project.
Vice Mayor responded absolutely.
Councilwoman Pritchett asked if there is anything within the packet given to the Council to help
us understand any of the funding sources for this Hall of Fame.
Vice Mayor Watson responded that there are some identifiable sources within the packet and
there may be grants available for museums.
Councilwoman Pritchett expressed her concerns for budgetary considerations.
Vice Mayor Watson added that we can do a feasibility study, and directed the City Manager to
look into this venture.
Councilman Williams announced the Jaycees and the War on Poverty Florida is presenting a
small business workshop called Reaching the Next Level, which will be held at the North Dade
Regional Library on Tuesday April 22`d.
Councilman Campbell asked for consensus from the council to sunset an Ordinance he
sponsored to establish term limits for the different committees.
Attorney Dickens replied that she can look at each board/committee and make the appropriate
amendments. She suggested once the ordinance is sunset term limits for each committee should be
established. Those individuals already serving on committees can receive an addition 1 year term to
expire next year. When new appointments are made, term limits for those appointments can be
established.
Councilman Campbell expressed concern with the qualification outlined in the CAC ordinance,
especially as it related to the criteria for three retired police officer representatives. He questioned, if
he had an individual he wanted to appoint and that person was a retired police officer but there were no
more slots for that particular criteria.
Sonja Dickens responded the additional officers can also be appointed to the citizen's slots.
Councilman Gilbert added if all of the general spots are filled the specialized spots may be hard
to fill.
Mayor Gibson agreed and stressed the importance of diversifying the board.
(N) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
There was 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 8:58 p.m.
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April 9,2008
Councilwoman Pritchett opined the Council has to remember the resolution speaks for itself
This resolution is being sent to governmental entities who understand the resolution stands on its own
and speaks for itself.
Mayor Gibson encouraged those sitting in the audience that if they have not attended one of
these transportation meetings, they really should attend the one scheduled tomorrow evening. She
opined tomorrow night's meeting is going to be critical because the federal government does not want
any issues of communities not being unified on these rails. The federal government has been very
sensitive to what is happening to those communities this rail is suppose to serve. She said residents
really need to go hear for themselves. The discussions are not so technical that individuals will not be
able to understand what is going on. She opined that Miami-Dade County,supposedly from this point
on, is going to be truthful about how they spend this money. She shared Miami-Dade County has
indicated that the Orange Line Phase 2 is 18 months ahead of the Orange Line Phase 1.
(L) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY.
L-1) City Manager's Report
Attorney Dickens reported on the Curbside matter and shared on the Appeal oral arguments were
heard in the Third District Court of Appeals,which the City won. She said it is her guess Curbside might
try to go to the Supreme Court next,which she did not see happening.
Manager Crew introduced the City's new IT Director, Ronald McKenzie. He shared Mr.
McKenzie is from the Washington, D.C. area, and was originally a part of the Bearing Point Team
working on the Police Department.
Ronald McKenzie appeared before the City Council to provide a few highlights of his prior
accomplishments. He shared that he is a native New Yorker,and is very proud to be a part of a team that
is making a difference.
Manager Crew announced the ground breaking ceremony for the Miami Gardens Community
Center will take place on Friday,March 28,2008 at 3:00 p.m.
(NI) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
Councilman Campbell asked about the timetable to appoint members to the Citizens Advisory
Committee.
Mayor Gibson reminded Councilman Campbell that the members are appointed by resolution.
Councilman Williams welcomed Judge Prescott. He shared that Prescott is one of a few black
judges currently serving on the bench in Miami Dade County Circuit Court. He further thanked
everyone for participating in the successful March 22nd Community Clean-up event.
Vice Mayor Watson shared a lot of positive things are coming out of Residential Area Seat 2-;
Championship Basketball Team(Norland Senior High School)and Miss Miami Gardens(also Norland
High School).
Councilman Bratton shared the Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship Pageant was an excellent
event. He thanked the City Council members as well as staff for their support. For those who did not
Regular City Council Minutes 14
March 26,2008
attend missed an excellent production. He further thanked the Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship
Committee for their support.
Councilwoman Pritchett gave accolades to the Crime Prevention Teams, formerly known as
Crime Watches (Brentwood Crime Prevention, Norland Crime Prevention and PenTab Crime
Prevention). She opined it is commendable when citizens are engaging and supporting the process.
She further acknowledged Patricia Lightfoot for her participation at the PenTab Crime Prevention
meeting,which had standing room only.
Councilman Gilbert thanked Mayor Gibson for having the confidence in him to nominate him
to the City Council. He further thanked the Council for ratifying his appointment. He conveyed
anticipation of working with the Council for the betterment of the residents on this City.
Mayor Gibson stated the Jazz in the Gardens event was a fantastic event. Everyone is still
energized from it. She stated that she really value the Council's support especially when she first
brought this item forward. This is the third year this event has taken place and people from around the
country want to know where Miami Gardens is. She shared she receives emails all the time stating that
people are hearing about Miami Gardens and what is being done here.
Mayor Gibson shared this year people came to the concert from all over,which shows the event
is moving to a national level. She commended and thanked staff for its hard work. She further
commended the residents for their support.
Mayor Gibson asked the Council to read through the item on the Consent Agenda about the
City's identification. She opined it is very important to understand what can be done to market the City
of Miami Gardens to bring in retail companies and those kinds of things to the City.
Mayor Gibson further encouraged the Council members to get their appointments in for the
Commission For Women Committee. Furthermore,the City Clerk has provided each Council member
with information from individuals interested in serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee.
Attorney Dickens said she would need the names of the appointees by next Wednesday in order
to prepare a resolution for the April 9`"City Council Agenda. Those names received after that date will
be placed on the April 23rd City Council Agenda.
Vice Mayor Watson expressed concern that there might be a duplication of names being
submitted for the Citizens Advisory Committee.
Mayor Gibson said the logics will be worked out by the City Clerk and Assistant City Manager.
She reiterated that when making appointments the City Council members need to make sure the
appointments are representative of the City as a whole.
Councilman Campbell recounted a few years prior a community workshop was held and out of
that workshop approximately 30 communities/neighborhoods were identified. If staff can provide that
information it would automatically provide a layout whereby each neighborhood is identified, and
perhaps someone from each neighborhood can be identified to serve on the CAC. He said there is a lot
of participation from the east side of the City. There is also a Hispanic population that the City does not
get a lot of participation from. He opined if the City identifies the small neighborhoods within those
Regular City Council Minutes 15
March 26,2008
Attest: Shirley Gibiffin, Mayor
Ronetta Taylor, CMC ty Clerk
Regular City Council Minutes 13
April 9,2008