HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.23.2014 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 23, 2014
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Wednesday, April 23, 2014, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515 NW
167`h Street, Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Vice
Mayor Lisa C. Davis and Council members Lillie Q. Odom, Rodney Harris, Felicia Robinson,
David Williams Jr., and Erhabor Ighodaro.
(B) INVOCATION
Delivered by Mayor Gilbert
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited in unison
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular City Council Minutes—April 9,2014
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilman Williams to approve
the minutes,with corrections, if any.
There being no discussion, this motion passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
The following items were added to the Consent Agenda:
Item K-07) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE ELECTION RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL
MAIL OUT ELECTION HELD ON APRIL 21, 2014, ATTACHED HERETO AS
EXHIBIT"A"; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATION; PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY CLERK)
Item K-08) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING VICE MAYOR LISA C. DAVIS' MOTHER'S
DAY EVENT HONORING WELL DESERVED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP OF THE EVENT
IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE THOUSAND ($3,000) DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR DAVIS)
The agenda format was changed in order to hear the two Zoning items after public
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 1
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
comments. The discussions for those items are reflected under Quasi-Judicial Proceedings.
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to approve the
official agenda, with the additions/changes.
There being no further discussion, the motion to approve passed and carried by a
unanimous vote of the Council.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Councilman David Williams Jr. - Elderly Affairs Advisory Committee
Councilman Williams acknowledged the outstanding efforts and success of the Elderly
Affairs Advisory Committee's trip to Tallahassee during the Ambassador for Aging Day event,
March 25-26, 2014. Certificates of Special Recognition were given to the Super Soul Steppers
for their entertaining performance and representation of Miami Gardens during that event. In
recognition of Volunteer month, the State of Florida Department of Alliance for aging provided
the Elderly Affairs Advisory Committee members with Certificates of Appreciation s for their
volunteerism.
F-2) City Manager Benson - Miami Gardens Chamber & Miami Job Corps
Ula Zucker Williams, Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce and Mary Geoghegan,
Center Director for Miami Job Corps Center appeared before the City Council to provide
information of the new partnership between Miami Jobs Corps and the Miami Gardens Chamber
of Commerce. In addition, everyone was invited to attend an event, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at
the facility.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dorothy Smith, 20484 NW 14th Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to inquire whether some GOB funds would be allocated to the Coconut Cay area to build
a park.
Jecaet Dahen, appeared before the City Council to express concern with the City of
Miami Gardens ordinance requiring criminal background check for all tenants of rental
properties, with in the City of Miami Gardens.
Ali Yassin, 7020 North Augusta Drive, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City Council
to also express his concerns about the ordinance requiring criminal background check for all
tenants of rental properties within the City of Miami Gardens.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Ms. Dahen explained this is a law that was adopted by the
City of Miami Gardens City Council, and as such must be adhered to.
Francis Ragoo, 889 NW 214th Street, Apartment 102, Miami Gardens, Florida appeared
before the City Council and opined a Charter amendment should be considered to restrict
individuals from running for office in two years instead of one term(4 years). He further invited
everyone to attend the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event taking place, Friday
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 2
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
through Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2-14, at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.
Reverend Nettie Davis appeared before the Council to invite everyone to and HIV and
AIDS Awareness education event. She further thanked Councilwomen Robinson and Odom for
their support. She emphasized the importance of understanding HIV and AIDS.
Sharon Frazier Stephens, 145 NE 193`d Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to congratulate the City of Miami Gardens on the passage of the GOB Referendum.
Mayor Gilbert afforded an opportunity to the City Manager to introduce the new police
chief to the audience.
Manager Benson thanked Major Chapman and Major Lewers for their dedication over the
last two weeks while waiting for the new chief. He conveyed appreciation for the
professionalism given doing that time by keeping everyone informed of what was happening in
the community. He then introduced Mr. Stephen Johnson as the new police chief for the City
of Miami Gardens. He shares that Mr. Johnson comes to us from the city of North Miami, with
more than 25+ years of professional law enforcement. Mr. Johnson also served as interim city
manager before being appointed City Manager for the City of North Miami.
Chief Stephen Johnson appeared before the City Council to thank the City Manager and
the Council for affording him the opportunity to serve the City of Miami Gardens as Chief of
Police. He further acknowledged the professionalism he witnessed while going through the
recruitment process. He shared that his separation after 30 years of service as a professional with
the City of North Miami also starts a new career endeavor with the City of Miami Gardens. He
stated Miami Gardens is a great city. He also shared that his first home was purchased here.
Therefore, he has firsthand knowledge about the community, and the creation of the Miami
Gardens Police Department. He I commended the previous administration for its framework,
which will allow him to continue to build upon. He stated it is really a privilege and honor to
have an opportunity to be a part of this team.
(H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
(I) ORDINANCES) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(.n RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(K) CONSENT AGENDA:
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-67-2045
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 3
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE TO ADOPT LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT
WAGE THEFT; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR LISA C. DAVIS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-68-2046
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ACKNOWLEDGING
COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR'S APPOINTMENT OF
GEORGIA THOMPSON TO THE CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID D. WILLIAMS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-69-2047
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING HAITIAN
HERITAGE CULTURAL MONTH DURING THE MONTH OF
MAY 2014; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT III)
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-70-2048
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, URGING AND ENCOURAGING
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO REPEAL ALL LAWS WHICH
DENY THE RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS; PROVIDING
FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (COUNCILWOMAN FELICIA ROBINSON)
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-71-2049
K-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 AGREEMENT FOR
STORMWATER BOND PAYMENTS BETWEEN THE MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY STORMWATER UTILITY AND THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED
HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS
TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO
THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 4
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-72-2050
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, WAIVING THE FORMAL
COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO
ADVANCED FILING SYSTEMS TO DISSEMBLE, MOVE AND
REASSEMBLE HIGH-DENSITY SHELVING UNITS IN THE
AMOUNT OF THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED
THIRTY-NINE DOLLARS ($34,839.00); PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO.2014-73-2051
K-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE ELECTION
RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL MAIL OUT ELECTION HELD ON
APRIL 21, 2014, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A' ;
PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATION;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY CLERK)
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-74-2052
K-8) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING VICE MAYOR
LISA C. DAVIS' MOTHER'S DAY EVENT HONORING WELL
DESERVED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, WEDNESDAY,
MAY 14, 2014; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP OF THE
EVENT IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE THOUSAND ($3,000)
DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR DAVIS)
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilwoman Odom and
Councilman Harris to adopt the Consent Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous vote
of the members present.
(L) RESOLUTION(S):
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-75-2053
L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, CONCERNING CERTAIN
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 5
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
CHARTER AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE CHARTER
REVISION COMMISSION FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY
COUNCIL, TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 6.1 AND 6.2 OF THE CITY
CHARTER; SUBMITTING PROPOSED PERTAINING TO
SECTION 6.2 "CHARTER REVISION," AND SECTION 2.1(B)
"VICE-MAYOR;" PROVIDING BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR
SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORATE; CALLING A SPECIAL
ELECTION ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BE HELD
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GENERAL ELECTION ON
TUESDAY, THE 26TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2014; PROVIDING A
NOTICE OF ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR BALLOTING AND
ELECTION PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN THE CHARTER; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION)
There being no discussion on this item a motion was offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by
Councilman Harris to adopt this item passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote.
Councilwoman Odom: Yes
Councilwoman Robinson: Yes
Councilman Williams: Yes
Vice Mayor Davis: Yes
Councilman Harris: Yes
Councilman Ighodaro: Yes
Mayor Gilbert: Yes
QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS:
Cyril Saiphoo, Zoning Administrator explained the process used for this Quasi-Judicial
Proceedings.
Mayor Gilbert announced, if you are the applicants, or if you plan on speaking on any of
the items either Antioch or Harvest Fire you need to stand up and be sworn in.
Clerk Taylor administered the oath to those participating in this Quasi-Judicial
Proceeding.
(M) ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING):
None
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 6
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
(N) ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
ORDINANCE NO. 2014-06-317
N-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION
SUBMITTED BY ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
OF CAROL CITY INC., FOR REZONING OF PROPERTY
GENERALLY LOCATED AT NW 213 STREET AND NW 34
AVENUE, MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED
HERETO, FROM R-1, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO NC,
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL; PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
THE CITY MANAGER) (1ST READING—MARCH 26,2014)
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing.
The architect for the project with a business address of 407 Lincoln Rd. Suite 2C, Miami
Beach, Florida, appeared before the Council to represent the applicant for the rezoning from
residential to enable commercial. He stated that he has been involved the project, since its
commencement and would answer any questions anyone has. He asked for the Council's
support of the item. He shared this is a very important matter for the church and for the
community and the intent is basically to help the community to create a more beautiful church, a
bigger assembly and to overall just enhanced the area.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing
closed.
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Harris to adopt this
ordinance.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Davis: Yes
Councilman Harris: Yes
Councilman Ighodaro: Yes
Councilwoman Odom: Yes
Councilwoman Robinson: Yes
Councilman Williams: Yes
Mayor Gilbert: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 7
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
ORDINANCE NO. 2014-07-318
N-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION
SUBMITTED BY HARVEST FIRE WORSHIP CENTER, INC.,
FOR REZONING OF PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT
NW 183 STREET AND NW 23 AVENUE, MIAMI GARDENS,
FLORIDA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT
"A", ATTACHED HERETO, FROM R-1, SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL, AND R-25, MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO
NC, NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL; PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
THE CITY MANAGER) (1sT READING—MACH 26, 2014)
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing.
Rod Stokes, 18291 NW 23`d Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council representing Harvest Fire Ministries. He stated that he wanted to reiterate what was said
last week, with the preliminary approval. Harvest Fire understands the concerns of our
community, our neighbors. Harvest Fire stepped up its efforts in order to communicate better,
as they look to provide services needed in order to make the community better. The church has
hired a new community liaison so that they can communicate effectively as they look to have the
parcels rezoned in order serve the community better.
Mr. Stokes further shared that Harvest Fire has reached out to those individuals
representing the group that was opposed to this application. He stated at this point we have not
received a response. He conveyed Harvest Fire's commitment to continue forging a positive
relationship as they look to serve the community.
Mayor Gilbert asked whether there were any individuals opposed to this application.
There were none.
Mayor Gilbert asked whether all the speaker cards received on this item were in favor,
and if so, would those individual wish to waive their right to speak. The individuals in favor
waived their right to speak.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing
closed.
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilwoman Odom to adopt
this ordinance.
There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 8
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
Councilman Harris: Yes
Councilman Ighodaro: Yes
Councilwoman Odom: Yes
Councilwoman Robinson: Yes
Councilman Williams: Yes
Mayor Gilbert: Yes
(0) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(P) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGERXITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLER
P-1) City Manager's Monthly Report
P-2)Police Monthly Report
(Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilwoman Robinson invited everyone to attend her Meet Me on Monday event,
every second Monday of the Month at Carol City Park. She further shared that the Easter Egg
Hunt event was a tremendous success. She thanked the sponsors for their support, and residents
for coming out to this family event.
Vice Mayor Davis announced that her Mother's Day event honoring deserving mothers in
the City of Miami Gardens will take place, Wednesday, May 14, 2014.
Mayor Gilbert refined his comments to the passage of the General Obligation Bond
referendum. He shared that course of going out and talking to people about the bond we've had a
lot of good ideas. This provided an opportunity to assess exactly what the community's
expectations are. The passage of this bond will not only enhance football and basketball
programs it will open fields in technology, robotics and science; the kinds of things that
Councilman Williams always talks about. We are going to build a building that focuses on
science, technology, engineering and mathematics because our children need those disciplines;
they need to be exposed to those disciplines and we need to engage their imagination and their
aspiration early and often. Our youth should be doing more than just football they can do other
things and we need to give them more opportunities. We need to keep them off the streets and in
our parks. We are going to build a building that will focus on culinary art from train chefs and
people who have expertise in hospitality. This would provide an opportunity for our youth to get
jobs in restaurants, or even teach them how to become restaurant owners. We will teach the art
of business. There will also be a focus on entertainment so that we can have recording studios.
We can engage our youths' interest. We will build a building that focuses on our seniors and all
their needs. Lastly, but certainly not the least we are going to use electronics technology to
augment our police force to make the city safer. We are going to continue our community
redevelopment efforts through the CRA because we understand that young people need jobs and
we need to have businesses that we can frequent and support.
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 9
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 23, 2014
(R) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
(S) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before this Bo , and upon a motion being duly
made the meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Attest: 1
Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
Ronetta Taylor, MM ; City Clerk
Regular City Council Minutes
April 23, 2014 Page 10