HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.09.2011 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 12011
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 9, 2011
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on
Wednesday, February 9, 2011, beginning at 7:07 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, Vice
Mayor Aaron Campbell Jr., Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis, Councilman Andre Williams, and
Councilwoman Felicia S. Robinson. Councilman Oliver G. Gilbert III arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Councilwoman Sharon Pritchett was not present.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K.
Dickens and Deputy City Clerk Mario Bataille, sitting in for City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
(B) INVOCATION
Delivered by Dr. Lester Brown
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited in Unison
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular City Council Minutes—January 26,2011
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt the
minutes, with necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and carried by a 5-0 voice vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to pull Item
K-1 from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 5-0 voice vote.
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to pull item
K-5 from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 5-0 voice vote.
Motion offered by Mayor Gibson, seconded by Councilman Williams to pull Item K-7
from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 5-0 voice vote.
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to approve
the official agenda with the necessary additions/deletions. This motion passed and carried 5-0
voice vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Councilman Williams—A Moment in Black History
Councilman Williams shared as part of Black History Month he wanted to share some
interesting history about the Bunche Park area during the 1950's-1960's era. He invited Pat
Wright to come forward to expound on the history of Bunche Park.
Pat Wright, 1221 NW 179th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to provide history on Bunche Park, which was a place exclusively built for black
veterans. Bunche Park was originally called the Gains Development. There were also the
Albert and Smith Developments. Currently there are few businesses in the Bunche Park area,
which is unfortunate because in the 1950's this place boasted a thriving shopping center, which
included a movie theater with a restaurant and lounge. The movie theater eventually became a
bowling alley. The area also had a black owned drug store, a shoe store and a Dairy Queen.
There was a black dentist and a black doctor. There was also a boxing ring, a fish market and a
dry cleaner. By the early 1970's the movie theater was gone, the business declined, and a
shopping center that was virtually abandoned. It was eventually bulldozed and turned into
Bunche Park playground. She shared that she was in attendance at the last City Council meeting
when there was discussion about the redevelopment of Bunche Park. She said that was very
exciting to her because of this community's history of successful businesses.
F-2) Councilman Williams—Florida Memorial University Project—Job Fair
Councilman Williams shared that he is always advocating that businesses need to hire our
local residents and local vendors. He recounted Florida Memorial University came before the
Council on a Zoning Matter. At that meeting, he had asked the contractor to consider hiring
local vendors. As a result of that inquiry, Mr. Dwight Stephens is here tonight to expound on the
job opportunities at FMU.
Dwight Stephens, 1641 North Dixie Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, appeared before the
City Council and shared that he was excited about the Florida Memorial University project. He
shared his company is a 100%black owned company.
Todd Stern, Project Manager appeared before the City Council and shared that since
October 2010, his company has been working closely to ensure that subcontractors within the
City of Miami Gardens were afforded an opportunity to work on this project. He conveyed
understanding of stimulating the local dollar. The second phase of the project will open up a lot
of opportunities. Mainline Plumbing has been contracted and is working onsite. A local
security vendor has also been contracted. Posting is also visible on the jobsite.
Christopher Mather proprietor of Mainline Plumbing, 174 Street NW 27t'Avenue, Miami
Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to convey appreciation for the opportunity to
work on the Florida Memorial University Project. This project provided an opportunity to create
jobs.
Councilman Williams asked whether staff would be providing periodic updates.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Antranette Perrier, City of Miami Gardens Project Manager indicated she will be
providing period updates.
F-3) Daniel Rosemond,Assistant City Manager—Update Opa-locka CDC Presentation
A memorandum from staff was substituted for an oral presentation.
F-4) Tom Ruiz,Public Works Director—Update on current road projects
Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director appeared before the City Council to provide an update
on the NW 7th Avenue Road Project, which is a Miami-Dade County funded project (Road
Impact Fees in the amount of 5.2 Million Dollars). This project consists of the reconstruction of
the road with irrigation and landscaped medians, new sidewalks, street lighting and drainage
system. In addition there will be three round-a-bouts (NW 187th Drive;NW 1915` Street; and NW
194th Terrace. The project has already commenced with the three utility companies (North
Miami Beach, and the gas company). As soon as the utility companies complete their tasks the
contractor will start tearing up the area starting at NW 183`d Street and moving north to NW
199th Street.
Mr. Ruiz reported an FDOT Project is starting along the 441 Corridor. This is a
resurfacing and sidewalk project. This is a partnership between the City and FDOT. The project
cost is approximately 4.1 Million Dollars. The project commenced January 3, 2011, and should
take approximately one year to complete. A resurfacing project from NW 175th Street to NW
215th Street will include curbing to meet ADA, sidewalk replacement, irrigation for future
landscaping, drainage improvements. All projects will be on-going for the next year.
Mr. Ruiz reported on the Palmetto Project on 1670' Street and NW 27th Avenue
Intersection Improvements. This is an FDOT project with a cost of $256,000. This project
started in November 2010, with the utility relocations. This project will repave and restripe NW
167th Street, from NW 20th to NW 27th Avenue. NW 167th Street and 20th Avenue is also being
widened with a right-hand turn lane. A sidewalk and pedestrian ramp is being added along NW
167th Street. This would provide access to the Golden Glades Elementary School. Drainage is
also being address as well as traffic signal improvement at the intersection. The yield signage
will also be changed to stop signage.
Mr. Ruiz reported on the Phase II landscaping project along NW 183`d Street from NW
27th Avenue to NW 47th Avenue. This project has been completed except for some shrubs and
sod. Final inspection will take place February 14th. Another paving project expected to be
completed within the next ninety (90) days is along 42"d Avenue from NW 178th Street, south to
NW 156th Street, west to 47th Avenue, north to NW 167th Street. This project consist of sidewalk
installation, ADA Compliance, resurfacing and guardrail replacement. This project will also add
a walking trail from NW 171" Street to NW 179th Street, along the canal on NW 42"d Avenue,
which is a part of the Trail Master Plan.
Vice Mayor Campbell asked about the two project on the west side of the City.
Mr. Ruiz reported that the bridge project has to be completed by March 2012. The
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
intersection project for 27h Avenue and NW 207'' Street will start October 2011.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Walter White, 17510 NW 11th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council appeared before the City Council representing the Community Newspaper. He
addressed his comments to Item K-7, which initiates the steps to create a Miami Gardens
Chamber of Commerce. He said this is a great opportunity for the businesses in the community.
Bill Diggs, 11380 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City Council
representing the North Dade Chamber of Commerce. He said he was excited about the prospect
of the City creating a Chamber. Most progressive cities have a Chamber of Commerce. He
asked that the City moves forward with this endeavor to make sure that partnerships are in place
with existing Chambers. He said the North Dade Chamber is willing to assist the City with its
Chamber's growth. He shared the North Dade Chamber was at the table approximately one and
half years ago, with Daniel Rosemond when this matter was first discussed. Information was
submitted and lots of discussed ensued surrounding this initiative, in the hope of being a partner.
However, that did not take place. He said his concern was to make sure that if the City build an
organization going forward that a partnership can be created that would make sure that no only
the businesses in this community thrive, but that the businesses in this community would be able
to strive by delivering a quality service outside of this community, as well.
Mayor Gibson asked Mr. Diggs how many Miami Gardens businesses are currently a part
of the North Dade Chamber.
Mr. Diggs in response to Mayor Gibson's questions said approximately 45 Miami
Gardens' businesses are members of the North Dade Chamber of Commerce.
Vice Mayor Campbell asked whether there is a potential for conflict between the two
organizations.
Mr. Diggs said many of the organizations listed as part of the City's Charter members are
a part of the North Dade Chamber. For example, Sun Life Stadium is a member of the North
Dade Chamber and gives a large contribution. He said the reason he wants to partner with the
City is to maintain a relationship with the City and with that corporate sponsor. He said initially
the North Dade Chamber wanted to move an office into the City of Miami Gardens, and offered,
during the initial discussions,to create a Merchants Association.
Daniel Rosemond, Assistant City Manager appeared before the City Council in response
to Vice Mayor Campbell's inquiry. He conveyed belief that there would be no conflict per say.
The real focus for the creation of the Miami Gardens Chambers is to grow the businesses within
the City, as well as attracting businesses to the City. There are Chambers that operate around the
City of Miami Gardens. However, those Chambers' focus is not the focus the City of Miami
Gardens wants this particular Chamber to be.
Beverly Bachrach, a representative from St. Thomas University 16401 NW 37th Avenue,
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February 09, 2011 Page 4
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, Oil
Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council in support of Item K-7. She opined
sometime you have to take into consideration the needs of the City as well as the needs of the
businesses. The Chamber also provides for a good networking tool. She opined the
public/private partnership is a win-win for everybody.
Sarah Tuskey, a representative from St. Thomas University School of Business appeared
before the City Council in support of Item K-7. She read into the record a letter from Dean J.
Antonio Villamil, School of Business. That letter is made a part of the official record and is
attached hereto.
Lourdes Wydra, 17551 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council in support of Item K-7, and the creation of a Miami Gardens Chamber of
Commerce. She conveyed belief that a Chamber would greatly enrich the public and private
sectors by working collaboratively with each other.
Jean R. Preal, Business Owner of Daniel Moving System, 505 NW 1770, Street, Miami
Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to comment on item K-2, which adopts
enhanced Neighborhood Watch Program structure. He further shared that he has helped many
Miami Gardens residents by putting them to work. He further expressed concern with the
commercial break-ins where is business is located.
Mayor Gibson asked Mr. Preal to speak with the Deputy Chief of Police regarding his
concerns,
Pat Wright, 1221 NW 179th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to committee on Item K-2, and shared that Scott Lake has an excellent Crime Watch
Program. She said she just wanted to make sure the due diligence has been done on this issue.
She shared that she has called the police department on several occasions because there have
been shootings in her neighborhood, which seems to occur every Friday. She shared her
neighbors are very watchful and whenever there is anything unusual occurring, the police is
called. She said she would be appreciative if the effort can be shifted to those areas with the
greater need rather than trying to combine all the Crime Watches.
Councilwoman Robinson in response to Ms. Wright's comments said she was not sure
what Ms. Wright has read. The item on the Consent Agenda relating to the Neighborhood Watch
Program does not say combined.
Ms. Wright in response to Councilwoman Robinson stated what she read on the item
states there are 43 Crime Watches Programs, and in some of the areas the programs were not
working properly. She said if the homework was done, Scott Lake Crime Watch Program,
works. She suggested that if there are necessary changes to be made, that each individual Crime
Watch Program be looked at.
Councilwoman Robinson shared everything in the item came from her visits to the Crime
Watches, and suggestions that were made overall. This item relates to organizational matters.
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February 09, 2011 Page 5
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Mayor Gibson shared that the Council certainly understands about merging groups
together. There has been a lot of experience in that, in the City of Miami Gardens. She said that
Deputy Chief Miller can further share some insight into this matter.
Vice Mayor Campbell shared he had suggested this years ago, when the discussion of
Crime Watch Programs was first initiated. At that time it was not done. He opined that each
individual Crime Watch Program Chairperson should be a part of an umbrella organization. He
said when the CAC was established, it was his vision to have that committee comprised of the
Chairpersons of the various crime watches. Here again,that was not done.
Jay Wray, 18350 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 640, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before
the City Council in support of the establishment of a Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce.
Councilman Gilbert emphasized the importance of circulating the revenue within the
community, which in turn benefits the local businesses that hires local residents. He said this is
how a City's business infrastructure is grown.
John Gilpin of Gilpin Construction, Inc., 20109 NW 34d' Avenue, Miami Gardens,
Florida, appeared before the City Council to ask that the City's RFQ/RFP Bid Bond policy be
modified. As it currently exists, small businesses are put in a hardship and unfair disadvantage.
Pam Thompson, Procurement Manager appeared before the City Council to explain the
Bond Policy. She said the City normally request a bond or a cashier's check in the amount of
$2,500.00 for construction projects. This is a good faith that the contractor is actually going to
perform the job. She further shared that the City had meeting with local businesses within the
community to educate them on the bidding process and performance bonds.
Antranette Pierre, Project Manager appeared before the City Council to further expound
on the meeting held with local businesses.
Ms. Thompson further shared that on larger projects the State Statutes is followed.
Coach Alex Smith, 1783 NW 193rd Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to encourage the Council to consider establishing a baseball academy and facility.
Mayor Gibson suggested that Coach Smith speak with the City's Parks and Recreation
Department about his proposal.
Kara Petty, Parks and Recreation Director appeared before the City Council and shared
the City is currently recruiting for volunteers and participants to join the City's Baseball
Program. Partnerships are also welcomed.
Ulysses Harvard, 15800 NW 17th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to expound on the proposed Baseball Academy. He said the main purpose of this
presentation is to request a facility to house the Baseball Academy. He said the Miami Marlin's
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
is willing to sponsor this program.
Councilman Gilbert shared he's had this conversation with Ms. Petty and Mr. Rosemond,
and one of the concerns is the City's budget. Certainly, this would be an investment in our
youth, however there is a cost associated with the program.
Angela Smith, 680 NE 64th Street, Apartment #A105, Miami, Florida, appeared before
the City Council in support of the proposed Baseball Academy. She shared that grant funding is
available for this type of programming.
Juan Leonel Garciga, 1670 SW 10th Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to expound on the scholarship opportunities provided by the Florida Marlins for
participants of Baseball Academies. Providing equipment and uniforms is a couple of the ways
the Florida Marlins assist. The biggest concern is having fields where the youth can play.
Councilman Williams inquired about the baseball field at Bunche Park, which is
underutilized.
Manager Crew said the City has mainly concentrating on football.
Mayor Gibson recounted that Ms. Petty indicated that the Parks Department is now trying
to organize baseball.
Councilman Williams opined in utilizing the resources the City already has such as Mt.
Hermon Church, which the City owns. He suggested moving forward, utilizing that facility to
house a baseball academy, or some other sports related facility.
Sonia Flowers, 17435 NW 17th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to state that the Scott Lake Crime Watch Group did not want to be reconstructed,
but wanted to remain as the Scott Lake Crime Watch.
Sarah Suarez, a representative of BankAtlantic, 15320 NW 57th Avenue, Miami Gardens,
Florida, appeared before the City Council in support of the establishment of a Miami Gardens
Chamber of Commerce. She said this is an excellent way to build the relationship between the
businesses and the community.
Anselm Smith, 721 NW 187th Drive, appeared before the City Council to comment on the
CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee) and its composition. He shared the Committee is
comprised of some Crime Watch Chairpersons.
Mayor Gibson read into the record letters of support for the creation of the Chamber of
Commerce. The letters are attached and made a part of the record.
(I� ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(J) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(K) CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-21-1414
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ADOPTING AN ENHANCED
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM STRUCTURE;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILWOMAN FELICIA ROBINSON)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-22-1415
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS CITIZENS ACADEMY; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN OLIVER
G. GILBERT III)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-23-1416
K-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 LOCAL AGENCY PROGRAM
AGREEMENT ("LAP") WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR CITYWIDE SIDEWALKS AND TRAIL
ENHANCEMENTS AT ROLLING OAKS PARK IN THE AMOUNT
OF SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND, ONE
HUNDRED FOURTEEN DOLLARS ($727,114.00), 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. 2011-24-1417
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A RENTAL FEE
WAIVER FOR THE MIAMI-DADE HOUSING CHOICE
VOUCHERS SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM ("FSS") FOR USE
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February 09, 2011 Page 8
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
OF THE BETTY T. FERGUSON RECREATIONAL COMPLEX TO
HOST A JOB FAIR; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN OLIVER G. GILBERT III)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-25-1418
K-8) 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
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
OUTLINING USE OF INFORMATION RELATED TO RED
LIGHT CAMERA OPERATIONS, ATTACHED HERETO AS
EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to adopt the
Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 4-0 voice vote. Councilman Williams
and Councilwoman Robinson were not present when vote was taken.
(L) RESOLUTION(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-26-1419
K-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 SUPPLEMENTAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW
ENFORCEMENT FOR THE USE OF LICENSE PLATE READER
("LPR") TECHNOLOGY, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT
"A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to adopt this
item.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 4-0 voice vote.
Councilman Williams and Councilwoman Robinson were not present when this vote was taken.
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-27-1420
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
WITH KIMLEY-HORN & ASSOCIATES, INC., IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
($100,000.00) TO PROVIDE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
A NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT NW 175TH STREET AND NW
42ND AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Councilman Williams inquired about the next step in the process after the plans have
been provided.
Manager Crew in response to Councilman Williamsinquiry said the next step is to get
the funding to build the bridge.
Osdel Fernandez-Larrea, Assistant Director of Public Works appeared before the City
Council to share the next step is to put this item out for bid for the construction phase of the
project. One Million Dollars has been received from the Federal government to fund this
project.
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt this
item.
There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 6-0 voice
vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-28-1421
K-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO TAKE ANY AND ALL
STEPS NECESSARY TO CREATE THE MIAMI GARDENS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; APPROVING THE INITIAL
FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$120,000 FROM CDBG FUNDING; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR SHIRLEY
GIBSON)
Mayor Gibson passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Campbell then offered a motion to
approve the item. This motion was seconded by Councilman Gilbert.
Councilman Williams stated as a small businessman he is excited about a Miami Gardens
Chamber of Commerce and opined it is long overdue. He said he has not seen a model where the
City initiates the creation of a Chamber of Commerce. He shared generally it is the local
businesses that lobby for the creation. He asked Mr. Diggs to share with the audience his
experience on the benefits of small businesses being members of a Chamber of Commerce.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Mr. Diggs recounted the North Dade Chamber of Commerce had numerous meeting with
Assistant City Manager Daniel Rosemond. He said there are over a million businesses in Miami-
Dade County and Greater Miami Chamber, which is the largest Chamber of Commerce, has only
five thousand (5,000) members. There are over 5000,000 businesses of color, with the North
Dade Chamber having only 550 of those members. He said he did not want the Council to think
there will be a large coming together of businesses. The Chamber should be driven by the
businesses within this community. Furthermore, this will be a stand-a-lone Chamber of
Commerce that will be run by private individual and not the City. He further cautioned that
CDBG money is probably the worst dollars to be used to create a Chamber of Commerce for
economic development. He shared that his organization had given the CDBG dollars it received
back because the administrative cost was more costly than the actual funds received. He
commended Mayor Gibson for bring this item forward. He further shared that the North Dade
Chamber had met with staff about the possibility of putting together a Miami Gardens Merchants
Association. He further shared the small business with not drive the revenue to fund this
Chamber. He opined the Charter members will pay the money as long as the City is involved
because they are afraid to say no. He stressed the importance of finding a funding mechanism to
operate the Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Gibson asked Mr. Diggs what is his position with the North Dade Chamber of
Commerce and how long has he been in that position.
Mr. Diggs said he is the CEO of the North Dade Chamber of Commerce, a position he
has held for the past five years.
Mayor Gibson asked Mr. Diggs when he took over that position what was the condition
of the North Dade Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Diggs said the Chamber was not functioning. It has now grown by about 300%.
Mayor Gibson shared that she raised that point because it can be done. She shared the
Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce initiative was not put together because of the large
businesses within the City. It was put together because of the businesses that make up this
business community. The local businesses have been very committed about wanting to be in a
business environment. She placed emphasis on the importance of this needing to happen for the
City and needing to have the City's brand on it.
At the conclusion of this discussion,the motion to adopt this item passed and carried by a
5-1 vote. Councilman Williams cast the dissenting vote.
(M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
Manager Crew shared the results of a nationwide study on the effects of Red Light
Cameras in City with population of over 200,000. The study showed at the intersections were
the red light cameras were located there were 27% fewer accidents. Those intersections were red
light cameras were not located showed 17%fewer accidents.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 9, 2011
Deputy City Clerk Bataille shared he just received notification from the International
Institute of Municipal Clerks that he had earned the CMC Designation.
(N) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Gilbert reported on an initiative he sponsored with regard to creating a
Special Light Taxing District for Venetian Gardens. He shared the cooperative efforts of
County Commissioner Jordan's Office and the Miami-Dade County Mayor's office, residents in
the Venetian Gardens area will have an opportunity to vote on the creation of a Special Light
Taxing District, which would provide the much needed street lights in this area. If this Special
Light Taxing District is approved by the voters it will actually lower the lighting district tax.
(0) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
(P) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly
made and seconded the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Attest:
S rl Gi son, Mayor
Ronetta Taylor, MMC ity Clerk
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