Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.23.2011 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2011 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, beginning at 7:05 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., Councilman Oliver G. Gilbert III, Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis, and Councilwoman Felicia S. Robinson. Councilman Andre Williams arrived at 7:06pm. Councilwoman Sharon Pritchett was not present. (B) INVOCATION - Delivered by Dr. Lester Brown (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Recited in Unison (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular City Council Minutes—February 9, 2011 Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to approve the minutes, with the necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote (E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time) A Motion was made by Councilman Williams, second by Councilwoman Davis, to pull Item K-1 from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. Motion offered by Councilman Williams, second by Councilwoman Robinson, to pull Item K-2 from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to approve the Official Agenda, with the necessary changes. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) F-1) Councilman Williams—History of our Community in honor of Black History Month Patricia Wright and Lillie Q. Odom appeared before the City Council to provide moments in Black History. Ms. Odom shared the City of Miami Gardens is comprised of 44 neighborhoods: Bunche Park, Rainbow Park, Scott Lake, Crestview, Rolling Oaks, Norwood, Norland, Andover Lakes, Vista Verde, Lake Lucerne, North County, Riverdale, Leslie Estates, Brentwood, Myrtle Grove, LeJuene Gardens, King Gardens, Cloverleaf Estates, Eagle Landings, Parkview, Riverview Estates, Honey Hill Park Sunshine State Industrial Park, Palmetto State Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 Industrial Park, King Gardens One and Two, Gardens Circle, Country Club Estates, Andover, Carol City North and South,Florida Memorial University,Venetian Gardens, and St. Thomas. Ms. Odom provided a brief history on the Carol City area. As Liberty City began to grow Mr. David Sermaker, a developer moved farther north and discovered this area in 1948. He and originally named this area Coral City. However, the Coral Gables had a lot of problems with this name, which resulted in the name being changed to Carol City. The developers built a lot of homes, schools and businesses, in what was called, at that time the unincorporated area. Many individuals from Overtown, Liberty City, and Coconut Grove moved into the development known as "Riverdale"North County area known to many as the"Bah Hah". At that time it was called New Liberty City because most residents were from Liberty City. In 1948 a"Kwik Chek Supermarket, which later became Winn Dixie was located at NW 27th Avenue and 183rd Street. In 1958 a Lindsey Lumber Store was located at NW 179" Street and NW 27h Avenue. In 1960's Calder Race Course was built, with the first race taking place in 1971. Also around this same time Joe Bobbie Stadium was built. This stadium was later known as: Pro Player, Dolphin Stadium, Land Shark, and most recently as Sun Life Stadium. The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated, May 13, 2003, with over 100,000 majority African American Residents. Historically,Mayor Shirley Gibson is the first Mayor of the City. Councilman Williams thanked Ms. Wright and Ms. Odom for the enlightening presentation. He shared that his grandparents migrated from the Brown sub area to the Riverdale area in 1940. F-2) Councilwoman Robinson— "Building a Community of Love"—Valentine Card Contest Councilwoman Robinson appeared before the City Council and shared to spotlight Valentine's Day she sponsored a Valentine Card contest engaging students from the local schools. The students designed valentine cards, spreading love in our community. The cards were judged and sent to area nursing homes. She acknowledged the School Crossing Guards for their active participation in this process. The following schools participated: Barbara Hawkins Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Norland Middle, Carol City Middle, Parkway Middle, Andover Middle, and Miami Norland Senior High. A total of 76 students participated. There was a winner from the elementary, middle and senior high school level. Each winner received a gift certificate. F-3) Councilman Williams—Silver Sneaker Program Update Kara Petty, Parks and Recreation Director appeared before the City Council to recount the initiation of the SilverSneaker Program at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. A meeting will take place on next week with the representatives from SilverSneaker about marketing strategies. It is anticipated that the program will be launched late March 2011. F-4) Councilman Williams—Senior Groups' Use of Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex Councilman Williams shared that he has received several complaints from senior groups about the use of the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex for their meetings. The seniors are Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 concerned because on their scheduled meeting dates they are being told they cannot meet because someone else is using the facility. Ms. Petty explained the individual senior clubs are not affiliated with the Parks and Recreation Department even so, the City makes every effort to accommodate them. She said there are times an overflow might occur when the children are out of school. During those times, an attempt is made to not overbook the facility. She said the facility was able to accommodate the senior clubs on last week. She further shared she was not aware of any problems at that time. F-5) Mayor Gibson—Proclamation "Flood Safety Awareness Week" Mayor Gibson presented a Proclamation to Mike Gambino, the City's Flood Plain Manager, proclaiming the Flood Safety Awareness Week. F-6) Chief Mathew Boyd—Monthly Police Report Chief Boyd presented Officer Marlene Garciga, with the distinguished recognition Officer of the Month for the month of January 2011. Chief Boyd shared on Friday, January 14, 2011, Officer Garciga was dispatched to 1078 NW 167th Street in reference to an armed robbery. She arrived on location within minutes and met with the complainant. From the information gathered from the complainant, which included a description of the suspect, including the last known direction of travel. At this point Officer Garciga observed a subject matching the description, entering an SUV. Officer Garciga attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The subject exited the vehicle holding a 10" knife and fled on foot. After a brief chase, Officer Garciga apprehended the subject and recovered the knife, without further incident. It was later learned that the subject was in the process of car jacking the driver of the SUV, at knife point. Because of Officer Garciga's proactive patrol techniques demonstrating attention to detail and dedication to duty, she is awarded the Officer of the Month Award for January 2011. A written report was provided to the Council therefore, a verbal report was not required. F-7) Dr. Danny Crew,City Manager—Employee of the Month/5 Year Pin Manager Crew presented Natasha Charles of the Public Works Department, with a Five Year Service Pin. F-8) Ronetta Taylor, City Clerk—City Clerk Presentation Clerk Taylor,presented Mario Bataille, Deputy City Clerk with a plaque in recognition of his accomplishment in receiving the distinguished Certificate Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Mr. Bataille acknowledged the City Clerk for giving his this opportunity. He further thanked the City Council for its support. (G) PUBLIC COMMENTS Annette Johnson, 721 NW 171" Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to encourage the Council to consider a recycling program that provides incentives. She further encouraged the Council to consider a shredding program, which would provide shredding services to local residents during city events. Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 3 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 1 2011 Mayor Gibson shared that Miami-Dade County provides solid waste services therefore a recycling program might take some discussion between the City and Miami-Dade County. She further shared the City currently has a shredding program therefore this might be easier to accomplish. She thanked Ms. Johnson for the suggestions. (H) ORDINANCES) FOR FIRST READING: None (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (J) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) RESOLUTION NO. 2011-29-1422 J-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA APPROVING A SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2010-2011 ACTION PLAN FOR THE ALLOCATION OF ONE MILLION, NINE HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN DOLLARS ($1,940,337.00) AS DESCRIBED IN THE NSP3 APPLICATION, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE NSP3 APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Mayor Gibson opened the floor for this public hearing. After there were no interested parties to speak on this item,the public hearing closed. Daniel Rosemond, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director appeared before the City Council and recounted several months prior staff reported that the City would be the recipient of NSP3 Dollars. That award is approximately 1.9 Million Dollars. The City is now in its fmal stage in the process to be able to receive those funds. This program is different in that the development of a "Plan", which is a part of the Agenda Packet, is required. That "Plan" has to be approved by Council and submitted to HUD by March 1, 2011 in order for the Action Plan Amendment to be adopted. This Plan requires that the City target funds for a particular neighborhood. Motion offered by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to adopt this item. Councilman Williams shared that he has been involved with every phase of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. He explained Neighborhood Stabilization Program is a Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 federal program and because the City of Miami Gardens has such a high foreclosure rate it received approximately 6 million dollars based on a formula the federal government determined. The Neighborhood Stabilization II Program was different. That program involved an application process. The City received no funds from the Neighborhood Stabilization II Program. The City was approached to join other consortiums that had applied for these federal dollars. Those consortiums received 80 million dollars, the City received none. The City has now received 1.9 million dollars under the Neighborhood Stabilization III Program. Councilman Williams shared Willie Logan and the Opa-locka CDC was one of the organizations that received funds under the Neighborhood Stabilization II Program. Mr. Logan's organization was a part of the consortium that approached the City of Miami Gardens about applying for the Neighborhood Stabilization II Program dollars. The City had declined participation. The Opa-locks CDC received $20 million dollars to be used in the Miami Gardens and Opa-locka area. He shared that his thinking was, let's work together. The Opa-locka CDC made a presentation at a City of Miami Gardens Council meeting, and their assistance was rejected again. He said the bottom line is, this City is in dire need of support. We elected to not partner with folks who reach out their hand and want to partner with us. He opined that is not efficient nor is it being a team player, or operating in the best interest of the City. He said he wanted to put this on the record because he would not be voting for this"Plan",tonight. He read into the record correspondence received from Neighborhood Housing Services. A copy of that communication is attached hereto and made a part of the record. Mayor Gibson recounted when Mr. Logan came before the City Council it was not the City Manager's decision that the Council would not entertain this any further. The Council is the decision maker and the City Manager cannot make a decision for this Council. She stated no directive has been given to the City Manager. The Council directed staff to meet with Mr. Logan. Councilman Gilbert shared that he reviewed the City's Plan and also reviewed what Mr. Logan presented. He said he was a little confused because there is nothing that prevents Mr. Logan from spending money independently, in that area. The City will spend money in that area, which Mr. Logan can match or outspend. The City cannot dedicate all of its resources to that one area. He said Mr. Campbell and Mr. Bratton were always talking about the Westside of the City, and shared there are some areas on the Westside are, for like of a better phrase, like third world countries. He opined the City's "Plan" is good. He further conveyed confidence in Mr. Rosemond's abilities. Mr. Rosemond appeared before the City Council to set the record straight. He opined that anytime that something is mentioned on the record with reference to possible imperpriorities on the part of staff it is important for that record to be set straight. He stated for the record the Opa-locka CDC or any other member of the "Consortium" never approached the City of Miami Gardens staff about any participation with the Consortium. He shared we did have a meeting a couple of days prior to the application being due. They never did send any documentation. Staff did submit an application. The Consortium selected the City of North Miami as its municipal Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 partner. He reiterated there was never a formal invitation to partnership with the Consortium. He further asked Councilman Williams to produce a copy of the correspondence from Neighborhood Housing Services. He opined if there was an offer and that offer was rejected that rejection would have been done by the Council because staff does not have that authority. He further shared that staff has not taken any position with regard to the proposal made by the Opa-locks CDC. Staff did meet with Mr. Logan, as directed by Council. Staff has advised Mr. Logan that once the "Plan"is submitted to HUD, and the contract is provided the City will solicit to establish partnerships with developers. Mr. Logan's organization is certainly able to participate in that process. He said that Mr. Logan needs to understand there is an open process. This process will be brought back to the Council for final determination. 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. (I) CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION NO. 2011-30-1423 K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE YOUTH VIOLENCE COALITION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE TO PROVIDE MENTORING SERVICES THROUGH THE FUTURE MEN AND WOMEN OF MIAMI GARDENS PROGRAM, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2011-31-1424 K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 141 AND SENATE BILL 466; EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 980; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN OLIVER G. GILBERT III) Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell to approve the consent agenda,passed and carried by a 6-0 voice vote. (L) RESOLUTIONS) Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 6 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 RESOLUTION NO. 2011-32-1425 K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AWARDING A BID TO QUALITY PAVING CORPORATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF EIGHTY-NINE THOUSAND SEVENTY-EIGHT DOLLARS ($89,078.00), FOR THE NW 38TH AVENUE STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH QUALITY PAVING CORPORATION, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilman Williams asked about the completion date for this project. Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director appeared before the City Council in response to Councilman Williams' inquiry. He shared according to the bid the project is expected to be completed between 45-60 days, Councilman Williams asked what type of jobs would be involved with this project. Mr. Ruiz in response to Councilman Williams' inquiry said there will be equipment operators,pipe layers and general laborers. Councilman Williams asked whether there will be opportunities for local residents to work on this project. Pam Thompson, Procurement Manager appeared before the City Council to further expound on this issue. She said on the sixty(60) day project, as part of the bid document a good faith effort was included. On this particular project the contractor did not opt for the good faith effort. However,with the next item,the contractor did opt for the good faith effort. Manager Crew shared generally on these types of jobs there are only three or four people, at the most involved. On the bigger jobs is outside help is needed. Councilman Williams expressed concern and asked whether this can be looked into, and commented they cannot hire for general labor. Ms. Thompson said the City can suggest, it cannot demand. Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to adopt this item. There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 6-0 voice Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 7 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-33-1426 K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AWARDING A BID TO WRANGLER CONSTRUCTION, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED TWO THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED NINETY- THREE DOLLARS AND 03/100 ($202,293.03)9 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NW 19TH AVENUE STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH WRANGLER CONSTRUCTION, INC., A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilman Williams asked about the time frame involved for the completion of this project. Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director said the completion for this project is estimated to take ninety to 120 (90-120) days. Pam Thompson, Procurement Manager said this contractor elected the Good Faith Option. 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. (M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK M-1) City Manager's Monthly Report City Clerk Taylor announced the Office of the City Clerk will be working with Florida Memorial University on Thursday, February 24 and Friday, February 25, accepting passport applications for the students. (l) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Gilbert shared the business community has asked the Council to take a look at the bonding requirement for small construction projects. He opined the whole idea of bonding is to have assurance that the contractor can do the job. However, it you have a track record of someone, and know that individual to be reliable, especially if this is a small local business. He said he would like for the City Manager to come up with some suggestions on how they can address that. Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 8 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23, 2011 Councilman Williams announced that he is hosting a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Mt. Zion A.M. E. Church beginning at 6:00 p.m. Topic of discussion will be the revitalization of Bunche Park. The Opa-locka CDC will be one of the presenters. (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 8:02 p.m. Attest: t Shirley Gi , M or Kon -T—ay-lor,TKA'MO, City Clerk Regular City Council Minutes February23, 2011 Page 9