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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.22.2011 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 229 2011 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Wednesday, June 22, 2011, beginning at 7:15 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., and Council members Lisa C. Davis, Andre Williams, Felicia Robinson, David Williams Jr., 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 Dr. Lester Brown (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge was recited in unison. (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular City Council Minutes—June 8, 2011 Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert seconded by Councilwoman Davis 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 to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time) Motion offered by Mayor Gibson, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to pull Item K-3 from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Motion offered by Councilman Andre Williams, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to pull Item K-1 from the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Manager Crew removed Item F-4 from the official agenda. Councilman Gilbert added a presentation item as a replacement for Item F-4. This presentation acknowledges the graduating members of the Junior Council. Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to approve the official agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) F-1) Yolanda Cash-Jackson,2011 Legislative Update Attorney Cash-Jackson appeared before the City Council to share that State Representative Barbara Watson, a former member of the Miami Gardens City Council served her constituents well during this past legislative session. F-2) Senator Oscar Braynon II and Representative Barbara Watson,2011 Legislative Update Representative Barbara Watson appeared before the City Council and thanked the voters for sending her to Tallahassee. She shared that it was a very quick turn-a-round. The very same day she was sworn in she had to vote. There was no orientation but rather trial by fire. She opined the Democratic Party did a good job for what it had to work with. This was a Republican lead session. The Democrats did its best to ensure that language in some of the bills adopted during this session were a little more palatable. Three hundred and one (301) bills were passed this session. Individuals employed in government jobs now have to pay into the pension system. The police and fire departments took major hits. Teachers were also affected. Attorney Cash Jackson reappeared before the City Council and shared there were a number of Constitution Amendments passed. One of the amendments that will be on the November ballot is whether or not public funds should be used for abortions. Capping state revenues for local governments was an issue identified by this Council and the League of Cities. Because of re-apportionment the Legislature will be back in session in September 2011. There will also be a couple of property tax bills, as Constitutional Amendments on the November ballot (veterans and first time home buyers). There will be an anti-Obama Health Care amendment on the ballot as well. An item will also be on the ballot relating to whether state standards can be used for religious purposes. This session started with a budget deficit and the Water Management District budget took a deep cut. Items relating to cultural arts and parks were not funded. Attorney Cash Jackson said the City had opposed legislation that removed local government authority to regulate signs. That did not happen during this legislative session thanks in part to the League of Cities. The Red Light Camera issue was in the forefront this session. A representative out of St. Petersburg sponsored legislation to repeal the red light camera bill. Efforts to stop this repeal were successful. It is anticipated that this representative's efforts will be renewed during this upcoming September session. Funding for the two universities located in Miami Gardens (St. Thomas and Florida Memorial University) was not included in the Governor's budget. This Governor was adamant about corporate tax credits. Overall there are a number of programs that affects the residents of this community that have been cut by the state legislature. Miami-Dade County Education System took a huge cut (200 Million Dollars) with about 30 Million Dollars being saved due to the due diligence of the Dade Delegation. Councilman Andre Williams asked Ms. Cash Jackson to expound on the additional homestead exemption. Attorney Cash Jackson in response to Councilman Andre Williams' request shared there Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 is going to be a Constitutional Amendment that will give tax breaks to first time home buyers for an exemption up to $200,000.00. It will be phased out over a five year period. Councilman Andre Williams asked about the public employee compensation item. Attorney Cash Jackson said this issue has not been looked at as it relates to those municipalities within Miami-Dade County because this is a Chartered county. However, it may have some implications. There is another provision to this that affects the bid protests as it relates to what is and is not considered public record. Councilman David Williams Jr., expressed concern with the new law relating to Citizens Property Insurance. Attorney Cash Jackson in response to Councilman David Williams Jr.'s concern shared there were a number of changes on property insurance. For example, during Hurricane Andrew homeowners were issued a check for the necessary repairs. Some of those homeowners paid off their existing mortgages, bought new cars or boats, etc., and never made the necessary repairs. Under this new law the homeowner would submit an estimate for repairs and then be paid. They submit another estimate and then be paid for those repairs. The insurance company would be reimbursing for repairs rather than giving a blanket check. Representative Watson reappeared before the City Council and placed emphasis on the importance of voters updating their voter registration information especially if their signature has changed. She further stressed the importance of contacting the legislators in Tallahassee to voice opposition to the proposed immigration law,which is targeting Mexicans at present. Mayor Gibson commended Representative Watson for her good work in Tallahassee. She commented that the Miami Gardens City Council was a good training ground for Representative Watson. She further thanked Attorney Cash Jackson for her due diligence. F-3) Councilman Gilbert—Afro-Academic, Cultural,Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Art Johnson a representative from (ACT-SO) appeared before the City Council to highlight this outstanding organization and the wonderful accomplishments of its participants. The participants will be completing in the national competition in Los Angeles, California, July 20-24, 2011. Forty-one(41)high school and thirteen(13)middle school students participating in this year's event are residents of Miami Gardens. He acknowledged and thanked Mayor Gibson, Councilmen Gilbert and David Williams Jr., for their continued support of ACT-SO. He further shared that Assistant City Manager Vernita Nelson if a former participant of ACT-SO. Councilman David Williams Jr., asked whether the City could provide sponsorship for these participants. Mayor Gibson said if individuals Council members wanted to provided assistance from their individual discretionary fund they can do so. Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 3 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 Mr. Johnson provided a list of items that individual council members could sponsor during this trip. Councilman David Williams Jr., asked whether Mr. Johnson would be soliciting sponsorship from other organizations. Mr. Johnson in response to Councilman David Williams' inquiry replied, "Yes." Councilman David Williams Jr., stated that he would be willing to donate money from his discretionary fund and challenged his colleagues to do the same. F-4) Councilman Gilbert—Graduating members if the Junior Council Councilman Gilbert presented plaques to the graduating members of the Miami Gardens Junior Council as follows: Antionette Brailsford graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School. She will be attending the University of Florida; Shanelle Benjamin graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School. She will be attending the University of Florida;Ba'Carri Johnson graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School. She will be attending Duke University; Amanda Norman graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School. She will be attending the University of Florida; Antranique Palmer graduated from Miami Norland Senior High School. She will be attending Broward Community College for two years to get an Associate Degree. She will then attend the University of Florida to obtain a Ph.D. in Pharmacy. F-5) Flora Johnson, Chair,Elderly Affairs Advisory Committee Flora Johnson, 1910 NW 163rd Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, Chair of Elderly Affairs Advisory Committee appeared before the City Council to provide a report of the activities carried out by the Elderly Affairs Advisory Committee during this reporting period, which included heath awareness; attendance in Town Hall Meeting re: Water issues; volunteered during the Jazz in the Gardens event; Intergenerational Fashion Show. F-6) Proclamation—Parks and Recreation Month (July) Mayor Gibson presented a Proclamation to the Parks and Recreation Staff proclaiming the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Miami Gardens. F-7) Dr. Danny O. Crew,City Manager's Employee Recognition (5 Year Service Pins) City Manager Crew presented Five Year Service Pins to the following employees: Sylvester John Wilson, Recreation Aid II; Latoya Michelle Royal, Tennis Aide; Luis A. Huguet, Tennis Instructor; Edward Leroy Taylor, Chess Instructor; Robert Lee Smith, Recreation Aide; Rosheda Nakyia Byrd, Recreation Aide; John Andrew Hymon, Tennis Instructor; Kory Demarco Green, Teacher; Eladio Eliued Alameda, Chess Instructor; Shareva Denisie Faircloth, Recreation Aide II; Jacquelyn Denise Harris, Recreation Aide; Breazeth Smith, Recreation Aide and Antranette Renee Pierre, Economic Development Manager. (G) PUBLIC COMMENTS Rhonda Grave, Executive Director North Dade Center, 4481 NW 1670' Street, Miami Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to solicit funds for her agency, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of adults with disabilities. This organization has been in the community for approximately 35 years. Mayor Gibson asked what type of funding was currently being received to assist the participants in this program. Ms. Grave said currently funding is being received from the State of Florida. However, that funding is being cut. Councilman Gilbert asked whether this organization would be able to apply for Community Development Block Grant funding. Daniel Rosemond, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director appeared before the City Council in response to Councilman Gilbert's inquiry. He said that bid is currently out and the deadline for submission is July 8, 2011. Therefore, he is limited in what he can say because the Cone of Silence is in effect. Jabari Smith, 17960 NW 39th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to share that he is a participant in the Honors Internship Program. He further thanked Councilman Gilbert for sponsoring the Laptop Computer Give-A-Way at Miami Carol City High School. He shared that he was one of the recipients. Councilman Gilbert commended Jabari Smith for doing an outstanding job not only as an intern with the City but also within his family. He encouraged Jabari Smith to keep up the good work. Gary Moss, 19005 NW 19th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to comment on a public hearing notice he had received from Miami-Dade County with regard to the Miami Dolphins Water Theme Park proposal and the permitted sale of alcoholic beverages. He said he was extremely concerned about the permitted sale of alcoholic beverages near the surrounding schools (Miami Norland, Middle Miami Norland Senior High and Miami Norwood Elementary Schools). Harold Lawton, 1860 NW 170`h Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council and shared that a motorist was killed in a motorcycle accident in the front of his home. The two officers on the scene did the best they could in trying to keeping this individual alive. However, the motorist died. He however was most concerned because these same two officers were not sensitive to the residents, and had very bad attitudes. He suggested that sensitive training be provided for the officers. He further expressed concern that nothing has been done to reopen Bunche Park Pool since the incorporation of the City. He further concurred with comments made by Mr. Moss with regard to the Miami Dolphins Water Theme Park and the permit to sell alcoholic beverages within close proximity to schools. Dr. Lester Brown, 18801 NW 29th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 City Council and placed emphasis on the importance of helping young black men. (H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14, ARTICLE IX CREATING "DIVISION 1. GENERALLY"; CREATING "DIVISION 2. TETHERING OF CANINES"; RENUMBERING SECTIONS 14-588 THROUGH 14-594 TO SECTIONS 14-619 THROUGH 14-625; CREATING "DIVISION 3. REGULATING THE REMOVAL AND PROPER DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL FECAL MATTER ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY"; PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR. & COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS) Motion offered by Councilman David Williams Jr., seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt this item on first reading. Councilman Andre Williams shared the City has a stray dog population problem within the City. He said there have been several occasions when he has seen dead dogs in the street. He said he is aware Miami-Dade County is responsible for the removal of dead animals from the streets. However is there any way to streamline and expedite the process of removing dead animals from city streets. Manager Crew in response to Councilman Andre Williams' inquiry said Miami-Dade County has cut its Animal Control staff tremendously. Therefore, the process is somewhat slow. The City's public works department has in some instances been able to move the dead animal to the side of the road. He said residents should call the city's public works department if they see a dead animal in the roadway. Councilman Andre Williams opined it would be a good idea for the City to have something in place to deal with this situation, in the short term. Councilman Gilbert asked how is this ordinance going to be enforced. Manager Crew said a police officer would have to witness this act in order to do anything about it. Councilman David Williams Jr., in response to Councilman Gilbert's inquiry shared other municipalities have similar ordinances in place. Hopefully this would be a preventative Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 6 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 measure where citizens will become aware of the need and urgency to pick up poop. It is also hopeful that other people will see these events occurring and will remind people that the City has an ordinance in place. He conveyed hope that this will be a step in the right direction to curtail some of what is going on in the City's streets. Councilwoman Davis opined with the adoption of this ordinance, dog owners would be more consciously aware of letting their dog poop and then leaving it there. Councilman Gilbert shared that his neighbor's dog does this on his driveway every morning. Attorney Dickens in response to Councilman Gilbert's concern said that in a case like this, Code Enforcement could be called because there is an actual witness to the occurrence. There being no further discussion on this item,the motion to adopt on first reading passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Vice Mayor Aaron Campbell Jr: Yes Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis: Yes Councilman Oliver G. Gilbert III: Yes Councilwoman Felicia Robinson: Yes Councilman Andre Williams: Yes Councilman David Williams Jr: Yes Mayor Shirley Gibson: Yes H-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE III TO CREATE "DIVISION 10. FISHING AND GARDENING ADVISORY BOARD"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.) Motion offered by Councilman David Williams Jr. , seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to adopt this item on first reading. There being no discussion, the motion to adopt on first reading passed and carried by a 7- 0 vote. Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis: Yes Councilman Oliver G. Gilbert III: Yes Councilwoman Felicia Robinson: Yes Councilman Andre Williams: Yes Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 7 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 Councilman David Williams Jr: Yes Vice Mayor Aaron Campbell Jr: Yes Mayor Shirley Gibson: Yes (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (.n RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (I) CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION NO. 2011-98-1491 K-2) 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 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,300,000.00), FOR THREE (3) CANAL BANK IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING A TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT (25%) MATCH OF THE TOTAL PROJECT COST FROM THE CITY'S STORMWATER FUND; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2011-99-1492 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 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC., TO ADMINISTER WELLNESS AND FITNESS SERVICES TO SENIOR CITIZENS, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2011-100-1493 K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 8 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH JUANITA'S KITCHEN, LLC, FOR CONCESSION MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT CITY PARKS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2011-101-1494 K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO EXECUTE THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH OLDS, STEPHENS & HARPER, P.A., A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A" FOR LEGAL SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE LITIGATION MATTER OF WANDA GILBERT VS. THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY) Motion offered by Vice Mayor Campbell, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to adopt the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. (L) RESOLUTION(S) RESOLUTION NO. 2011-102-1495 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 AGREEMENT WITH GROUND KEEPERS, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED SEVEN THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED TWENTY- FIVE DOLLARS ($107,125.00) FOR LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENT SERVICES ALONG THE PALMETTO EXPRESSWAY,A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilman Andre Williams shared he is always talking about leveraging our dollars so that we can hire local residents. He asked the City Manager whether this contractor would be able to utilize local residents on this landscaping project. Manager Crew in response to Councilman Andre Williams' inquiry said this particular Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 9 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 contractor's bid document did not indicate that they would be hiring local people. Unfortunately the smaller the job, which this one is, it is very difficult to hire locals. Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director appeared before the City Council and shared that during the pre-construction meeting the local hiring preference is always mentioned. Vernita Nelson, Assistant City Manager appeared before the City Council and shared that the local hiring preference is standard language in all of the City's RFP's. All companies submitting bid proposals to the City of Miami Gardens sign an affidavit indicating the number of local residents they anticipate hiring. Councilman Andre Williams asked whether this company signed such an affidavit, and commented that information would be helpful to him. Ms. Nelson said she can provide this information to Councilman Andre Williams. She further shared this particular bidder has been the most lowest responsible bidder. Councilman Andre Williams asked how many people will be hired for this particular project. Mr. Ruiz said that information would be shared during the pre-construction meeting, which should take place within the next couple of weeks. Councilman David Williams Jr., said he thought the state had jurisdiction and was responsible for the Palmetto Expressway. Manager Crew in response to Councilman David Williams' inquiry shared about three years ago when Mercedes Benz was coming in the City had asked if they would voluntarily donate a couple hundred thousand dollars to improve that interchange by their building. This could be used as a kind of template to show DOT(Department of Transportation) what it was the City wanted to do. Mercedes Benz was kind enough to give the City that money. Motion offered by Councilman Andre Williams, seconded by Councilman David Williams Jr., to adopt this item. There being no further discussion on this item, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-103-1496 K-3) 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 RES-CARE, INC., FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF SKILLED INTERNS AND GRADUATES FOR Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 10 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 THE CITY'S FEDERALLY FUNDED CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Mayor Gibson commended staff for continuing the relationship with Job Corp and utilizing those students so that they will get on the job training. The students are trained in multiple disciplines such as construction, and landscaping. Motion offered by Mayor Gibson, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to adopt this item. There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. (M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK M-1) City Manager's Monthly Report M-2) Miami Gardens Police Department Monthly Report Manager Crew stated that he anticipates getting the FY 2011-12 Budget to Council by July 10th and recommending holding a budget workshop prior to the July 27th City Council meeting, at which time a maximum millage rate needs to be set. A budget workshop between the City Council and staff was set for Monday, July 18, 2011, beginning at 1:00 p.m. (N) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Gilbert thanked Donntay Cooper, Council staff as well as Councilwoman Robinson for their assistance with the Father's day event. He further shared that the Miami- Dade County Commission voted on first reading to allow the residents of Venetian Gardens to vote for street lights. He encouraged individuals to vote in this Special Election. He stated that every election is important. Vice Mayor Campbell shared that a resolution relating to posting no parking signage around the City's major parks was adopted by this City Council. The problem is that when there are events at the parks people from other communities have been coming to these events. Those visitors have been disrespectful to individuals living within the park areas. Councilwoman Robinson shared that a meeting with the Venetian Gardens residents will be held on Monday, July 1, 2011 to discuss the status of the street lighting issue in that area. County Commissioner Jordan's office along with a representative from FP&L and the City's public works department will be in attendance at this meeting. She further shared that she would be hosting "Meet Me on Monday" meetings the second Monday of every month. The meetings will be discussing different issues. The month of July meeting will address the street lighting in Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 11 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 222011 Venetian Gardens. The August meeting will address education. Councilman David Williams Jr., thanked Antranette Pierre and shared that they had attended a meeting with the Vice President of Coventry Health about doing some health events in the City with students as well as with seniors. Councilman Andre Williams commended Kara Petty and the employees of the Parks and Recreation Department for the outstanding work they are doing with the community center and the seniors' program. Councilwoman Davis announced on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon she will be sponsoring an Adopt-A-Tree event at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Center. Vice Mayor Campbell shared that he visited the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Center on yesterday evening. There were so many people out there that he was not able to do his usual run. He said that is a good indication that people are utilizing that center. He conveyed concern that the center is going to be over utilized. He further referenced the City's budget and the fact that non-profit organizations had appeared before the Council soliciting funding. He said the City of Miami Gardens like other municipalities is not going to be able to support organizations like it use to. The State of Florida is cutting and passing a lot of its responsibilities on to local governments and at the same time it is trying to discourage revenues for cities. He opined it is almost like they are trying to dissolve cities. He reminded everyone that this is going to be a tough year. The City is not going to be able to fund those services and programs like it did previously due to lack of funds. He reminded the newer Council members to be mindful of the lack of resources/funds when making request for funding of projects or programs. Mayor Gibson shared that she had a great opportunity to travel with a delegation from the US Conference of Black Mayors to the capital of Senegal, on last week. She said this was really a very spiritual and rewarding trip. The trip was not paid for by the City of Miami Gardens. She broached the subject of taxes and shared that the money is just not there. She said residents will be asking the Council to provide for them a lot of the things they are not going to find any place else. She said the Council is not going to be able to do it. It is entirely up to this community as we move forward with this budget, what they want to invest. She stated the City of Miami Gardens is facing some very dire times, financially. She stated, to our new council members be aware that whatever you ask staff to do has a price attached to it. When the City does not have enough staff, they will not be able to do the things we want them to do to service any of the Council members. She asked that individuals be mindful of the investment in this City. (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 Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 12 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 22 2011 seconded the meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Attest: W:�� Shirl GibWn, Mayor R netta Taylor, M—MC,&tity Clerk Regular City Council Minutes June 22, 2011 Page 13