HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.14.2011 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
DECEMBER 14, 2011
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Wednesday, December 14, 2011, beginning at 7:12 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515
NW 167 ' Street,Building 5, suite 200,Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Vice Mayor Aaron Campbell
Jr., and Council members: Lisa C. Davis, Andre Williams, Felicia Robinson, David Williams
Jr., and Oliver G. Gilbert III. Mayor Gibson was out of town,
Motion offered by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman David Williams
Jr.,to excuse Mayor Gibson's absence. This motion passed and carried by a unanimous vote.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K.
Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
(B) INVOCATION
Dr. Lester Brown delivered the Invocation.
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance recited in unison.
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular City Council Minutes—October 26, 2011 —deferred
Special City Council Meeting—November 7,2011
Motion offered by Councilwoman Davis, seconded by Councilman David Williams Jr.,to
approve the minutes as presented, with necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and
carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Regular City Council Meeting—November 12,2011
Motion offered by Councilman David Williams Jr., seconded by Councilwoman
Robinson to approve the minutes as presented, with necessary corrections, if any. This motion
passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
Councilman Andre Williams pulled Item K-5 from the Consent Agenda.
Manager Crew added the described item to the official Agenda as Item L-1 "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA,
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2011-144-1537, WHICH AWARDED A BID TO
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December 14, 2011 Page 1
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
SKANSKA USA BUILDING, INC. ("SKANSKA") FOR EARTHWORK RELATED TO THE
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS MUNICIPAL COMPLEX ("MUNICIPAL COMPLEX"),
WHICH ALSO AWARDED A BID TO SKANSKA FOR CONTRACTOR SERVICES FOR
THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX AND WHICH AUTHORIZED THAE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED FORTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($45,000,000.00), TO
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED TO NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE
SECOND RANKED BIDDER, SUFFOLK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., IN THE
EVENT NEGOTIATIONS WITH SKANSKA FAIL; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, AN AGREEMENT
FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THIS PURPOSE UPON SUCCESSFUL
NEGOTIATIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
Motion offered by Councilman David Williams,Jr., seconded by Councilwoman Davis to
add this item to the official agenda. This motion passed and carried by a unanimous vote.
Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to approve
the official agenda with the necessary additions/deletions. This motion passed and carried by a
unanimous vote.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Vice Mayor Aaron Campbell Jr.,- State Representative Barbara Watson
State Representative Barbara Watson appeared before the City Council and shared that
with the passage of the new election law, as it relates to absentee voting, if the signature does not
match what is on file there is a strong possibility that vote will not count, especially as it relates
to older voters. She encouraged older voters to register so that a more recent signature would be
on file, and asked that this information be spread throughout the community. She further
solicited the Council's support in opposition to the state redistricting recommendation being
proposed by the State of Florida. She opined the proposed recommendation would split the City
of Miami Gardens into three different state districts. It would also force current sitting
democratic representatives to run against each other, which would weaken Miami Gardens'
representation at the state level.
Councilman Gilbert concurred with Representative Watson's assessment of the
redistricting issue. He said if Miami Gardens is divided into two, three or even four districts it
makes the state representative less responsive to residents because they are not being elected by
voters in Miami Gardens. He requested the City Attorney to get with staff to produce a
resolution expressing the Council's desire to maintain Miami Gardens as one state house seat.
F 2) Couneilman DEwid Williams in, —Teueher-s the Year-
F-2)2) Carlos Martinez, Public Defender for the State of Florida
Mr. Martinez appeared before the City Council and thanked Councilman David Williams Jr., for
the invitation to speak before this Body. He provided a brief overview of the Public Defender's
Office and the number of people that office represents in Miami-Dade County each year. He
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December 14, 2011 Page 2
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
spoke briefly about the Video Deposition Project being implemented throughout Miami-Dade
County. He thanked the Miami Gardens Police Department for its cooperation in this endeavor.
This project is designed for police officers to do their deposition on-line and connect directly to
the attorney doing the deposition. This saves the police officer driving time and the city all the
maintenance costs and approximately $1,700.00 in fuel cost, annually. It also saves 323 hours of
police officer's time.
F-3) Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director—American Public Works Association Project
of the Year
Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director presented the City with a Project Award, given by the
American Public Works Association. This award is for the NW 183`d Street Landscaping
Project, Phase II (between NW 27d'and 470'Avenue).
F4) Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Manager—Employee recognitions
A. Employee of the month for October and November 2011
B. Five Year Service Pin
'Manager Crew presented Five Year Service Pins to the following individuals: Elizabeth
Valera, NSP Project Administrator, Community Development Depart; Irma J. Balbontin, School
Crossing Guard, School Crossing Guard Department, Lakeisha L. McHenry, Recreation
Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Division; Chassaing Paul, Telecommunication Systems
Analyst, Information Technology Systems; and Councilman Andre Williams.
C. Officer of the Month
Matthew Boyd, Police Chief for the City of Miami Gardens appeared before the City
Council to bestow upon Officer Michael Ruiz, the distinguished recognition as Officer of the
month for December 201, for outstanding police work. Prior to becoming a Miami Gardens
Police Officer, Officer Ruiz worked as a City of Miami Gardens Community Service Aide, as
well as dispatch for communications. In both of those positions he was an exemplary employee
and excelled.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rochelle Y. Boreland, 2780 NW 167t' Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, a Legislative Aide
with County Commissioner Barbara Jordan's Office appeared before the City Council to invite
everyone out to Movie Night in Miami Gardens. This event, which is being co-sponsored by
Councilman Gilbert, will take place, Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Betty T. Ferguson
Amphitheater.
(H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
(.I) RESOLUTION(S)MUBLIC HEARING(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-195-1588
J-1) 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 SUB-RECIPIENT
AGREEMENT TO AWARD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED
TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($120,000.00) FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2011-2012 TO THE GREATER MIAMI GARDENS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 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 MAYOR SHIRLEY
GIBSON)
Vice Mayor Campbell opened the floor for this public hearing.
Robert Waters, Interim Executive Director for the Greater Miami Gardens Chamber of
Commerce appeared before the City Council to solicit the Council's support of this item.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing
closed
Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilman David Williams Jr., to
adopt this item.
Councilman Andre Williams expressed concern with the use of CDBG dollars for the
Chamber of Commerce. He said this is not the first time this subject matter has been brought
before the Council and each time he has voted "no" on the item. He shared that he had sent an
email to the Deputy Secretary of HUD with regard to whether this was an applicable use to
award CDBG dollars to the Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce. He shared that he received
a responds, which he provided to the City Clerk for inclusion into the public record. This email
correspondence is attached hereto as Exhibit "A", and made a part of the record. He read "
Funding start-up and day-to-day operations for a Chamber of Commerce (or any other type of
nonprofit/small business advocacy activity. General marketing/outreach to businesses/small
business advocacy functions, which Chamber of Commerce typically perform, are expressly
ineligible under the CDBG.
Councilman Andre Williams said he wanted the Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce
to be successful but did not know if CDBG funding was appropriate for this organization. He
said he understands that the resolution speaks to being a sub-recipient, but most of the
documentation in the package speaks to forming a Chamber of Commerce.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
Daniel Rosemond, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director appeared
before the City Council and shared after Councilman Andre Williams raised his initial concerns
staff brought back an item clarifying how the funds would be utilized. It was clarified that those
CDBG funds would be used for eligible activities. He said the marketing/community
promotions/outreach to businesses will be carried out with membership fees. The Chamber's
function with regard to these CDBG dollars will be used to carry out the city's Business
Incentive program to eligible businesses. This funding is also done on a reimbursement basis,
therefore before the disbursement is made, staff will ensure that the expenditures are for CDBG
eligible activities.
Councilman Andre Williams for clarification purposes asked if the funds are used
inappropriately the city would have to return the funds from its General Fund.
Manager Crew stated Councilman Andre Williams' comment is being correct.
Councilman Andre Williams asked Manager Crew if he was comfortable with staffs
explanation.
Manager Crew in response to Councilman Andre Williams' inquiry replied that he was
comfortable with staff's explanation.
Councilman Andre Williams stated that he was not comfortable with this item therefore
he would not be voting in favor.
Councilman Gilbert asked whether the City Attorney had reviewed this item and was
comfortable with it.
Attorney Dickens in response to Councilman Gilbert said just like all the other CDBG
Awards, the funds are being used for a specified purpose. Therefore, as long as it is not being
used for the general operations of the Chamber she was comfortable with the item.
Councilman Gilbert opined the city was not liable because if the Chambers spends the
funds on something that was an ineligible activity,the city will not reimburse them.
Manager Crew further shared that the Finance Director will not allow any funds to be
released for any expenditure that is not authorized.
Councilwoman Davis asked whether the Council would be receiving a report on how the
funds are spent.
Mr. Rosemond said the City Manager can provide the Council with a report on what the
Chamber is doing specifically, with these funds. He further shared that the Chambers will be
setting up two separate bank accounts, one for membership dues and one for CDBG dollars.
This is also important for auditing purposes.
Regular City Council Agenda
December 14, 2011 Page 5
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
Vice Mayor Campbell said Councilman Andre Williams had contacted someone in HUD
about his concerns. He asked whether staff had contact someone from HUD to ensure it is
proceeding properly.
Mr. Rosemond in response to Vice Mayor Campbell's inquiry said that is exactly what
staff did when it brought the item back for clarification purposes. He reiterated the funds to be
allocated will be for eligible activities under the CDBG requirements.
At the conclusion of this discussion,the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 5-1 vote.
Councilman Andre Williams cast the dissenting vote.
(I) CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-196-1589
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, CONFIRMING COUNCILMAN
DAVID WILLIAMS JR'S APPOINTMENT OF DONNTAY
COOPER TO THE PROGRESSIVE YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR A THREE (3) YEAR TERM; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID
WILLIAMS JR.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-197-1590
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, CONFIRMING MAYOR SHIRLEY
GIBSON'S APPOINTMENT OF BRIAN C. HARRIS, TO THE
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS MIAMI GARDENS PROGRESSIVE
YOUNG ADULTS FOR A TERM OF TWO (2) YEARS;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR
SHIRLEY GIBSON)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-198-1591
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A ZERO
TOLERANCE POLICY RELATED TO GRAFFITI; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING
FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR SHIRLEY
GIBSON)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-199-1592
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, URGING TOBACCO RETAILERS
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December 14, 2011 Page 6
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
TO STOP THE SALE AND MARKETING OF FLAVORED
TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN
DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-200-1593
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, CONFIRMING DAVID
WILLIAMS JR'S APPOINTMENT OF CECIL DANIELS TO THE
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR A
ONE (1) YEAR TERM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-201-1594
K-7) 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 MIAMI DOLPHINS, LTD. TO
WAIVE THE FACILITY RENTAL FEE AT THE BETTY
FERGUSON RECREATIONAL COMPLEX FOR THE MIAMI
DOLPHINS FOOTBALL AND CHEER ACADEMY, 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)
Motion offered by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman David Williams
Jr.,to adopt the Consent Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous voice
vote.
(L) RESOLUTION(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-202-1595
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID TO MAGNA
CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE N.W. 159TH STREET
STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF
ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-NINE THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED
SIXTY-TWO DOLLARS AND TWELVE CENTS ($159,862.12);
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN
AGREEMENT, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS
EXHIBIT "A", FOR THIS PURPOSE; 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 that whenever the city has awarded contracts he has
voiced the importance of hiring residents as part of that contract. He stated that he was happy to
see that this vendor has indicated it would make a good faith effort to hire (2) two Miami
Gardens residents.
Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director said this issue will be dealt with during the pre-
construction meeting. Staff will then follow through. Procurement has a form that will be filled
out with all application information relating to the hiring.
Motion offered by Councilman Andre Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to
adopt this item.
There being no further discussion,the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-
L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.
2011-144-1537, WHICH AWARDED A BID TO SKANSKA USA
BUILDING, INC. ("SKANSKA") FOR EARTHWORK RELATED
TO THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
("MUNICIPAL COMPLEX"), WHICH ALSO AWARDED A BID
TO SKANSKA FOR CONTRACTOR SERVICES FOR THE
MUNICIPAL COMPLEX AND WHICH AUTHORIZED THAE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A GUARANTEED
MAXIMUM PRICE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES NOT
TO EXCEED FORTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($45,000,000.00),
TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED TO
NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SECOND RANKED BIDDER,
SUFFOLK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC., IN THE EVENT
NEGOTIATIONS WITH SKANSKA FAIL; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND
ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY, AN AGREEMENT FOR
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THIS PURPOSE UPON
SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THEA CITY MANAGER)
Regular City Council Agenda
December 14, 2011 Page 8
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
Manager Crew explained there will be no more Council minutes for the month of
December and the next meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2012. Staff began negotiations with
Skanska in October. It has now been two (2) months and we have not been able to reach an
agreement. He said the city is getting farther behind on the project. He said he needed to be able
to move on if no agreement could be reached at least by the first of the year. He said if he did
not have an agreement with Skanska at least by January 5, 2012, he would like to have the
authorization to start negotiations with the second bidder.
Motion offered by Councilman Andre Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to
adopt this item.
Councilman Gilbert expressed concern with placing items on the agenda and advising
Council if we do not do this now there is going to be a problem. He said staff has indicated they
have been having a problem with this item for two months. He said he first heard about the
problem, yesterday. He said the City Manager is asking the Council to give him the authority to
undo something that this "Body" did. He said if a decision has to be made that a contract cannot
be reached, it is the Council that would make that decision. He said he is not in favor of
delegating that authority to the city manager. He said there has not been any indication as to what
the holdup is from not only the city's perspective, but Skanska's as well.
Councilman Andre Williams said he would like to hear from the city's consultant with
regard to this matter.
Kevin Lawler, the city's realtor and development consultant for the city hall project
appeared before the City Council and recounted at the September 2011,the City Council selected
and authorized the City Manager to enter into negotiations with Skanska. One of the
prerequisites when the request for proposals was submitted was that the bidder accepted the
city's construction contract without material changes. A notice to proceed was issued only for
the earthwork project. Skanska came back roughly two weeks ago and gave the city a proposal.
That proposal was basically take this or take that. The proposal included Skanska's estimates
plus new line items; or take the subcontractors bid with new line items. He stated that he looked
at not only what Skanska submitted but the thirty-six (36) additional conditions. Twelve (12) of
which was given to the city attorney to look at. He said this is when he started looking at other
things. Therefore, he went to the City Manager and told him that the city needed a backup plan.
Right now there is about five to seven weeks left in this process. He was directed to meet with
Skanska and lay out the city's position. Skanska responded today as if he had never had that
conservation with them. It is not only the pricing schedule there are also a set of fall off
considerations of the LEED Program, local participation, all of which still hasn't been attended
to by Skanska at this point in time. The City Manager has the authority to initiate negotiate with
Suffolk, which is the next bidder, in order to keep this project going.
A representative from Skanska appeared before the City Council and stated that his firm
was not given notice of this meeting, therefore he is responding without preparations. He said
Skanska's commitment to the project has not wavered. In the original negotiations Skanska
made concession in a good faith effort. A proposal for the cost was submitted two weeks ago.
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December 14, 2011 Page 9
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
The cost for the construction is already in the perimeter of the budget. Skanska has provided a
time for the city to meet the deadlines. Skanska is here to stand by its commitment, and will
continue to engage in good faith.
Councilman Gilbert asked about the concerns raised by Mr. Lawler.
The representative stated he would disagree with a lot of the comments made by Mr.
Lawler.
Councilman Gilbert asked about the cost associated with the time line.
Manager Crew in response to Councilman Gilbert's inquiry said everyone month when
we go beyond where we originally time lined the project cost the city the rental cost of this
building because that is an extra month the city stays here.
Councilman Gilbert asked about the time lien for the anticipated move.
Manager Crew in response to Councilman Gilbert's inquiry stated 2013.
Councilman Gilbert reiterated his earlier statement that this decision should be a
Council's and staff should not be delegated the authority to make a decision on the biggest
project the city has. He said the Council should be made aware of the issues and ultimately
makes the decision to either terminate negotiations with Skanska or continue negotiations. He
further stated with a decision this important, Mayor Gibson should be present, as well.
Councilwoman Davis agreed the Council should discuss this item and suggested
scheduling a workshop.
At the conclusion of this discussion and by unanimous consent, a workshop was
scheduled for Wednesday, January 4,2012, at 7:00 p.m.
(M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
Manager Crew reported that a union has been voted in at the Police Department. Now
the negotiation starts.
Attorney Dickens expounded on this issue and shared that she had sent a memorandum to
the Council outlining how the negotiations process will work. The City Manager will have
outside representative however the City Attorney would be the Council's representative. The
Council will make the ultimate decision.
Attorney Dickens recounted sometime ago she had brought before the Council an
ordinance relating prohibiting guns in our parks. Currently the city bands guns in its parks and
now the State of Florida has taken over this area of the law. Palm Beach County has sued the
State of Florida. She shared that she has been in touch with the Palm Beach County Attorney
because she heard Council's concerns and wants to be involved with this litigation. She further
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DEC. 14, 2011
stated that she wanted to spearhead and try to get other cities to join in that litigation. She said
she did not expect for this action to cost the city any money, but if so, that cost will be a
minimum amount because everybody will be participating.
(1) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Gilbert invited everyone to come out to Movie Night. He shared that he
would be late because he will be returning from Orlando where he will be traveling to support
Miami Norland Football team, as they compete for the State Championship. He wished
everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Councilman David Williams Jr., thanked the parks and recreation department for being a
part of a history making event in the City, the Elementary School Science/Engineer Fair. He
further shared at some point he would like to revisit the Billboard issue.
Attorney Dickens suggested having staff provide information with this matter being
discussed during the New Year.
Councilman Andre Williams wished Ms. Marie Conyers a Happy Birthday. He further
shared that he was hosting a Women's Owned Business Workshop, Friday, December 16, 2011,
beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. He further wished
everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Councilwoman Davis announced that she will be hosting her first toy give-a-way,
Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.
(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 the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Attest:
S Gibson, Mayor
Ro etta Taylor, MM City Clerk
Regular City Council Agenda
December 14, 2011 Page 11