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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.10.2010 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2010 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, beginning at 7:05 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: Mayor Shirley Gibson, Vice Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III, Councilman Aaron Campbell Jr., Councilwoman Barbara Watson, Councilman Andr6 Williams, Councilman Melvin L. Bratton and Councilwoman Sharon Pritchett. Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. (B) INVOCATION Delivered by Vice Mayor Gilbert. (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited in unison. (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES D-1) Regular City Council Minutes—January 27, 2010 Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilwoman Watson 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 Vice Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to move Item K-1 forward on the agenda to be heard before H-2. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Motion offered by Vice Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve the official agenda,with applicable changes. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) F-1) Chief Matthew Boyd — City of Miami Gardens Police Department Monthly Report Chief Boyd appeared before the City Council and reported that the"Department"realized a twenty-four (24%) percent reduction in crime, from December 2009 to January 2010. The decrease for January 2010 compared to January 2009 was seventeen (17%) percent. Also Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 significant was a decrease in robberies of twenty-nine (29%) percent, and burglaries by twenty- four(24%)percent. Most noteworthy is that there were no homicides or sexual assaults. Arrests were up three (3%) for the month of January 2010. A significant number of arrests were made with the support of reported incidents, that total was twenty-two (22) for the month. The Department began Special Details related to the three football events at Sun Lite Stadium, commencing on January 4, 2010. These details were conducted seven days a week from eight to twelve hours per day. During these details one hundred seventy six (176) arrests were made, six hundred and seventy two (672) citations were issued, and over 900 contacts were made. The department operated this Detail from January 30th until the conclusion of the Super Bowl. Councilman Bratton commended Chief Boyd and the men and women of the Miami Gardens Police for a job well done during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Super Bowl events. He asked whether staff has considered having a mounted patrol division of the Miami Gardens Police Department. Manager Crew in response to Councilman Bratton's question said staff has not considered a mounted patrol division of the City of Miami Gardens Police Department. Councilman Bratton shared that he had requested budgetary information from the City of Miami's Mounted Patrol Division. This information was provided to the City Manager. Chief Boyd said staff will prepare a mounted patrol budgetary proposal and provide to the Council. Councilman Williams asked about the Truancy Report. Chief Boyd explained police officers travel through the community and target those young people who should be in school during normal school hours. The students are taken back to school, and from there they are the responsibility of the School Board. Councilman Williams asked what age category are the biggest offenders. Chief Boyd said the youth are from elementary to senior high school age. Councilman Williams asked about the training activity. Chief Boyd said in order for police officers to keep abreast of innovative crime prevention techniques, and maintain certain cortication they might continuously train. It also depends on whether the officer has a specialty, such as DUI. There is specific training for DIU Certification. F-2) Dr. Danny Crew, City Manager-Employee of the Month Presentation Manager Crew presented George Mitchell, Recreation Aide, with the Parks and Recreation Department with the distinguished recognition as Employee of the Month for the month of January 2010. Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 (G) PUBLIC COMMENTS Janice Coakley, 19681 NW 33rd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express concern with not receiving a return telephone call from Mr. Al Lewis, Parks and Recreation Superintendent. She shared that she had made several telephone calls to Mr. Lewis and as yet has not received a return telephone call. She further commended Code Compliance Division Director Roderick Potter and Deputy City Manager Renee Farmer for their quick response on Super Bowl Sunday. She shared that she had previously gotten permission to sell Girl Scout Cookies in front of Wal-Mart. However, a Code Enforcement Officer informed them that a permit was needed. With the quick assistance of Mr. Potter and Ms. Farmer this matter was resolved. The Girl Scouts were able to continue selling cookies. She asked that the Council, in the near future, consider an ordinance allowing Girl Scouts and cretin organizations to be allowed to sell cookies. Councilwoman Pritchett asked Attorney Dickens is an ordinance was being worked on to allow this type of activity. Attorney Dickens in response to Councilwoman Pritchett said the Girl Scouts should not have been subject to Code Enforcement activity. She shared from her past experience Girl Scouts generally sells at a specific location. She acknowledged that a Special Events ordinance is being worked on and is forthcoming to the Council for its consideration. She said she did not see the Girl Scouts as one of those entities that would need a permit. Councilwoman Pritchett placed emphasis on the importance of having an open line of communication so that all are aware of the process. Retha Boone Fye, 18941 NW 7a' Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to commend the Public Works Department for repairing the sidewalk in front of her home. She said riding through the City periodically, she noticed a lot of the individuals working on City of Miami Gardens projects do not appear to be residents of this community. She asked whether there was a requirement for those contractors working on City projects to hire City of Miami Gardens residents. She further asked whether the City has thought about implementing an internship program with our youth and potential contractors. Manager Crew in response to Ms. Boone Fye's question shared in all of the City's bidding processes, there is a provision for local vendors. There is also a workshop conducted by staff geared at showing residents how to do business with the City of Miami Gardens. The City cannot mandate that contractor doing business with the City hire local vendors. The City is always trying to get developers to make an effort to hire local vendors. He said however, the City cannot make a developer hire a local vendor. Ms. Boone Fye said there are a lot of young people living in the City who may not be employed. She opined this is something that should be investigated to ensure people who live here live within the City gets preferences,whenever possible. Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 3 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 (I� ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 TO REFLECT THE TRANSFER OF SIXTEEN THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($16,500.00) FROM THE GENERAL FUND INTO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUND, TO BE USED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Manager Crew explained this ordinance provides for the transfer of funds from the City's General Fund to the Community Development Block Grant. This is a result of one of the recipients not being eligible to do the works. Motion offered by Vice Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to adopt this item on first reading. Councilwoman Pritchett asked when was the first time the applicant of Concerned African Women received CDBG Findings. Daniel Rosemond, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director appeared before the City Council in response to Councilwoman Pritchett's question. He said this particular agency has received from the City from 2006 through last fiscal year. Councilwoman Pritchett made reference to staff's report relating to a comprehensive review of the agency in 2009. She asked whether a comprehensive review was performed in previous years. Mr. Rosemond in response to Councilwoman Pritchett's question said no comprehensive review was performed in previous years. Councilwoman Pritchett commented, and the City awarded the money in the previous years. Mr. Rosemond response was yes ma'am. Councilwoman Pritchett asked whether this agency was in violation in previous years. Mr. Rosemond said the violation was detected this last fiscal year when they were awarded funding. Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 102010 Councilwoman Pritchett commented if a comprehensive review was not performed in previous years,how would staff know if a violation had not occurred. Mr. Rosemond said there were certain indicators that would give staff pause to either address the findings or do a further review. Based on the information received from the monitoring and the documentation received from the agency warranted a more extensive analysis of the agency. This is when staff discovered there had been a violation of the federal regulation. This is what raised the concerns to ask for the return of the dollars that had been inappropriately spent. Councilwoman Pritchett stated that she saw in the documentation provided by staff that a request was made to have the funds returned to the City by December 31, 2009. She asked has any other attempts been made since December 31, 2009 to recover the funds. Mr. Rosemond said several attempts have been made with no response from the agency. Councilwoman Pritchett explained she had asked that question because in staff's documentation it is stated that as soon as the funds are returned by Concerned African Women, those funds would be returned to the General Fund. She said if staff is not attempting to contact Concerned African Woman to get the funds how is that helping to get those funds returned to the General Fund. Mr. Rosemond said staff has made attempts to contact Concerned African Woman via email, verbally and formal letters. From the documentation provided to the Council, not only is the $16,500 in question, there was other documentation in question as well. Concerned African Women responded to the first portion of staff's concern, which lead staff to understand the "Agency" did received and acknowledge the full amount of issues that needed to be addressed. The fact that the "Agency" did not respond to the $16,500 portion of the request is an indication that they are choosing to not take any action, or they cannot for whatever reason. He opined staff has made over and above every reasonable effort to try and recoup the dollars, and address the regulations that have been violated. He said at this point, at least from where he sits that needs to be done. If the "Agency"returns the dollars, then of course that money would be returned to the General Fund. Mr. Rosemond placed emphases on the importance of making the CDBG funds whole so that the City is not in any violation with the federal government. The item before Council tonight will address that concern. He further clarified that at the time staff makes recommendation to the Council for funding. All the agencies in question are in good standing. Staff would not bring an agency for funding consideration before the Council if there are any questions or issues with that agency. Councilwoman Pritchett asked whether Concerned African Woman was still in business so that the City could take action to recover the funds. Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 Mr. Rosemond said it is up to the Council to provide direction to staff as to what it is the Council wants staff to do to recover the funds. He further opined that he did not know of anything else staff could have done differently to recover the funds. Vice Mayor Gilbert stated as a practical matter once staff brings an issue to the Council the obligation then falls on the elected body to direct staff as to whether it wants to sue to get the money back. He said the Council needs to make a decision whether it wants to spend valuable resources through the City Attorney's Office in filing a lawsuit and pursuing the actual debt. He asked for clarification purposes whether the staff did all the checks required to allocate funding to this Agency. Mr. Rosemond in respond to Vice Mayor Gilbert's question said absolutely. Vice Mayor Gilbert said this agency did in fact pass inspection prior to the allocation of the funds. However, once grant funding was allocated, it was then that discrepancies were noticed. Mr. Rosemond in response to Vice Mayor Gilbert's comments stated that is correct. Councilman Williams said he was disappointed with Concerned African Woman because this is a group that many of the elected officials are familiar with, and have a relationship with. He asked Attorney Dickens if Council would have to provide her with specific instructions to file a lawsuit against this "Agency." He said is there a deterrent of a reason why that would be more difficult in this instance. Attorney Dickens said there is no deterrent. She said the process is staff would do its portion, she would make an assessment then bring to the Council for authorization to sue. She said the Council would have to authorize her to sue. Councilman Williams said he would be comfortable with the ordinance if there was a litigation provision included. Attorney Dickens said the litigation should be done separate and apart from this ordinance. She said Council could give her that authority tonight. She further explained that fiscally, the City is responsible and needs to make sure it does what is needed to ensure no future funding is jeopardized. She explained this is just a budget amendment to put the money back. Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett to direct the City Attorney to seek legal action against Concern African Women to recoup the $16,500 owed to the City. Vice Mayor Gilbert expressed concern and stated he is not willing to direct the City Attorney to spend $10,000 in litigation cost to collect $16,500. He said there needs to be more investigation. He said he was willing to direct staff to do an investigation and bring that finding back to the City Council. He emphasized the Council did not have a budget advising of the cost Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 6 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 to recoup. Councilwoman Watson expressed some un-readiness. She said the deadline was December 31, 2009, it is now February 10, 2010, which is forty (40) days past due. She asked is that a fair assessment. It is feasible to pursue legal action in forty (40) days. Councilman Bratton asked Attorney Dickens to clarify her position. Attorney Dickens asked Council to allow her to do due diligence first by investigating the situation. She said can always bring this item back to Council and ask for authorization to sue. She said the important thing is to separate the litigation part from the ordinance part. Councilman Williams reclarified his motion to authorize the City Attorney to investigate the matter, and bring back finding and recommendation to the Council for approval. This motion was seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett. There being no further discussion, the motion to direct the City Attorney to investigate the matter, and bring back finding to Council passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Mr. Rosemond said a correction needed to be made to correct a scrivener's error. Instead of Public Service Activities the statement should be Eligible Activities. There being no further discussion on the ordinance as a whole, the motion passed and carried by a 6-1 vote. Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Vice Mayor Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes At the conclusion of this discussion, the motion to adopt on first reading passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Vice Mayor Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gilbert: Yes K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 7 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 z MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS HONORS PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR OLIVER G. GILBERT III) Vice Mayor Gilbert shared a good friend of his talked shard with him that she had gotten her first job when she was a sophomore in high school. She worked at this job every summer, went to college. When she graduated from college the City of Miami hired her, and now she in senior level management. He said the City is not doing anything to groom the very capable, very talented youth that we have here in Miami Gardens. From that basic idea he had worked with staff to come up with the Miami Gardens Honors Program. This Program would provide summer fellowships for five ten students at a pay of$4,000 for the summer. The purpose of the program is to expose these students to high level and high quality jobs. He opined this program would provide grooming for the next level of public servants. The program would be funded: 1) Previously the City had adopted an amendment to the Purchasing Code, which allowed contractor to get preference by contributing to a local school. The amendment to the Purchasing Code would allow that contractor to receive preference by either contributing to a local school or to the Honors Program; 2) People can contribute directly to the City's created 501(C )3., and 3) the General Fund. The cost of this program is estimated between $20,000 to $40,000 depending on the number of interns. He shared that he has already received a commitment for$10,000. He said hopefully he would be able to raise the rest of the funding, but if not, for this first year with five students the City will probably have to pay for that. He opined some things are worth spending money for. This is the City investing in its future. Motion offered by Vice Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Mayor Gibson to adopt this item. Mayor Gibson asked for clarification purposes, as it relates to the preference contribution provision in the Purchasing Ordinance whether contractors would no longer contribute to a local school. Vice Mayor Gilbert said contractors could continue to contribute to local schools or instead could contribute to this program. The contractor would have a choice. Mayor Gibson asked how would a potential contractor/bidder know about this option. Manager Crew explained this preference provision is in the bid document. Mayor Gibson asked how many contractors have taken advantage of this preference provision since its existence. Pamela Thompson, Procurement Manager appeared before the city Council in response to Mayor Gibson's question and stated only one contractor has taken advantage of this provision by providing in-kind services. Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 8 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 There being no further discussion,the motion to adopt this item failed by a 2-5 vote. Councilman Campbell: No Vice Mayor Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Councilwoman Watson: No Councilman Williams: No Councilman Bratton: No Mayor Gibson: Yes H-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2008-20-156, ESTABLISHING A PREFERENCE IN PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING FOR BUSINESSES THAT MAKE MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO MIAMI-DADS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS TO ADD THAT IN LIEU OF MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS TO A MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL, CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE MADE TO MIAMI GARDENS HONORS PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR OLIVER G. GILBERT III) Vice Mayor Gilbert withdrew this item from the official agenda. H-3) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA REGULATING THE SUPERVISION, CONFINEMENT AND TETHERING OF CANINES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR SHIRLEY GIBSON) Mayor Gibson passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Gilbert before sharing the circumstances surrounding the sponsoring of this item. She shared there is not only a location but national campaign against the cruelty to animals and the tethering of canines. She said animals that are tied up are often left outside in the elements. Some have even hung themselves. This inhumane treatment of animals is not acceptable and should not be allowed. The passage of this ordinance Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 9 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 would join the City of Miami Gardens with other municipalities throughout the county expressing its concern. Motion offered by Mayor Gibson, seconded by Councilman Campbell to adopt this item on first reading. Councilman Williams expressed concern with seeing dead animals on the streets for long periods of time, and asked what jurisdiction is responsible for the removal of dead animals. Manager Crew said the removal of dead animals off the streets is the responsible of Miami-Dade County Animal Control. He said individuals could call the City of Miami Gardens, which will in turn contact Miami-Dade County. Councilwoman Pritchett asked for clarification purposes said the ordinance mentions warning and education by police and code enforcement officers prior to citation and asked if that would always be done first. Mayor Gibson conveyed belief that this would be applied consistent with the City current established policy and procedures. Attorney Dickens concurred with Mayor Gibson's interpretation of the ordinance. There being no further discussion,the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Vice Mayor Gilbert: Yes (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) ORDINANCE NO. 2010-05-213 I-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, PROHIBITING THE RENAMING OR CO-NAMING OF ANY PORTION OF 183RD STREET, ALSO KNOWN AS "MIAMI GARDENS DRIVE;" PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR SHIRLEY GIBSON) Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 10 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 Mayor Gibson explained there has been a lot of interest and request to rename the main thoroughfare in the City, which is Miami Gardens Drive,also known as NW 183`d Street. At this point, Council has in many instances made it fairly clear it does not want to rename that street. It is a central street with the City's name on it. This is also the City of Miami Gardens' premier street. Vice Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing. After there were no interested parties to speak on this public hearing,the hearing closed. Motion offered by Mayor Gibson, seconded by Councilman Campbell to adopt this item. Councilwoman Pritchett made reference to Florida State Statutes 334.071(3) that if a state road that is being designated is located in more than one city or county resolutions supporting the designation must be passed by each separate governments prior to the erection of the marker. She asked if that is the case, anyone who wants to go to our City must go to Miami- Dade County first, what is the difference between this provision and what the City is trying to do. Attorney Dickens said she has not read the statute Councilwoman Pritchett is referring to however, it sounds like if would apply, if the road ran through different cities. She said Miami- Dade County generally comes to the City of Miami Gardens before renaming a street. At the conclusion of this discussion,the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes Vice Mayor Gilbert: Yea After this vote was taken,Vice Mayor Gilbert relinquished the gavel to Mayor Gibson. ORDINANCE NO. 2010-06-214 I-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2007-26-132, REGULATING INTERSECTIONS DETERMINED TO BE DANGEROUS; 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 THE CITY ATTORNEY) Attorney Dickens explained this is a housekeeping item in order to make the notification Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 11 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 and the hearings consistent. Motion offered by Councilman Campbell, seconded by Vice Mayor Gilbert. Councilwoman Pritchett asked whether the Traffic Control Infraction Officer present at the Hearings. Attorney Dickens in response to Councilwoman Pritchett's question replied, "Yes." Councilwoman Pritchett asked whether a person has a right to cross examine that person. Attorney Dickens replied, "Yes." Councilwoman Pritchett asked if any of the minor adjustments being made, may have directly affected the outcome of any of the hearings. Attorney Dickens in response to Councilwoman Pritchett's question replied no. She said each case is different and the Special Master makes a ruling on the evidence presented. Manager Crew passed out information relating to the Red Light Camera program and shared this is the first anniversary of the Program and out of the five intersections where there are cameras, only one intersection is complete (NW. 183rd Street and 2nd Avenue). This past year traffic accidents at those intersections have declined by 27%, 46%, 56%, 33% . The only intersection with no data is NW 17th Avenue and 183rd Street. Mayor Gibson opened the floor for this public hearing. After there were no interested parties to speak on this item,the public hearing closed. There being no further discussion,the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 6-1 vote. Councilman Williams: Yes Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Vice Mayor Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Mayor Gibson: Yes (J-1) CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION NO.2010-31-1213 J-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO PRODUCE THE SECOND ANNUAL BID WHIST TOURNAMENT Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 12 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 12010 ON MARCH 18, 2010; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR OLIVER G. GILBERT III) RESOLUTION NO. 2010-32-1214 J-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, COMMEMORATING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH;" PROVIDING FOR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR OLIVER G. GILBERT III) Motion offered by Vice Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Watson to adopt the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-1 voice vote. Councilwoman Pritchett cast the dissenting vote. (K) RESOLUTIONS None. (L) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK Attorney Dickens thanked the City of Miami Gardens Police Department for its efforts in assisting in the search from her missing cousin. She credited the police department and particular Deputy Chief Miller's efforts in finding her cousin within the week she went missing. She further thanked Councilman Bratton and Vice Mayor Gilbert for their support during this time. Attorney Dickens reported The Friends of Miami Gardens incorporation papers have been filed. The City Council has to appoint a Board of Directors to this 501(C )3 entity. Therefore each Councilmember has to appoint someone. She asked that the Council provide her with the name of the individual they want to appoint. She will then formulate the appointment resolution for consideration. Members have been established therefore, the organization is up and running. Presently, the City Manager and each chair person of the City's Advisory Committees are members. Additional members can be added. This organization is now start accepting money for specified purposes. Mayor Gibson asked for clarification as to how moneys given to this 501(C )3 entity would be disbursed for programs. Attorney Dickens explained people can make donations to existing programs through the organization. Those donations need to be earmarked as such. Mayor Gibson asked whether the Board of Directors of this 501(C )3 organization be responsible for soliciting funds. Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 13 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10 2010 the City Council for working tirelessly to get people to acknowledge the City of Miami Gardens. Vice Mayor Gilbert stated last year the City spent $12,000 for Shakespeare in the Gardens. Early this year we allocated $2,500 as seed money so that dolphins could be placed around the City. Miss Miami Gardens to raise up one woman in a pageant, $40,000 of residents' money. Martin Luther King Celebration, $80,000. He said he did not dispute the validity of the positive attribute of any of these things. He offered the City spent $80,000 on Martin Luther King Celebration and did not spend $10,000 to help put kids in positions they can aspire too. He said he had very little understanding of that. He said it is his hope that in this Council's divine wisdom, they see something that he don't. That the City did not need to groom the young people to actually sit in the City Manager's seat. There is talk about the City Manager living in the City, the best way to do that is to grow the City Manager up. Mayor Gibson shared that during her travels throughout this county and Broward County, she met individuals who knew about the City of Miami Gardens and had many positive things to say about the City. She commended staff for their hard work. She encouraged everyone that if they hear broadcasters referring to this area as Greater Miami or Miami to contact that television or radio station to make that correction. She further shared that there was a murder/suicide in Coral Gables. That incident was not broadcast on the news because Coral Gables does not allow all that negative publicity. She said the City of Miami Gardens has to do the same thing. And it does make a difference when people call. (N) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None. (0) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly made by Councilman Bratton,the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. Attest: hirley Gibson, Mayor ? .ej-,-W. Ronetta Taylor, MNg, City Clerk Regular City Council Minutes February 10, 2010 Page 17