HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.11.2019 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 11, 2019
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council Members for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida,met, Wednesday, August 11,
2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami
Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Vice Mayor
Harris, and Council Members: Lillie Q. Odom, Katrina Wilson, Erhabor Ighodaro and David
Williams Jr.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and
City Clerk Mario Bataille.
2. INVOCATION
Invocation was delivered by Mayor Gilbert.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited in unison
4. MINUTES
D-1) Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes—July 10,2019
D-2) Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes—July 24, 2019
A motion made by Councilman Williams Jr., seconded by Vice Mayor Harris, to approve the
draft minutes passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote of all members present.
5. ORDER OF BUSINESS
The following items was added to the Agenda to be discussed after public comments:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY
CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST THE PARTIAL RELEASE OF
MORTGAGE, RELEASE OF THE UNITY OF TITLE, CHANGED EXHIBITS
TO THE AMENDMENT TO AMENDED DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT, SIGN
EASEMENT AGREEMENT, SEWER LIFT STATION, ROADWAY EASEMENT
AGREEMENT, RELEASE OF RESOLUTION, AND CLARIFYING LETTER TO
NEW MARKET TAX CREDIT PROVIDER, IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM AS
THOSE EXHIBITS ATTACHED HERETO AS "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G",
"H", RELATING TO RUDG-THE COMMONS DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
Councilwoman Odom pulled Item 11.4.
Mayor Gilbert indicated Item 13.1.1 will be discussed before the reading of the consent agenda.
A motion made by Vice Mayor Harris, seconded by Councilman Williams Jr., to approve the
as amended passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH)
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Vanessa Wilcox, 2000 NW 186th Street, appeared before City Council to address the
overlooking of the elders in the community. She read a bible verse and asked the City to stop
ignoring the word of God.
Denise Brown, 975 NW 199th Street, appeared before City Council as the CEO/Founder of RJT
Foundation to invite everyone to the National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims on
September 25th, to honor those families and victims who have been affected by gun and
domestic violence.
Sharon Frazier-Stephens, 145 NE 193`d Street, Miami FL appeared before City Council as the
Chairwoman for the Miami Gardens/Opa-Locka CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee) which is
under the umbrella of the Miami-Dade County. Mrs. Frazier-Stephens asked the City Council to
allow citizens participation for things going on in the City,to allow the people to speak.
Nicole Betty, 431 NW 183`d Street, Miami, FL, appeared before City Council as a small business
owner (home based) in Miami Gardens, to address the business licensing and fees in the City.
She asked City Council to consider eliminating or reducing fees for home based businesses in
order to generate more employment.
Lynette Hickenbottom, 20832 NW 25th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before City Council
as a resident of Lake Lucerne to ask about the status of the park in their community. She stated
she hasn't seen any progress and would like to know when the children will be given a proper
place to play.
Jennifer Nijhove, 1731 NW 206th Street, appeared before City Council as the President of Lake
Lucerne Neighborhood Watch, to address concerns about Bennett Lifter Park. She asked what is
happening to the park and when will they finally get the park.
In response, Mayor Gilbert advised Bennett Lifter Park has never fallen through a crack, that
construction has to be staged. He commented that negotiations take a long time and advised that
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everything in the city cannot be under construction at the same time.
Raymond Carvil, 19141 NW 50' Court, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before City Council as the
President of Miami Gardens Neighborhood Watch, to thank everyone for attending the monthly
meetings and taking initiative to provide Ring security system. He encouraged the City Manager
and elected officials to allocate funds to purchase at least 1,000 Ring systems for seniors who
cannot afford them.
Joyce Stanley, 1331 NW 195th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before City Council to
address the issue of NMB Water increasing the rate and using the funds for NMB improvement
and beautification programs.
Janice Smith, 20525 NW 21' Avenue, appeared before City Council to address the owners of
Hardrock Stadium planning to bring Formula One Racing to the City. She encouraged residents
to attend Norland Senior High next Tuesday for the town hall meeting with the commissioner.
Helen Faye Reed, 3010 NW 2056' Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before City Council to
share her concerns regarding the placement of the luxury condominiums on 191s'and 27th Ave.
Brandon and Zakiya Williams, 16501 NW 17th Court, Miami, FL, appeared before City Council
to request for better street lighting on 17th court.
Gale Cunningham, 19001 NW 14th Avenue Road, appeared before City Council to invite the
community to attend Commissioner Barbara Jordan's town hall meeting on September 17th at
Norland Senior High and to vote No for Formula One Racing.
7.1 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY
CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST THE PARTIAL RELEASE OF
MORTGAGE, RELEASE OF THE UNITY OF TITLE, CHANGED EXHIBITS
TO THE AMENDMENT TO AMENDED DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT, SIGN
EASEMENT AGREEMENT, SEWER LIFT STATION, ROADWAY EASEMENT
AGREEMENT, RELEASE OF RESOLUTION, AND CLARIFYING LETTER TO
NEW MARKET TAX CREDIT PROVIDER, IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM AS
THOSE EXHIBITS ATTACHED HERETO AS "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F","G",
"H", RELATING TO RUDG-THE COMMONS DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
Mayor Gilbert expressed his uncomfortableness with the Item because it permanently disposes of
the City interest. Additional commented were offered expressing his admiration for Mrs.
Nisman, Mayor Gilbert suggested that they meet with the City Attorney to ensure legal
sufficiency.
Councilman Williams, Jr inquired if the City Attorney was uncomfortable with the process.
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City Attorney Dickens comment that she was not uncomfortable with the Item, but needed to
review it for legal sufficiency.
A motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Harris to approve the Item.
Councilwoman Odom comment about the lack of staff review and staff recommendation.
Councilwoman Wilson asked that staff is allow to do their due diligence before a decision is
made.
The City Council reached consensus to amend approval on the item contingent upon legal
sufficiently determined by the City Attorney.
There being no further discussion, the motion to approve the Item as amended passed and
carried by a unanimous voice vote.
11.4 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE MAYOR'S
SPECIAL EVENTS ACCOUNT, TO PROVIDE SPANISH AND CREOLE
CLASSES; OF ADOPTION PROVIDING FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: Mayor Oliver G.
Gilbert
Mayor Gilbert explained that the Item provides free Spanish and Creole classes to members of
the community at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex and an age restriction was placed
on the Item to offer the opportunity to all residents interested.
Councilwoman Odom explained that she pulled the Item to inquired about who will be allowed
to attend the classes and the cost associated with hosting these classes. Additional comments
were made inquiring about the need for such programming if the school system already provides
language programs.
Councilwoman Wilson added comments of an uncomfortable situation where she used a Spanish
word incorrectly and inappropriately. She expressed a need for a community style language
program that relieves the student of the stigma and stress associated with traditional classroom
settings.
Councilman Williams Jr expressed his support of having a community language program.
Councilwoman Odom clarified that she wasn't opposed to the Item she was inquiring about why
the ownership wasn't being placed on the school system.
A motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Williams Jr to pass the Item,
passed and carried by 6-1 voice vote. Councilwoman Odom cast the dissenting vote.
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QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS
DISCLOSURE:
8. ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING (S):
13.1.1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE OPERATION OF MEDICAL
MARIJUANA TREATMENT CENTER DISPENSING FACILITIES;
AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 34-287 — "USE
REGULATIONS, GENERALLY," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES;
AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE IX, SECTION 34-288 - "USES
PERMITTED WITH EXTRA REQUIREMENTS," OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE XII, SECTION 34-381
- "NUMBER OF REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DISTRICTS, AND USES," OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES; AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE XV, SECTION 34-603
— "USES PERMITTED," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING
CHAPTER 34, ARTICLE XIX, SECTION 34-733 —"MASTER USE LIST AND
USE DEFINITIONS," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR
PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTIONS; REPRESENTATIONS;
ADOPTION OF PROVIDING FOR REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Tabled on First
Reading- July 24, 2019) Sponsored by: Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert
A motion offered by Mayor Gilbert to deferred the Item to the October 9, 2019 City Council
meeting,seconded by Councilman Reggie Leon passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Gilbert announced that he will be departing the meeting early to catch a flight. Vice
Mayor Harris assumed the chairperson position. Prior to his departure Mayor Gilbert gave his
report.
Mayor Gilbert reported that he had the privilege to testify before Congress about transportation
and its relation to the growth and economic development of the City. Mayor Gilbert express that
the City has to embrace transportation if we truly want to be a City that has an economy unique
to itself then transportation has to be embraced. The community has to be engaged in these
conversations taking into account the maturation of the City over the next 20 years.
Transportation speaks to economic development, crime reduction, increased property values and
a number of other things that will aid the City achieve its long term goals. Mayor Gilbert offered
additional comments addressing resident concerns expressed during public comments. He spoke
about having a twenty-six percent (26%) reserve and being one of the healthiest City's around.
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Mayor Gilbert ended his report with his favorite bible verse Matthew 7:1-3 Judge thee and be ye
not judged. Mayor Gilbert went on to explain the implication of the bible verses.
9. CONSENT AGENDA:
11.1 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, RATIFYING THE "DECLARATION OF A
LOCAL EMERGENCY" IMPOSED BY THE MAYOR ON AUGUST
29, 2019 DUE TO HURRICANE DORIAN; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert
11.2 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING A THREE PERCENT (3%)
MERIT PAY CITY THE FOR EFFECTIVE INCREASE,
IMMEDIATELY, MANAGER, THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND THE
CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OFREPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert
11.3 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, MANAGER CITY AND AUTHORIZING FLORIDA, THE
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST RESPECTIVELY THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE MIAMI
DADE COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE (SAO); PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert
11.4 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE
MAYOR'S SPECIAL EVENTS ACCOUNT, TO PROVIDE SPANISH
AND CREOLE CLASSES; OF ADOPTION PROVIDING FOR THE
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert
11.5 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, THE FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM PUBLIC
AFFAIRS SPECIAL EVENTS ACCOUNT IN THE AMOUNT OF
SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($7,000.00), TO SUPPORT NOT-
FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert
11.6 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, WAIVING PARK RENTAL FEES FOR ROLLING
OAKS PARK FOR THE CHURCH ALIVE ANDWELLSPRING
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES HEALTH AND WELLNESS PICNIC;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OFREPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: Vice Mayor Rodney Harris
11.7 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP FOR THE
NAACP'S MIAMI-DADE BRANCH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA IN
THE AMOUNT OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00) FROM
COUNCILMAN LEON'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACCOUNT; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: Councilman Reggie Leon
11.8 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER'S
SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE FLOOD MITIGATION
ASSISTANCE (FMA) PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
EXECUTE AGREEMENT, AND AN TO MANAGER NEGOTIATE
ALONG WITH ALL RELATED DOCUMENTATION, IF THIS GRANT IS
AWARDED; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: Councilman Reggie Leon
11.9 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, WAIVING PARK RENTAL FEES FOR ROLLING
OAKS PARK FOR THE NIGERIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION (NAF)
FOR THEIR ANNUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: Councilman Erhabor Ighodaro
11.10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, AND MANAGER CITY AUTHORIZING FLORIDA, THE
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST THAT CERTAIN
AGREEMENT WITH CHILDREN'S TRUST CONTRACT NUMBERS
2014-3010 AND 2016-3010, NUNC PRO TUNC, TO AUGUST 1, 2019,
FOR SUMMER AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS ANDCAMPS,
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBITS "A" AND `B" RESPECTIVELY;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE THE CHILDREN'S TRUST CONTINUING RENEWAL
CONTRACTS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: City Manager
11.11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, SUPPORT AND FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR
THE PEOPLE OF BAHAMAS AND THEIR GOVERNMENT AS THEY
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BEGIN REBUILDING; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: Councilman Erhabor Ighodaro
11.12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, MANAGERAND CITY FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST RESPECTIVELY, THAT
CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE VICTIMS OF HUNDRED
ONE AMOUNT IN THE GRANT ACT CRIME TWENTY-FOUR
THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS
($124,109.00) TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF CRIME IN
THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED
HERETO TO AS EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THIS
GRANT PROCESS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: City Manager
11.13 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, SIX THOUSAND TWO ACCEPTING FLORIDA, A
HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SEVEN DOLLARS ($2,687.00) GRANT
LAKE(RCL); INC., ROLLING FROM THE AWARD CREST
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AWARD:
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OFREPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: City Manager
11.14 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE
MIAMI BETTER BUILDING COMMUNITIES DADE COUNTY
GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OFREPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: City
Manager
11.15 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGERTO
EXECUTE AN AMENDED UNDERGROUND EASEMENT TO
FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM AS
THAT EASEMENT ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A",
PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS THE PROVIDING CLERK; FOR
THE TO CITY ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: City Manager
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11.16 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, TO MANAGER CITY THE FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING
EXECUTE A UTILITY EASEMENT WITH THE CITY OF NORTH
MIAMI BEACH; ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A" AND `B";
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by: City
Manager
11.17 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE UTILIZATION OF THE
NATIONAL (aka — SOURCEWELL) POWERS JOINT ALLIANCE
AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH ENTERPRISE FLEET
MANAGEMENT SERVICES RESPECTIVELY; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Sponsored by: City Manager
11.18 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, OUTSIDE THE APPROVED FLORIDA, AMENDING
COUNSEL LIST TO INCLUDE STEVEN W. ZELKOWITZ OF THE FOX
ROTHSCHILD, LLP; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sponsored by: City Attorney
A motion made by Councilman Williams Jr, seconded by Councilwoman Odom, to
approve the consent agenda passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
10. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
11. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
12. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
13. RESOLUTION(S)
None
14. ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING (S):
None
15. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING (S):
None
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16. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
(3 MINUTES EACH)
14.1) POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT—JULY 2019
City Clerk Bataille thanked the City Manager, City Attorney, their staff and the City
Councilmembers for working with the Clerk's Office on the transition to the new agenda
management software. Additionally, City Clerk Bataille expressed his appreciation and gratitude
to the City Council for passing the Item for the Charter Officers.
City Manager Benson expressed his appreciation to the City Council.
City Attorney Dickens also expressed her appreciation to the City Council.
17. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS (3 MINUTES EACH)
Councilman Ighodaro commented about the idea of video recording the council meetings, he
stated during his budget briefing, he spoke with the City Manager the two of them reviewed the
cost associated with televised meetings and concluded that the option would not be cost
effective. The newly acquired records management system allows for live streamed audio
recordings. He asked for clarification on the cost associated with moving forward with this
options and if the process would self-implement.
Deputy City Manager Clay advised that tonight's meeting was being tested with the audio feed
and it will be tested again on the September 25th meeting with hopes of going live at the October
9''meeting.
Councilman Ighodaro commented about the special events programs that each councilperson
hosts, specifically Senior Prom, he was under the impression that Council would be provided
documentation about the allocations to those accounts. He asked if that was in the budget.
Deputy City Manager Clay commented that those programs are in the budget and would be
available to Councilmembers at the September 25th meeting.
Councilman Williams commented that he thought an Item would be brought to Council reference
programming/live streaming He posed an additional inquiry related to the cost of live streaming
and would it cost the City anything and if the Administration looked at what other municipalities
and cities were doing to broadcast their meetings.
In response, Deputy City Manager Clay advised the research was conducted and as a sponsor for
the Item, conversation was had with Councilman Ighodaro about the options. He commented that
there is a memorandum available that details everything involved. This information will be
provided to Council. Additionally, Deputy City Manager Clay advised iCompass comes with
software that allows broadcasting over the website and YouTube. He stated the software is
currently being tested with closed captioning, which is required by law. The proposed date to go
live is October 0, granted all goes well during the testing phase. Deputy City Manager Clay also
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advised the City tapped into organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America, to
look at what they suggested and what other municipalities have experienced. He added - the City
looked at four other local cities, to gather information on viewership. He commented that most of
the cities did not quantitative data, one City provided information necessary to analyze cost and
offer feedback about their broadcasting experiences.
Councilman Leon thanked the City Manager and City Attorney for getting him prepared for his
first budget hearing and for the work done during the agenda review meetings. He also thanked
the City Clerk for a job well done with the new technology. He announced on September 17th
and 26th at 6pm,there will be a public hearing for residents who have North Miami Beach water.
Councilwoman Wilson encouraged residents who receive water from North Miami Beach to
attend the hearings so their concerns are heard. She announced that on September 28th, from 5-
7pm at the Stadium Hotel, she, along with the Commission for Women will be sponsoring the
Women's Exposition event where the ordinary women of Miami Gardens who do extraordinary
things will be recognized. She also thanked the women on the event committee for their hard
work.
Councilwoman Odom thanked Parks & Recreation and those involved in her Community Day
Book bag Giveaway. She recognized Janet Coakley who brings her Girl Scout troupe to help
with her events. Additional comments were offered thanking Councilman Williams, Jr for
coming out and putting in work at the event; Ozzie Diaz for being a part of her Elder Abuse
Awareness Symposium event in August and expressed how everyone enjoyed his presentation.
She announced on September 21s' at the New Way Fellowship Church from 8:30am-2pm, a
Women's Conference will be held and that Ms. Carol Lawrence will be speaking. She also
announced on Thursday, September 26th from l0am-2pm at Betty Ferguson Rec. Center, the
National HIV/AIDS for Aging Awareness Day she encouraged the community to be vigilant in
getting all of the information they can because the stats for 50+ year olds infected are increasing.
She also announced September as National Sickle Cell month.
Councilman Williams announced his 3`d Annual Women in Law Enforcement, honoring women
in Law Enforcement from Dade and Broward County on Thursday, September 19th, 6pm at Don
Shula's Hotel. He honored some participants from his Miracle in the Garden event. He
recognized Councilwoman Wilson and presented her with an award.
Vice Mayor Harris encouraged everyone to keep the people of the Bahamas in their prayers and
to assist them with rebuilding by doing wherever is possible. He wished Mr. Melvin Bratton a
Happy Birthday. He recognized and expressed gratitude to Legislative Analyst, Kevin Brown for
the work his does for Council and for the residents of the City of Miami Gardens.
18. WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without
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objection at 8:27 p.m.
Attest:
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Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
M 'o Bataille, City Clerk
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