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Home My WebLink About01.11.2023 - Regular City Council MeetingCity of Miami Gardens City Council Minutes January 11, 2023 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Jan 11 2023, beginning at 5:03 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Rodney Harris, Councilman Reggie Leon, Councilwoman Shannon Campbell, Councilwoman Shannan Ighodaro, Councilwoman Linda Julien, Councilman Robert Stephens, and Vice Mayor Katrina Wilson. Mayor Harris arrived at 5:36 PM. Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja Dickens, and City Clerk Mario Bataille. 2. INVOCATION Councilman Robert Stephens delivered the Invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited in unison. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes – October 26, 2022 4.2. Regular City Council Meeting Draft Minutes - December 14, 2022 A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the draft meeting minutes passed and carried by a 6 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Absent Councilman Leon Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes Vice Mayor Wilson Yes 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS The following item was added to Resolution: DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761 Page 2 of 8 January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting  ADD-ON ITEM #1 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO DEVELOP A PUBLIC ACCESS TO DEFIBRILLATION (PAD) PROGRAM FOR THE CITY’S PARK AND RECREATION ATHLETIC PROGRAMS; PROVIDING FOR DIRECTION TO THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN SHANNON CAMPBELL)  PUBLIC SAFTEY DISCUSSION ITEM (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN) A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Agenda as amended passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 MINUTES EACH) 6.1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY MAYOR HARRIS RECOGNIZING SPECIAL MASTER MIMI V. TURIN, ESQ. Mayor Harris was joined by the City Council in recognizing long-term serving Special Master Mimi V. Turin, Esq. for her service. 6.2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION HONORING MGPD OFFICERS Mayor Harris was joined by the City Council in recognizing City of Miami Gardens Police Officers who assisted in the Hurricane Ian west coast relief efforts. 6.3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN. Councilwoman Linda Julien was joined by the City Council in recognizing Crestview Elementary School student Mylahna Paulk for her Science Fair Project entry "Money Vibes". 6.4. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE CITY MANAGER. City Manager Cameron Benson recognized City of Miami Gardens Police Officers for their efforts in responding to an incident that took place in the City of Opa Locka. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761 Page 3 of 8 January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Rea Hughes, 3335 NW 180th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council and shared concerns regarding traffic calming conditions in the City of Miami Gardens. John Zeigler, 18501 NW 22nd Court, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council as chair of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. Mr. Zeigler referencing the City Council Legislative Priorities recommended and provided comments on Myrtle Grove Park is not an ideal location to host veteran's services. Janee Sheffield, 1340 NW 193rd Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, appeared before the City Council as the Vice Chair of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. Ms. Sheffield provided general comments on the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and invited the City Council to attend their meetings. 8. ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: 8.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE II -CITY COUNCIL, SECTION 2-60 “PUBLIC PARTICIPATION” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Assistant City Attorney Jonell Murphy provided an overview on the item and answered questions posed by the City Council. A motion was made by Councilman Leon, Seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve the item on First Reading. Answering a question posed by Vice Mayor Wilson, City Attorney Dickens indicated the item can be amended during second reading. Mayor Harris requested the changes be included as a point of information on the back of the speaker cards and in the community paper to inform the residents. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to approve on First Reading passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Vice Mayor Wilson Yes DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761 Page 4 of 8 January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Councilwoman Campbell Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes Councilman Leon Yes 9. ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 10. RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 11. CONSENT AGENDA: 11.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM COUNCILWOMAN LINDA JULIEN'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACCOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00) TO THE ISSIAH JOHN EDWARDS LEGACY FOUNDATION, INC; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilman Stephens, to approve the Consent Agenda passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. 12. RESOLUTION(S) 12.1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO DEVELOP A PUBLIC ACCESS TO DEFIBRILLATION (PAD) PROGRAM FOR THE CITY’S PARK AND RECREATION ATHLETIC PROGRAMS; PROVIDING FOR DIRECTION TO THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilwoman Campbell provided an overview and intent of the Item. Answering a question posed by Mayor Harris, City Manager Benson indicated all City Park facilities have AED devices available at the facilities. In addition, park staff CPR Trained. Councilman Stephens spoke in support of the item. City Manager Benson added the Parks Department is currently working to further explore adjusting and improving the department's safety plan. DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761 Page 5 of 8 January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting After further discussion, Councilwoman Campbell withdrew the Item in order to give staff additional time to bring back a report on the improvement of the Parks and Recreation safety and medical response plan. 12.2. PUBLIC SAFETY DISCUSSION Councilwoman Julien spoke on the intent of this discussion item, which is the address the public safety issue in relation to gun violence within the City. Councilwoman Julien further question the City Manager on how the City Council can empower the City Manager and provide the tools that allows the City Manager to be effective in addressing this issue as it relates to public safety. Councilman Leon made comments related to the uptick of emails as it relates to lack of patrolling in the neighborhoods. Councilman Leon recommended having a special meeting to discuss public safety and provide the City Manager's Office some time to prepare for this discussion. Mayor Harris stated this meeting should also include community meetings. Councilman Stephens stated he would like the City to look into public safety holistically to ensure the Officers are given all the tools necessary that they are able to effectively patrol. Vice Mayor Wilson stated this is not a new conversation and spoke on the importance of having a strategic plan. Furthermore, Vice Mayor Wilson stated at this time we cannot measure the City's effectiveness because we do not have a strategic plan. Answering a question posed by Mayor Harris, City Manager Bension indicated the strategic planning process will start in March. After further deliberation the following action took place. A motion made by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Julien, to call a Special City Council Meeting on January 26, 2023 to Discuss Public Safety passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote. 13. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS/JENNINGS DISCLOSURE: DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761 Page 6 of 8 January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Planning and Zoning Planner Alexandra Mato read the rules for Quasi-Judicial Zoning Hearing. City Clerk Bataille administered the oath of truthfulness to all interested parties. 13.1 ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S): 13.2 ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 13.2.1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, EXPANDING THE ENTERTAINMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT AREA AS OUTLINED IN EXHIBIT “B” ATTACHED HERETO; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Harris opened the floor for public comments. There being no comments, Mayor Harris closed the floor. A motion offered by Councilman Leon, seconded by Councilwoman Campbell, to approve the Ordinance on Second Reading passed and carried by a 7 to 0 roll call vote of the City Council. Mayor Harris Yes Vice Mayor Wilson Yes Councilwoman Campbell Yes Councilwoman Ighodaro Yes Councilwoman Julien Yes Councilman Stephens Yes Councilman Leon Yes 13.3 RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) 14. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK (3 MINUTES EACH) City Manager Benson stated he looks forward to meeting with the City Council concerning public safety. 15. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS (3 MINUTES EACH) Councilman Stephens reported on the following sponsored initiatives: DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761 Page 7 of 8 January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting  Miami Gardens Fitness Challenge  S.T.E.M. Saturdays Councilwoman Ighodaro reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Lady Cares Program  Junkanoo with Santa Toy Giveaway  Lady Cares Walking Club  Lady Cares Swimming Program Councilman Leon reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Infill Housing Program  Farm Share Event Councilwoman Julien reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  11th Annual Science Fair  Black History Essay Contest  Senior Valentine's Day Dinner Councilwoman Campbell reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Annual Toy Drive  Holiday Haircuts  Healthy Cooking Program - "Cooking with the Councilwoman"  Monthly Townhall Meeting Vice Mayor Wilson reported on the following sponsored initiatives:  Holiday Toy Drive at Myrtle Grove K-8 Center  Prosperity Basket Giveaway  Meet Me Sundays  Veteran Services at Myrtle Grove Park  Meet Me Monday  Market Place Black History Month Celebration Mayor Harris provided closing remarks and recognized the hard work and growth of the City. 16. WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761 Page 8 of 8 January 11, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting 17. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss before this body, the meeting adjourned without objection at 7:30 p.m. Rodney Harris, Mayor Mario Bataille, City Clerk DocuSign Envelope ID: 27DD4AD2-A08D-4E56-AC14-CB3CDB61F761