HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.09.2016 - City Council MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 9, 2016
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Wednesday, March 9, 2016, beginning at 7:00 pm, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 18605
NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Vice
Mayor Felicia Robinson and Council members Lisa C. Davis, Lillie Q. Odom, Rodney Harris,
David Williams Jr., and Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja K.
Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
(B) INVOCATION
Delivered by Mayor Gilbert
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Recited in unison
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
D-1) Regular City Council Minutes —February 24, 2016
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilman Williams to approve
the minutes, with the necessary corrections, if any. There being no discussion the motion to
approve passed and carried by a unanimous vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
The following items were added to the official agenda as:
Item K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE GIRLS ENCOURAGEMENT MINISTRY (GEM) OF
SOUL HARVEST CREATIVE PRAISE MINISTRIES TO HOST A
CONFERENCE FOR GIRLS; PROVIDING OR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT)
Item K-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A PARTNERSHIP
WITH ARAJAK INC., TO HOST A LUPUS AWARENESS EVENT
IN THE MONTH OF MAY 2016; PROVIDING FOR EH
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 1
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER
GILBERT)
Item L-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 PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT WITH CAREER SOURCE SOUTH FLORIDA AND
THE GREATER MIAMI GARDENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
IN PROVIDING SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS; APPROPRIATING
FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000.00), A COPY OF WHICH IS
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR GILBERT)
Item L-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE A LONG-
TERM LEASE/DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER MIAMI, INC., FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF SENIOR HOUSING TO BE LOCATED
ADJACENT TO THE CITY'S PROPOSED SENIOR CENTER;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SPONSORED BY MAYOR
OLIVER GILBERT)
Item L-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, MAKING A FINDING OF
NECESSITY AND ACCEPTING THE FINDING OF NECESSITY
REPORT PREPARED BY KEITH AND SCHNARS, P.A., FOR THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA"), A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO
AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Item K-5) was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Councilman Williams.
Item M-1) was withdrawn from the official agenda by Councilman Ighodaro.
Motion offered Vice Mayor Robinson, seconded by Councilman Williams to approve the
official agenda with the necessary changes. There being no further discussion the motion to
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
adopt the official agenda passed and carried by a unanimous vote of the Council.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Councilman Ighodaro — Black History Essay Contest Winners
Councilman Ighodaro presented laptop computers to the five (5) essay contest winners.
In addition, he presented Former County Commissioner Betty T Ferguson with an award
acknowledging her outstanding community leadership.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Betty T. Ferguson, 1625 NW 188th Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to express appreciation for the cultural program involving our youth (Essay
Contest). She encouraged continued funding of this program. She opined it is important to
have the City Council meetings televised so that the residents can be kept informed. She said
this would be an opportunity to showcase the many positive things that are going on in the
community. She encouraged a member of the council to sponsor an ordinance televising every
Council meeting. She said that she was sure Comcast would work with the city to accomplish
this because she has already spoken with them.
Mrs. Ferguson broached the matter of the food cart ordinance, which was withdrawn
from the official agenda at the beginning of the meeting. She said the ordinance to prohibit
food carts was put in place for a reason.
Wendell James, 18840 NW 29th Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to speak on the food cart ordinance even though it was withdrawn. He said the council
was doing a wonderful job and encouraged them to continue. He said the ordinance prohibiting
food carts was put in place because residents wanted to keep Miami Gardens looking beautiful.
Benjamin Essien, 4715 NW 167th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to speak about the issue of bringing back food cart vendors. He strongly
discouraged adopting the proposed ordinance, which was withdrawn from this agenda. He
recommended that the sponsor of this item go back and do the research as to why the ordinance
prohibiting mobile vending was implemented in the first place. He further encouraged the
broadcasting of the City Council meetings.
Dorothy Smith, 20484 NW 14th Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
Council to express concern with the lack of communication between the City and the residents.
She further thanked the City Clerk for providing her with a copy of the City Council agenda.
She also thanked City Manager Benson for assigning a police officer to attend her neighborhood
crime watch meetings. She asked whether it was too late to get an allocation included in FY
2016-17 Budget for the crime watch groups.
Mary A. Williams, 18761 NW 39th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council representing a senior citizens group, which meets at the Betty T. Ferguson Center.
She said this group has been meeting at this facility for the past two years. Unfortunately some
erroneous information has been circulating that no meetings are held for this group during the
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
summer months. In addition, they are saying that the senior group interferes with the summer
youth program. The senior group is only there from 9:00 am — 12 noon. She said a lot of the
seniors look forward to the weekly meeting and in essence the seniors are being put out with no
place to meet. She stated that it is important to have youth programs but the seniors are the
backbone of this community. She asked that her senior group be allowed to continue meeting at
the Betty T. Ferguson Center until such time as the property on NW 183`d Street and NW 12th
Avenue is developed.
Geraldine Solomon, 3030 NW 205th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council representing a senior group that currently holds meetings at the Betty T. Ferguson
Center. She asked about the status of the proposed senior citizens complex at NW 183`d Street
and NW 12th Avenue.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Mrs. Solomon's inquiry directed her to Mr. Neloms, the
City's Park and Recreation Director for an update. He said this will be one of the first projects
built from the bond.
Doris Johnson, 2031, NW 184th Street, Miami Garden, Florida, appeared before the City
Council in opposition to the food cart ordinance even though it was withdrawn from the official
agenda. She said this is something the residents really do not want back.
Kenneth Howshaw, 17201 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida and the owner of
Dolphin Plaza, appeared before the City Council to discuss a proposed project. He shared that
when he went to the Planning and Zoning Department about his concern he was told that he had
to come before a City Council meeting. He said when he initially submitted the plans two years
ago, they were approved. However the development of the project was not implemented. When
he recently resubmitted the plans they were outdated so he has to go through the process again.
Mayor Gilbert informed Mr. Howshaw that his permit has probably expired and indicated
that the City Manager will have staff meet with him about this matter.
Bennie M. Grant, 17740 NW 14th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to express concern with code enforcement issues involving broken down vehicles
on private property and why these property owners cannot be cited.
Mayor Gilbert advised Mrs. Grant that someone from code would speak with her about
her concerns.
(H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-04-350
I-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 4
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ELECTIONS,
CALLING THE 2016 GENERAL ELECTION FOR MAYOR AND
FOR COUNCIL SEATS 1, 3, AND 5; PROVIDING FOR RUNOFF
ELECTION, IF NECESSARY; PROVIDING FOR
QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES; PROVIDING FOR CLOSE
OF ELECTION BOOKS; APPROVING THE OFFICIAL BALLOT
FORM; PROVIDING FOR NOTIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
THE CITY CLERK) (1St Reading — February 24, 2016)
Clerk Taylor explained this ordinance calls the General Election for the City of Miami
Gardens to take place, Tuesday, August 30, 2016. The qualifying period starts Thursday, May
26, 2016 and at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 2, 2016.
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing. After there were no interested
parties to speak on this item, the public hearing closed.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Odom to adopt this item.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote.
Councilwoman Davis:
Yes
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Vice Mayor Robinson:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-05-351
I-2) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE
BORROWING OF SIX MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($6,400,000); AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA TAXABLE LAND
ACQUISITION REVENUE BONDS NOT TO EXCEED SIX
MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($6,400,000);
PROVIDING FOR A SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION SETTING
FORTH THE DETAILS OF SAID BONDS; PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED
BY THE CITY MANAGER) (1St Reading — February 24, 2016)
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 5
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing.
Betty T. Ferguson appeared before the City Council for clarification purposes. She asked
why this item is not covered by the 60 Million Dollar Bond. She opined the city is getting
further in debt.
Manager Benson said the original land acquisition bond was purchased in 2008, for 7.4
Million Dollars. The land associated with this bond is the 15 acre property located near the old
Parkway Hospital, next to the Walmart and the 441 corridor. That land is currently under
contract for sale. The city is asking for an extension on the bond in order for that sale to close
sometime this year. If the sale closes the city will receive the money to pay off the loan and that
debt will no longer be on the books. This is a refinancing of the bond until the closing sale of
the property.
Mayor Gilbert further expounded on this item and shared this is a refinancing of an
existing bond. As it relates to Revenue Bonds the payments are made from revenues. As it
relates to the General Obligation Bond, the voters approve that type of funding, which is
earmarked for specific projects.
Manager Benson further shared that Item K-5, which was pulled from the Consent
Agenda by Councilman Williams, just explains the percentage that the city is borrowing at, etc.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson to adopt this item.
There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Vice Mayor Robinson:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Councilwoman Davis:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
(.i) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(K) CONSENT AGENDA:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-37-2936
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE THIRD
ANNUAL HAITIAN FLAG DAY EVENT ON MAY 18, 2016;
AUTHORIZING AN EXPENDITURE OF ONE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($1,000.00) FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 6
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN
ERHABOR IGHODARO)
RESOLUTION NO.2016-38.2937
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT
FOR "RACETRAC MARKET", SUBMITTED BY SNY REALTY
LLC, FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT NW
37TH AVENUE AND NW 183RD STREET, MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED
HERETO, PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-39-2938
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT
FOR "BISCAYNE RIVER GARDENS NO. 2", SUBMITTED BY
UNEK/FNJS DEVELOPMENT, FOR THE PROPERTY
GENERALLY LOCATED AT NW 24TH AVENUE AND NW 153RD
STREET, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT
"A" ATTACHED HERETO, PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-40-2939
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT
FOR "ZAGOR SUBDIVISION", SUBMITTED BY ZAGOR
CONSTRUCTION LLC, FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY
LOCATED AT NW 184TH STREET BETWEEN NW 22ND PLACE
AND NW 22ND COURT, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO, PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-46-2945
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE GIRLS ENCOURAGEMENT MINISTRY (GEM) OF
SOUL HARVEST CREATIVE PRAISE MINISTRIES TO HOST A
CONFERENCE FOR GIRLS; PROVIDING OR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT)
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 7
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-45-2944
K-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A PARTNERSHIP
WITH ARAJAK INC., TO HOST A LUPUS AWARENESS EVENT
IN THE MONTH OF MAY 2016; PROVIDING FOR EH
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER
GILBERT)
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Odom to approve the
Consent Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve passed and carried by a 7-0, unanimous
vote of the Council.
(L) RESOLUTION(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-41-2940
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE
OF TAXABLE LAND ACQUISITION REVENUE BONDS IN THE
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT EXCEEDING SIX
MILLION THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS
($6,366,000) FOR THE PURPOSE OF REIMBURSING THE
GENERAL FUND FOR THE PAYOFF OF THE CITY'S TAXABLE
LAND ACQUISITION REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2009,
THEREBY REFINANCING SUCH BONDS, AND PAYING COSTS
OF ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS; AWARDING THE SALE OF THE
BONDS TO BANKUNITED, N.A.; PROVIDING FOR SECURITY
FOR THE BONDS; CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS
RELATING TO THE BONDS; MAKING CERTAIN COVENANTS
AND AGREEMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH;
PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Councilwoman Odom asked what happens if the City did not sell the property.
Manager Benson said nothing will change. The City will continue to make the payments
until the property is sold.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt this item.
There being no further discussion on this item, the motion to adopt passed and carried by
a 7-0, unanimous vote.
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 8
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-44-2943
L-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 PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT WITH CAREER SOURCE SOUTH FLORIDA AND
THE GREATER MIAMI GARDENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
IN PROVIDING SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS; APPROPRIATING
FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000.00), A COPY OF WHICH IS
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR GILBERT)
Mayor Gilbert recounted, last year with some of the money coming from the Rolling
Crest Lakes Homeowners Association, the city had a summer jobs program. Career Source
contacted the city indicating that they have available money for the city to match. This is
important because the city really does not have a plan for the number of students that will be on
the streets during the summer months. He opined nuisance crimes tend to go up during that
time.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Ighodaro to adopt this item.
Councilwoman Davis conveyed agreement that the city has to find jobs for its youth
during the summer months. She asked about the selection process for the applicants. She shared
that she had received a lot of calls last year indicating that individuals had applied but were not
considered.
Mayor Gilbert said the program works with not -for -profits due to limited funds. He said
the city needs to do a better job of having workshops before Career Source opens. The workshop
would explain to parents and kids exactly what the process is and how to apply. He said the
point person for this program will be Darian Martin, the Assistant to the City Manager.
Councilman Williams asked where the $100,000.00, will come from.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Councilman Williams' inquiry said the funds would be
coming from the General Fund. He said there would be a mid -year budget adjustment. The
Council had indicated that it wanted to fund something like this every year. He said going
forward this needs to be included in the budget under either the Police Department or the Parks
and Recreation Department.
Councilman Williams conveyed agreement and opined this is an excellent opportunity to
employ the youth. He said he also wanted the City Manager to get his issue (additional staff for
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 9
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
Council) taken care of.
Manager Benson in regards to Councilman Williams' issue, said he is working on that
and will be bringing it forward in April.
At the conclusion of the discussion the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0,
unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-43-2942
L-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE A LONG-
TERM LEASE/DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER MIAMI, INC., FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF SENIOR HOUSING TO BE LOCATED
ADJACENT TO THE CITY'S PROPOSED SENIOR CENTER;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. SPONSORED BY MAYOR
OLIVER GILBERT)
Mayor Gilbert explained the Urban League of Greater Miami has an opportunity to apply
for funds from Miami -Dade County to build senior housing. The city has heard the concerns that
as seniors transition out of their homes there is no place in Miami Gardens for them to go. He
shared that he has had discussions with the City Manager about this and visited the site. There
appears to be more than enough room to separate this from the senior center. He said the city did
not have the money to fund senior housing.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Odom to adopt this item.
Councilwoman Odom said this resolution is authorizing the negotiations of a lease
agreement on land the city has not as yet developed the city's senior project. She asked whether
this means the Urban League of Greater Miami would start its project before the city's project.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Councilwoman Odom's inquiry said "no". There is no
possibility of that.
Councilwoman Odom asked about the timeline. She stated that the Council just got this
without any supporting documentation.
Mayor Gilbert stated the Urban League of Greater Miami has not applied for the funding
as of yet. The city's Senior Center is in its final stages of development and is expected to be
presented before Council within a couple of months.
Councilwoman Davis asked whether the city was in negotiations to include everything
the city wanted as it related to the senior housing.
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 10
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
Mayor Gilbert in response to Councilwoman Davis inquiry said the senior housing
contract will be negotiated. Negotiations have not been started because it has to first go to
council. He said the contract will actually come back to the Council, so it will be review and
approved. This gives the Urban League of Greater Miami the authority to get into the Miami -
Dade County's lending process. It behooves the city to partner with a 501(c)3 organization for
this purpose. He reiterated that the Senior Center facility will probably be approved within the
next month.
Councilman Williams said he was still not clear on this matter and asked why the Council
was not provided with the information received by the Mayor.
Mayor Gilbert said there is a reason a proposed developer ask to speak with the Mayor
and Manager because that is kind of what is done. If the developer is speaking with all the
Council members about something that all of us are going to vote on there is a chance that the
Council will violate the sunshine. He said what the Council has is the proposal. The letter was
a letter saying this is an opportunity. There is no site plan. There is nothing else. The Council
has all of the information. The reason the item is an -add on is because of the time sensitivity as
it relates to Urban League of Greater Miami.
Vice Mayor Robinson asked whether there was a time constraint and whether the item
needed to be adopted tonight.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Vice Mayor Robinson's inquiry said there is a time
constraint. There are funding opportunities that the Urban League of Greater Miami needs to
move on.
Councilwoman Odom opined the Council should have been provided with a copy of the
letter from the Urban League of Greater Miami.
Mayor Gilbert said the letter was incorporated into the information provided.
Councilwoman Odom reiterated the information provided is not communicative to what
the Mayor has shared.
Mayor Gilbert said staff took the information from the letter and incorporated it into the
resolution.
Councilwoman Davis asked whether Council will receive additional information about
this proposal.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Councilwoman Davis said when the contract is negotiated it
will come back before Council. This item is just to authorize staff to negotiate.
Vice Mayor Robinson clarified this item just negotiates a contract. If the Council
disagrees with the contract it can vote it down.
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 11
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
There being no further discussions, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 6-1 vote.
Councilwoman Odom cast the dissenting vote.
RESOLUTION NO 2016-42-2941
L-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, MAKING A FINDING OF
NECESSITY AND ACCEPTING THE FINDING OF NECESSITY
REPORT PREPARED BY KEITH AND SCHNARS, P.A., FOR THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA"), A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO
AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Manager Benson said this report helps the City to move forward with the Final CRA
Redevelopment Plan, as well as provide an opportunity to talk with Miami -Dade County about
financing.
Mayor Gilbert indicated that he wanted to build a performing arts center on the property
the city is currently developing. This gives the city the ability to go to County Commissioner
Jordan for the County's participation to get it done. He emphasized the importance of having a
facility within the corporate boundaries of Miami Gardens that would accommodate the needs
of its residents. This is the only mechanism that would not have a significant effect on the
General Fund.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson, and Councilman
Harris to adopt this item.
There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0,
unanimous vote of the Council.
QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS:
(M) ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING(S):
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March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 12
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
(N) ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(0) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(P) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
No reports
(Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Williams thanked staff and those Council members that attended the prayer
breakfast on last Saturday. He shared his anticipation of making this an annual event.
Councilwoman Davis announced March is Women's Month. She said there are so many
women in Miami Gardens that are doing great and wonderful things. She said she wanted to
make sure she recognizes.
Councilman Harris invited everyone out to the Food Truck Invasion and Open Mic event,
Friday March 11, 2016.
Councilman Ighodaro acknowledged and congratulated Councilwoman Davis for being
honored by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
Vice Mayor Robinson announced her Meet Me on Monday meeting takes place the
second Tuesday of the month. An update on the GOB Bond Projects will be provided at this
Monday's meeting. The American Heart Association will also be there to provide information.
She also shared that the Women's Impact Luncheon will be held on Friday, March 181H
Councilman Harris acknowledged and congratulated Councilwoman Odom on her
Woman of Worth Award.
Mayor Gilbert also acknowledged Vice Mayor Robinson on her achievement.
Vice Mayor Robinson expounded on this recognition and shared this was a Black History
Month exhibit recognizing 50 African American Black Women. The exhibit started in February
and will conclude at the end of March, at the Stephen P. Clark Center.
Mayor Gilbert congratulates the Council women for all of their awards. He encouraged
everyone to vote. He emphasized the importance of increasing the number of individuals who
vote and the significant impact that number has on the local, state and national level.
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 13
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, MARCH 912016
(R) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
(S) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion to come before this Body, and upon a motion being
duly seconded the meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.
Attest:
C1 L
Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
Ronetta Taylor, MW, City Clerk
March 9, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 14