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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.27.2016 - City Council MinutesDRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27, f 2016 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 27, 2016 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 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 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 D. Benson, Sonja K. Dickens, City Attorney and Elsa Thompson, Assistant to the City Clerk, sitting in for 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 —April 13, 2016 Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to approve the minutes with necessary corrections, if any. There being no discussion, the motion to approve passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the members present. (E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time) The following item was added to the official agenda by Mayor Gilbert, as Item K-03) "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF ROLLING OAKS PARK FOR A HCBU PICNIC ON JULY 9, 2016; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE" Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson to adopt the official agenda with the necessary addition. There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous vote of the Council members present. April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 1 DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27,12016 (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) F-1) CouneilmaR Efhaberighedafe SpeerReeognifie (G) PUBLIC COMMENTS Amy Coleman, 2841 NW 212th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to inquire as to why the City of Miami Gardens allows the City of North Miami Beach to use the city's water. She questioned whether the City of Miami Beach paid rent for the utilization of the water plant located in Miami Gardens. Mayor Gilbert informed Ms. Coleman that Assistant City Manager Vernita Nelson would speak with her about this matter. Elizabeth Wells, 2210 NW 175th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to inquire about the status of a 3.5 Million Dollar health grant allocated to the City of Miami Gardens. She said during the initial application stage for this grant a representative visited the senior citizen groups asking what services they wanted to see provided. She further shared that she is a Delegate candidate for the Democratic National Convention and asked for the Council's support. Janice Coakley, 19681 NW 33�d Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to expound on comments made by Ms. Coleman. She said the City of North Miami Beach is looking to enter into a partnership with another organization. She asked the Council to take a look at this issue to see if there would be an additional service charge to Miami Gardens' residents. She referenced an article spotlighting the fact that Miami -Dade County has rolled out new energy efficient solid waste trucks in several municipalities. She said she was bringing this to the Council's attention because the City of Miami Gardens was not on that list. She also shared that she too is a Delegate candidate for the Democratic National Convention. Glenford Merrifield, 7618 Kismet Street, Miramar, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express support of the Empowering Youth rezoning item. He encouraged the Council to consider this item for approval. Dorothy Smith, 20484 NW 14d' Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council and stated that everyone on the dais is responsible for our children. She stressed the importance of having recreation facilities for our children in the Coconut Cay and Andover areas. (H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING: H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE III of CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD DIVISION 8 TO CREATE A JUNIOR COMMISSION FOR WOMEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 2 DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27, 12016 MEMBERSHIP; PROVIDING FOR TERMS OF OFFICE; PROVIDING FOR ORGANIZATION; PROVIDING FOR DUTIES AND POWERS; 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 COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS) Councilwoman Davis stated it is so important that we continue to engage our children. She shared that she along with Karen Tynes, Chair of the Commission For Women put this initiative together. Ms. Tynes and the Commission For Women Advisory Committee members are willing to mentor this group of young ladies. She reiterated the importance of engaging our children. Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilmen Harris and Ighodaro to adopt this ordinance on first reading. Councilwoman Odom asked whether it was necessary to have an additional council for the youth. She inquired about whether there would be an additional staff person for the Junior Commission For Women. Councilwoman Davis said this committee would hold their meetings in conjunction with the Commission For Women. Councilman Williams pointed out a typo on page three of the documentation. The word should be corrected to read "health". Mayor Gilbert said this would be addressed as a scrivener's error. Vice Mayor Robinson stated that she totally agree with Councilwoman Davis about the need to engage our youth. She expressed concern that the Council continuously duplicates the same things. She recount approximately two years ago she had brought forward a mentoring initiative. This group has been meeting every second Thursday of the month at City Hall. She said it is interesting that Councilwoman Davis and Ms. Tynes collaborated on this item and shared that she had reached out to the Commission For Women a couple of months ago. She also met with Ms. Tynes to get this committee engaged with her mentoring group. She expressed concern with duplicating continuing programs already in existence, and did not see this to be necessary. Mayor Gilbert said this is really for our kids. In theory, we could have a thousand mentoring programs. At the conclusion of this discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 6-1 vote. April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 3 DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27,12016 Councilwoman Davis: Yes Councilman Harris: Yes Councilman Ighodaro: Yes Councilwoman Odom: Yes Vice Mayor Robinson: No Councilman Williams: Yes Mayor Gilbert: Yes (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (J) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (K) CONSENT AGENDA: RESOLUTION NO. 2016-83-2982 K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING MAY 25, 2016, AS NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN'S DAY IN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS) RESOLUTION NO. 2016-84-2983 K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING BEATRICE CAZEAU AS LEGAL ADVISOR TO THE UNSAFE STRUCTURES BOARD; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY) RESOLUTION NO. 2016-86-2985 K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF ROLLING OAKS PARK FOR A HCBU PICNIC ON JULY 9,2016; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS• PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Harris to adopt the Consent Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous voice of the City Council. April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 4 DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27, 12016 (L) RESOLUTION(S) RESOLUTION NO. 2016-85-2984 L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING LANGUAGE IN SUBSTANTIAL FORM TO BE PLACED ON THE BALLOT TO AMEND SECTION 9.6 OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS' CHARTER; AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO RESOLVE THE PENDING LITIGATION WITH MIAMI DADE COUNTY RELATING TO SECTION 9.6 OF THE CITY'S CHARTER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT) Mayor Gilbert passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Robinson before recounting, a couple of years ago the City Council authorized the Mayor and City Attorney to move forward with litigation against Miami -Dade County to change the charter language to Section 9.6. The Miami Gardens City Council and Miami -Dade County Commission held a joint meeting to try to find a compromise. This language before the Council tonight for consideration gives the City of Miami Gardens and Miami -Dade County joint authority. Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt this item. There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 6-1 vote of the City Council. Councilman Ighodaro: No Councilwoman Odom: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Councilwoman Davis: Yes Councilman Harris: Yes Mayor Gilbert: Yes Vice Mayor Robinson: Yes After the vote was taken Vice Mayor Robinson relinquished the gavel to Mayor Gilbert. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS: Judith Marsie-Hazen, Development Services Director appeared before the City Council to share the process used for the Quasi -Judicial Proceeding. Elsa Thompson, Assistant to the City Clerk administered the Oath to those individuals participating in the Quasi -Judicial Process. Councilwoman Davis declared a conflict and left the room. April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 5 DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27, 2016 (M) ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING(S): M-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY EMPOWERING YOUTH, INC., FOR THE REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 530 NW 183" STREET, MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED HERETO, FROM R- 1, SINGLE FAMILY TO NC, NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL; 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 THE CITY MANAGER) Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing. Dr. Andrea Wilder, Executive Director of Empowering Youth, appeared before the City Council to solicit approval of this rezoning application. The property is currently zoned as a home day care. The proposal is to provide educational services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. After there were no other interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing closed. Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Williams to adopt this item on first reading. Mayor Gilbert opined it is not a bad idea to rezone the entire corridor, as the area transactions. There being no further discussion on this item the motion to adopt on first reading passed and carried by a 6-0 vote. Councilwoman Odom: Yes Vice Mayor Robinson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Councilwoman Davis: Not resent Councilman Harris: Yes Councilman Ighodaro: Yes Mayor Gilbert: Yes (N) ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 6 DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27, 2016 (0) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (P) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK P-1) City Manager — Miami -Dade Fire Rescue Department Services P-2) City Manager - Annual Flood Report P-3) City of Miami Gardens Police Department Monthly Report for March 2016 (Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Ighodaro commended the City Clerk on her leadership and doing the right thing by providing opportunities and training for her staff. He recognized Mykita Cherry - Prime, Chair of the Progressive Young Adult Advisory Committee on the growth of this committee. Councilman Williams inquired as the enforcement process for zoning ordinances. For example the city has an ordinance that requires parking on paved surfaces. He further asked about the campaign signage and the city's ordinance that prohibits the erection of campaign signage before 90 days prior to an election. Attorney Dickens in response to the campaign signage said there was a ruling handed down by the Supreme Court that states as it relates to certain signage it has to be consistent in the Code. Therefore right now the Code is difficult to enforce. The city currently has a consultant who is an expert on that particular reviewing the city's code to determine what changes will need to be made. Councilwoman Davis shared that she will be hosting her 5t" Annual Mother's Day in the Gardens event, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. This year the five honorees are women who either reside or own a business in the City of Miami Gardens. She further wished all the mothers a Happy Mother's Day. Councilman Williams said the second part of his inquiry was not addressed. Mayor Gilbert said the city's Code Enforcement Department is very responsive and citations are issued for non-compliance parking requirements. Councilman Williams said most offenses occur on the weekends. Councilwoman Odom shared the Post -Mother's Day event for the 80 plus will take place, Thursday, May 12, 2016, from 12-2:00 PM, at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Center Auditorium. The Immigration/Naturalization workshop will take place, May 21, 2016, from 11:00 AM — 1:00 PM in the Community Room at City Hall. Seating is limited therefore registration is required. Councilman Harris commented Chief Brooklen and staff for a very successful Coffee with the Cop event held earlier today. He further wished all administrative staff a Happy April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 7 DRAFT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, APRIL 27, 12016 Professional Assistant Day. Vice Mayor Robinson shared on last Saturday the Relay for Life event was held in Miami Gardens. She thanked staff and those that participated in the poo -up farmer's market, which was done as a fund raiser. Five Hundred, Forty One Dollars ($541.00), was raised from the fundraising event and donated to Relay For Life. She further shared that her Reading with Style Initiative kick-off event took place on last evening. This is a partnership with local Barbershops throughout the City of Miami Gardens. The initiative was initially for school age boys who reads a book and engages in dialogue about the book with the stylist on a specific day and time assigned by the owners. This will take place every Tuesday at the designated Barbershops, from 3:00-7:00 PM. Vice Mayor Robinson invited everyone out to her Meet Me Monday meeting every second Monday of the month, at Carol City Park from 6:00 — 8:00 PM. Mayor Gilbert encouraged everyone to take advantage of the Cultural Express. He announced the State of the City Address is scheduled for May 17, 2016, with a reception at 5:30 PM, the event will start at 6:00 PM. He encouraged everyone to rsvp. (R) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None (S) ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly made the meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM. Attest: Oliver Gilbert, Mayor Ronetta Taylor, MMC, ity Clerk April 27, 2016 City Council Minutes Page 8