HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. 11. 2015 - City Council MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MARCH 11, 12015
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 11, 2015
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Wednesday, March 11, 2015, beginning at 7:07 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 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 25, 2015
Approval of minutes was deferred to the City Council meeting of March 25, 2015.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
Item K-1 was removed from the Agenda by Vice Mayor Robinson.
The following item was added to the official agenda by Councilman Harris, as a new
ItemK-1 "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE GRANDPARENTS RAISING
GRANDCHILDREN ASSOCIATION, INC., DURING THEIR SECOND ANNUAL
EDUCATION AND LEGAL WORKSHOP TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, MARCH
21, 2015, AT 11:00 A.M., AT THE NORTH DADE REGIONAL LIBRARY IN MIAMI
GARDENS; AUTHORIZING FUNDING FOR THE EVENT; PROVIDING FOR
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Councilman Ighodaro — Black History Essay Contest Winners
Councilman Ighodaro stated, "Our City's demographics comprise of a rich and beautiful
mosaic of people from the Diaspora and we celebrated in February, the 4th Annual Black History
Extravaganza, in recognition of the significant contributions of people of African descent to our
City, our nation and our world. This is always an opportunity for community leaders, Residents
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -MARCH 11, 12015
and students to honor our important legacy and achievements. Local elementary schools
participated by entering their best writers into our essay contest. The students composed their
creative thoughts into a scholarly paper on the subject, "How to Improve Health and Fitness in
our Community". The winners were announced at the extravaganza and tonight I would like to
present each winner with a laptop, donated by the City of Miami Gardens Information
Technology Department, for their excellent compositions. I hope they are inspired to continue
writing, advancing their academic dreams, and remain involved in community actions that will
positively advance their life and the lives of Residents in Miami Gardens. Please join with me
by honoring the following students: Michelle Espinal; Olivia Davis; Jayla Bailey; Taylor Smith
and Jhanel Ferguson.
Councilman Ighodaro also presented Ronald McKenzie, IT Director with a plaque for his
outstanding contribution to the overall success of the event by donating the laptop computers
complete with monitor and docking station.
F-3) Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis — Tropical Financial Credit Union
Councilwoman Davis invited Michelle Harrington, Branch Sales Manager for Tropical
Financial Credit Union to come forward for a brief presentation.
Ms. Harrington, 20395 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
Council to highlight the services provided by Tropical Financial Credit Union: re -finance
mortgages; refinance auto loans; credit counseling; banking programs for youths. This is a not-
for-profit organization, and is involved in the community.
F-4) Councilwoman Lillie Q. Odom
Councilwoman Odom stated as Council members we try to make sure young people who
are doing well in school are recognized for their good work. This young man has been honored
in the State of Florida as well as the states of Georgia and Alabama. Jamel R. Booth is a resident
of Miami Gardens and a graduate of Michael Kropp High School. He is attending Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical University. She further expounded on Mr. Booth's extensive
artistic stage and production contributions (national theater performances). She presented a
Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Jamel R. Booth for his personal and professional
accomplishments.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Reverend Nettie B. Davis, God's Amazing Grace Outreach Ministry, 17530 NW 27th
Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to thank those that donated
handbags for the event held at Camillus House.
Michelle Tydus, representative from Miami -Dade County Health Department appeared
before the City Council to present Councilwoman Odom with a plaque for her outstanding
contribution and community service.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -MARCH 11, 12015
Dorothy Smith, 20484 NW 14th Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, announced that Coconut
Cay Crime Watch would be holding its first anniversary meeting, March 23, 2015, beginning at
6:00 p.m. She emphasized the importance of eliminating the flooding in Coconut Cay.
Brian Dennis, 2410 NW 1701h Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to voice support for Interim Chief Antonio Brooklen, as the new City of Miami Gardens
Chief of Police. He opined the negativity being spread about Interim Chief Brooklen is an inside
job. He gave first hand and positive testimony to Interim Chief Brooklen's character.
Retha S. Boone -Fye, 18941 NW 7th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council and shared that on February 25th she had appeared before the Council with a
request to have one of our youth display his talents. At that time she was advised this was not
protocol but she had the understanding she would be contacted. She said the issue was never
addressed. She said that she will be making this same request for the 2016 Jazz in the Gardens
event and respectfully request a meeting with Mayor Gilbert and each Council member on how
best to make that happen.
Calvin H. Sweetings, 22351 NW 153rd Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before
the City Council to express concern regarding an individual selling cars on NW 173rd Terrace
and NW 27th Avenue.
(H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(,n RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(K) CONSENT AGENDA:
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RESOLUTION NO 2015-43-2240
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Regular City Council Agenda
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -MARCH 11, 12015
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN ASSOCIATION,
INC., DURING THEIR SECOND ANNUAL EDUCATION AND
LEGAL WORKSHOP TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, MARCH
21, 2015, AT 11:00 A.M., AT THE NORTH DADE REGIONAL
LIBRARY IN MIAMI GARDENS; AUTHORIZING FUNDING FOR
THE EVENT; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY
CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN RODNEY HARRIS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-44-2241
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ACKNOWLEDGING
COUNCILMAN ERHABOR IGHODARO'S APPOINTMENT OF
NATHANIEL MILLER TO THE NUISANCE ABATEMENT
BOARD; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN IGHODARO)
RESOLUTION NO. 201545-2242
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE
CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO HOST THE
SECOND ANNUAL CARIBBEAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION ON
JUNE 16, 2015; AUTHORIZING THE COMMITTEE TO HOST
FUNDRAISERS TO COVER THE COST OF THE EVENT;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY CLERK)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-46-2243
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDING FROM THE
CITY, COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAW SECTION
OF THE FLORIDA BAR, TO SUPPORT A LEGAL INTERNSHIP
PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE
CITY ATTORNEY TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY
TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-47-2244
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -MARCH 11, 12015
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND
ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT AND
ADDENDUM WITH THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION FOR THE
ACCEPTANCE OF TD GREEN STREETS GRANT, IN THE
AMOUNT OF TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000.00);
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY
FUTURE AGREEMENTS, AS NECESSARY FOR THE
ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-48-2245
K-6) 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 SUB -RECIPIENT
AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW
ENFORCEMENT FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING FROM
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EDWARD
BYRNE GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF TWELVE THOUSAND
NINE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE DOLLARS ($12,953.00) FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2015, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED
HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO TAKE AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO
ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO
THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-49-2246
K-7) 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 RENEWAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE MIAMI GARDENS CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2015, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS
EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF FORTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($40,000.00) FROM THE GENERAL
FUND FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES;
PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK;
PROVIDING FOR A NUNC PRO TUNC EFFECT; PROVIDING
FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -MARCH 11, 1201S
MANAGER)
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt the
Consent Agenda. There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a
unanimous voice vote of the members present.
L) RESOLUTION(S)
None
QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS:
Shellie Ransom -Jackson, Code Compliance/Development Services Director appeared
before the City Council to outline the Quasi -Judicial Process.
City Clerk Ronetta Taylor administered the oath to all participating in this Quasi -Judicial
Process.
(M) ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING(S):
M-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES (LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS) AS
OUTLINED ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO; AMENDING
SECTION 34-13 - ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED;
AMENDING SECTION 34-14 - PURPOSE AND INTENT OF
ZONING DISTRICTS; AMENDING SECTION 34-287 - USE
REGULATIONS, GENERALLY; AMENDING SECTION 34-288
USES PERMITTED WITH EXTRA REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING
SECTION 34-311 - ACCESSORY USE TABLE; AMENDING
SECTION 34-312 - ADDITIONAL USES AND BUILDING
STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 34-342 - TABLES FOR
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 34-392 -
COMMERCIAL PARKING FACILITIES; AMENDING SECTION
34-444 - LANDSCAPE, BUFFERING MINIMUM STANDARDS;
AMENDING SECTION 34-732 - DEFINITIONS OF TERMS;
CREATING DIVISION 6 OF ARTICLE XV — ENTERTAINMENT
OVERLAY DISTRICT TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL
REGULATIONS; CREATING A LOCATION FOR THE
ENTERTAINMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT AREA AS OUTLINED
IN EXHIBIT "B" ATTACHED HERETO; 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. After there were no interested
parties to speak on this item, the public hearing closed.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MARCH 11, 12015
Councilman Williams asked for the definition of SE.
Ms. Ransom -Jackson in response to Councilman Williams' inquiry said, "Special
Exception."
There being no interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing was closed.
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt this
item on first reading.
There being no 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
(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
None
(Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Ighodaro shared that he has partnered with CareerSource to put together a
job fair for residents. The CareerSource mobile unit will be located at the Betty T. Ferguson
Community Center. Additionally, on March 31St and April 14th, a mini job fair will be held. He
encouraged everyone to spread the word. He further shared that starting tomorrow, Thursday,
March 12th, he will be kicking off his Uni'Tea with Councilman Ighodaro, at Rainbow Park.
Staff will be on hand to answer questions as it relates to the 60 Million Dollar Bond issue, public
safety, code enforcement, available employment, etc.
Councilman Williams announced on Saturday, March 14th, the final implementation from
the Science Fair will take place with the planting of a tree for a special person in this community.
He further expressed concern with the illegal parking occurring throughout the City. More
particularly, parking on swales, also in areas that are not paved, especially in open fields, this
involves septic tanks and water issues.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MARCH 11, 12015
Manager Benson said the issue with parking on swales and areas not paved is an
enforcement issue.
Councilman Williams said if the parking issue gets resolved, that would also take care of
the septic tank and water issues.
Mayor Gilbert explained the driveways for many of the homes in the city only allows for
two cars.
Councilman Williams clarified that he was referring to commercial rather than
residential.
Attorney Dickens said that this is something that can be looked at and addressed with the
possible passage of an ordinance.
Councilman Williams broached the subject of a strategic planning meeting with the City
Council.
Manager Benson said that he will be more than happy to set the meeting up and is aware
that this has been in discussion for the last several months. He said the previous facilitator Doug
Williams indicated that if he was engaged to do the Strategic Planning Session he would be
looking at a two day session.
Councilman Williams authorized the City Clerk to move forward with the advertising for
the public hearing process for the street naming item.
Attorney Dickens explained the City Clerk has to spend money to advertise the public
hearing. Therefore she has to get a conscencious from the Council in order to do that.
Mayor Gilbert explained the reason this is done is because a member of the dais is
sponsoring the item. Normally the request is from the public. This item would be coming from
the Clerk's advertising budget, which was not contemplated.
Councilwoman Odom asked, because this is a co -designation would not the County pay
for the advertisement.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Councilwoman Odom's inquiry said the County would not
pay for the advertisement. He asked the City Manager to work out the payment for the
advertisement. He further opined this is something the Council needs to think about when
initiating this type of action.
Councilwoman Davis shared that not only is it the 10th Anniversary of Jazz in the
Gardens, it is also the 60th Anniversary for the National Social Workers. An event is planned for
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Florida Memorial University in recognition of Social Workers.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - MARCH 11, 12015
She shared that this is something that is important to her because she has been doing social work
for over 25 years.
Councilman Harris thanked public works and staff for their support and participation
during a "Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful" clean-up event held, Saturday, March 7, 2015, in the
Rainbow Park area. Over 100 volunteers came out for this event.
Vice Mayor Robinson shared the Women's Breast Cancer Awareness initiative is an
organization that she partners with every October during her Pink Week event. This month in
honor of Women's Month this organization is walking the community, knocking on doors,
spreading the word about early detection.
Mayor Gilbert shared that over the past few weeks the devil has been busy. He said this
Council bases its decisions on the 110,000 residents and not just the few that come to these
meetings. He said he will be steadfast and absolutely move forward no matter what.
(R) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
(S) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion and upon a motion being duly offered and seconded the
meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Attest:
Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
w
Ronetta Taylor, MMC ity Clerk
Regular City Council Agenda
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