HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.10.2014 - Special City Council MinutesSPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -SEPT. 10, 12014
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 109 2014
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in special session,
Wednesday, September 10, 2014, beginning at 6:04 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 18605 NW
27"' Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Vice
Mayor Lisa C. Davis and Council members Lillie Q. Odom, Rodney Harris, Felicia Robinson,
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) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Gilbert stated, "This is the first of two public hearings for the adoption of the
operating millage rate, the voted debt service millage rate, and budget for the City of Miami
Gardens for fiscal year 2014-2015."
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-131-2110
D-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,
FLORIDA, ADOPTING A PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AT A
PUBLIC HEARING TO BE LEVIED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30,
2015 FOR OPERATING PURPOSES; ESTABLISHING THE
ROLLBACK RATE; ESTABLISHING THE DEBT MILLAGE
RATE APPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE; SETTING A DATE
AND TIME FOR A FINAL PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT THE
FINAL MILLAGE RATE; PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO
THE CITY CLERK; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
After the resolution title was read into the record by the City Clerk, Mayor Gilbert stated,
"The proposed millage rate for the City for fiscal year 2014-2015 is 6.9363, which is 8.58% over
the roll -back rate of 6.3882, and the voted debt service millage rate is 1.30."
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Manager Benson acknowledged the hard work put into this budget preparation by
Finance Director Patricia Varney, and Assistant City Managers Vernita Nelson and Craig Clay.
He shared that there has been some growth during this last fiscal year, which equates to an
additional $794,000.00. Based on those numbers when this item was presented previously in July
there is a surplus of $407,047.00. There is an estimated increase in some revenues compared to
FY 2014, as it relates to the 1/2 cents sales tax and State Revenue Sharing. Changes were made in
the area of staffing positions reduction of six (6) positions. There are no salary or merit increases
in FY 2015 budget. There is funding in the amount of $80,000 for potential police payout.
There was discussion previously about outsourcing the Planning Department. Management is
moving forward with the outsourcing of the Planning Department. A management position
would be retained in the Planning Department. The maintenance of fleet is addressed in this
budget. It is anticipated there will be an increase in the maintenance aspect. Staff will continue
to monitor this issue. In addition, there might be some additional cost for the maintenance of
city hall. The figures for the FRS rate increase will not be available until July 2015. However,
staff is well ahead of that process as well. Based on the factors presented staff is proposing a he
proposed millage rate of 6.9363, the same as last year, which would produce revenue for the
City. If the rollback rate of 6.3882 was used, the city would lose revenue.
The Debt Service for the Ad Valorem tax revenue, relating the General Obligation Bond,
which was voted on by the residents, 1.30 mills. Based on FY 2014, and the average home value
of $33,887 the impact is $44.00 a year, which is actually $2.00 less than what the voters were
previously informed.
Manager Benson pointed out in 2013 the millage rate was 6.3620. When the city moved
from the 6,320 to the 6.9363 that was actually a 12% increase. By maintaining the current
millage rate and not the rollback it is technically an 8.5% increase in taxes.
As part of the July budget workshop several revenue enhancements were discussed:
billboards, bus benches, Red-light Camera Revenue (delinquent accounts); passport fees; Cry
Wolf Collections (false alarms); fee increase; event parking and police asset sales. With the
proposed revenue enhancements would total $664.686.00.
Manager Benson recommended moving forward with the 6.9363 millage rate.
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing.
Sonia Flowers, 17435 NW 17th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to request that $1,000 per year be allocated to each Miami Gardens Crime Watch
organization.
Mayor Gilbert said this request would be looked at. He asked how many crime watches
are there in the City.
Ms. Flowers in response to Mayor Gilbert's inquiry stated there are five (5) active crime
watches at present.
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Ulysses Harvard, 1693 NW 193`d Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to get clarification on the Debt Service Millage rate and the amount the tax payers
would be paying.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Mr. Harvard's inquiry said the amount would change every
year.
Andre France, 140 NW 206th Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
Council to speak on behalf of the handicapped residents. He asked whether the city would be
providing funding for free paint for homes.
Mayor Gilbert asked that the Community Development staff speak with Mr. France about
his inquiry.
Ernestine Thurston, 1531 NW 174th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council and asked besides this budget increase would there be an additional increase from
the City of Miami Gardens in October.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Ms. Thurston's inquiry said this increase would be for the
fiscal year.
Patricia Wright, 1221 NW 179th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council and stated that she is aware that staff moves funds and asked whether it was possible for
the Council to vote on those actions. She further asked that the residents be informed where the
funds that are being moved, what accounts would those funds be allocated to. She further stated
that not many people realized that the 60Million Dollar General Revenue Bond also raised taxes.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Ms. Wright's comment stated the Debt Service Millage rate
of 1.30 is strictly for the bond. He further addressed Ms. Wright's first question and stated
anytime there is a budget amendment it has to come before the Council for approval.
JoAnn Harris, 5020 NW 197th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to ask whether non-profit entities to provide services were also incorporated into the 60
Million Dollar Bond.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Ms. Harris' inquiry answered, "No".
Ms. Harris asked whether dollars be invested into direct services.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Ms. Harris' inquiry said he did not know if that would be
the case. He said the City has been trying to partner and write grants for those specific purposes.
Terence Julius, 3020 NW 172"d Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council and asked whether this budget would target the youth or the younger generation.
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Mayor Gilbert in response to Mr. Julius' inquiry stated, included in the budget is the
General Obligation Bond, which supports activities that are not just athletic.
Mr. Julius asked whether this would affect the libraries.
Mayor Gilbert explained the library system is funded by Miami -Dade County.
There being other interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing closed.
Motion offered by Councilwoman Robinson, seconded by Councilman Harris to adopt
this item.
Mayor Gilbert asked for a motion to defer the adoption of this item until after discussion
on the budget.
year.
Vice Mayor Davis for clarification purposes stated this is the same millage rate as last
Manager Benson in response to Vice Mayor Davis said that is correct.
Vice Mayor Davis commented, so basically this will not change anything.
Manager Benson stated that is correct.
Councilwoman Odom for clarification purposes stated the millage rate remains the same
from last year but what we did not have last year is the Debt Service Millage rate of 1.30mills.
Motion offered by Councilwoman Robinson seconded by Councilman Williams to defer
adoption of this item until after the discussion on the budget. There being no further discussion,
the motion to defer passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Upon the conclusion of discussion of the budget ordinance, deferral of adoption and
recall of millage rate resolution. The vote to approve the millage rate resolution passed and
carried by a 7-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Davis:
Yes
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Councilwoman Robinson:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
After this item was approved a motion was offered by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by
Councilman Harris to recall the budget ordinance.
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There being no discussion the motion to recall the budget ordinance passed and carried
by a unanimous voice vote. That vote to approve the ordinance on first reading is reflected under
that item.
(E) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING:
E-1) ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING
THE CITY'S BUDGET FOR THE 2014-2015 FISCAL YEAR;
PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN
ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR CARRYOVER OF FUNDS;
PROVIDING FOR INTERFUND TRANSFERS; PROVIDING FOR
AUTOMATIC AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR 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.
Mayor Gilbert acknowledged those individuals who commented under the millage rate item
and stated that although their comments were made under that item; those comments really related
to the budget and are duly noted.
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to adopt
the budget on first reading.
Councilman Williams broached the subject of an additional staff person for the City
Council.
Manager Benson indicated there is a part-time position in the Clerk's budget. That position
will be filled this upcoming fiscal year.
Mayor Gilbert recommended converting the part-time position into a full-time position.
Manager Benson said he would take a look at this issue and bring back a recommendation at
the second hearing.
Vice Mayor Davis shared, during her travels throughout the city she has noticed areas
needing attention. She inquired about the number of Code Enforcement Officers currently
employed with the City
Shellie Ransom Jackson, Director of Development Services/Code Compliance appeared
before the Council in response to Vice Mayor Davis' inquiry. She stated the city currently has six
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(6) Code Enforcement officers.
Vice Mayor Davis opined this is something that needs to be looked at.
Mayor Gilbert asked the City Manager to take a look at the feasibility of having the CSA's
cross trained to do Code Enforcement.
Manager Benson shared the city has a code enforcement officer that actually works very
closely with the police department. He said he would take a look at cross training the CSA's.
Councilwoman Odom stated is it relates to enforcement, she has noticed an increase of
signage being nailed to the light poles throughout the city.
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to defer the
budget ordinance until after approval of the millage resolution.
There being no discussion on the deferral, the motion passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Harris to recall the millage
rate resolution. The vote on the adoption of the millage rate is reflected under that item.
After the budget ordinance was recalled the motion to approve on first reading passed and
carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Councilwoman Robinson:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Vice Mayor Davis:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert announced, "The next public hearing will be held on September 22, 2014, at
6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, at that time we will consider the final millage rate and
budget for fiscal year 2014-2015.
(F) ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly
made and seconded the meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm.
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Attest:
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Ronetta Taylor, NYC, City Clerk
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Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
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