HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.10.2015 - City Council MinutesCity Council Minutes for November 10, 12015
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 10, 2015
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 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 Lillie Q. Odom, Rodney Harris, David Williams
Jr., and Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro. Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis arrived at 7:15 p.m.
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 — October 14, 2015
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to approve
both sets of minutes, with necessary corrections if any.
D-2) Regular City Council Minutes — October 28, 2015
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to approve
both sets of minutes, with necessary corrections if any.
This motion passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the City Council.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
Item K-5 was removed from the Consent Agenda by Councilwoman Odom.
Item K-7 was removed from the official agenda by the City Manager
The following items were added to the official agenda as Items K-11 and L-1,
respectively:
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Item K-11) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL STEPS
NECESSARY TO EXECUTE DEEDS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS OF CONVEYANCE,
AFFIDAVITS, CLOSING STATEMENTS, CORRECTIVE INSTRUMENTS AND ANY OTHER
DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTUATE THE
SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT "A"
ATTACHED; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Item L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, PARTNERING WITH THE ROOTS COLLECTIVE FOR A
POP-UP MARKET TO HELD ON BLACK FRIDAY, NOVEMBER, 27, 2015 AT THE
BETTY T. FERGUSON RECREATIONAL COMPLEX; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT)
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to approve the
official agenda with the necessary, additions/deletions.
There being no discussion, the motion to approve the official agenda passed and carried
by a unanimous voice vote of the City Council.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Vice Mayor Felicia Robinson — Paint the City Pink Event
Vice Mayor Robinson acknowledged Job Corps' partnership with the City of Miami
Gardens during the "Paint the City Pink Event". The students painted the City owned building at
NW 183`d Street and 27`x' Avenue. Job Corps culinary arts students served during the Pink Tea
event. She also acknowledged the muralist Anthony Lampkin for painting the mural on the pink
building.
F-2) Proclamation — Recycle Awareness Month
Tom Ruiz, City of Miami Gardens Public Works Director appeared before the City
Council to read the Proclamation in recognition of Recycle Awareness Month.
F-3) Councilman Erhabor Ighodaro — Proclamation — Panamanian Independence
Councilman Ighodaro presented Mr. Wendell James with a Proclamation in recognition
of Panamanian Independence Day celebrated, November 4, 2015.
Mr. James thanked the Council for this recognition. He stated this is indeed a city of
diversity.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Denise Brown, a representative from RJT Foundation appeared before the City Council
to present Councilman Harris with a token of appreciation for his support over the past three
years. She further thanked Mayor Gilbert and Vice Mayor Robinson for their support.
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Dorothy Smith, 20484 NW 14th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to remind everyone that tomorrow is Veteran's Day, and opined the City should
acknowledge them. She further announced that the Coconut Cay Crime Watch will be honoring
its senior citizens as well as its veterans, November 21St from 5:00-8:00 PM, at the First Baptist
Church of Bunche Park.
Sharon Frazier Stephens, 145 NE 193`d Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to emphasize the importance of providing services to our veterans. She further stated
that this area is in need of a nice state -of -the arts health facility for the indigent in this area.
Glen Johnson, 16290 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council and shared that he has a report of a police incident. This incident report was
certified by the city's representative. He stated that he has a second incident report where the
city's police officers identified an individual as a juvenile, when in fact this individual was
eighteen years of age. He stated that he has been labeled a "problem citizen" by the Miami
Gardens Police Department. He said when he asks for an officer's name and badge number
that information is not provided.
Mayor Gilbert asked Officer Williams to take the documents being provided by Mr.
Johnson and forward them to the Office of the City Clerk.
Deen Tyler, 2231 NW 172nd Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to quote a section of the City's Charter. He asked about the General Obligation Bond
and what banks were being considered in terms of where that money would go.
Mayor Gilbert said the bond money was placed in One United Bank.
Melissa Williams, 1810 NW 152nd Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council and shared that she was trying to get 19th Avenue renamed after Florence Pratt -
Hall. She further provided background information about the outstanding contributions Ms.
Pratt -Hall made to this community.
Mayor Gilbert asked that a copy of this information be provided to him. He further asked
staff to provide Ms. Williams will a copy of the procedure used for renaming a street after an
individual.
(H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF
THE MIAMI GARDENS CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED
"TAXATION," BY CREATING ARTICLE VII, TO BE ENTITLED
"HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR LOW-INCOME SENIOR
CITIZENS WHO ARE LONG-TERM RESIDENTS";
PROVIDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL HOMESTEAD
EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN LOW-INCOME QUALIFYING
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SENIOR CITIZENS WHO ARE LONG-TERM RESIDENTS TO
BE APPLIED TO MILLAGE RATES LEVIED BY THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS; REQUIRING A MAJORITY PLUS ONE
VOTE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL; PROVIDING
FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; 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 MAYOR OLIVER
GILBERT)
Mayor Gilbert passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Robinson before explaining there are two
senior tax exemptions. One exemption is already being received by seniors. This ordinance
addresses the long term senior exemption. The fiscal impact to the city is around $15,000.00.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt this item
on first reading.
0 vote.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt on first reading passed and carried by a 7 -
Councilwoman Davis:
Yes
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Councilwoman Odom:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Yes
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
Vice Mayor Robinson:
Yes
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(J) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(K) CONSENT AGENDA:
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-177-2374
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING ADEQUATE
FUNDING OF THE LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP); PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER
GILBERT)
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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-178-2375
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING COUNCILWOMAN
LISA C. DAVIS' FIFTH ANNUAL "TURKEY GIVE -A -WAY"
EVENT TO BE HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015, AT
CLOVERLEAF PARK; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP IN THE
AMOUNT ONE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS
($1,250.00) FROM THE CITY MANAGER'S SPECIAL EVENT
ACCOUNT; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-179-2376
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING COUNCILWOMAN
LISA C. DAVIS' FIFTH ANNUAL "GIFTS OF LOVE" EVENT TO
BE HELD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2015, AT CLOVERLEAF
PARK; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT ONE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($1,250.00)
FROM THE CITY MANAGER'S SPECIAL EVENT ACCOUNT;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-180-2377
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING COUNCILMAN
RODNEY HARRIS 2ND ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER TO
BE HELD SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015; AUTHORIZING A
SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($1,000.00) FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN RODNEY
HARRIS)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-181-2378
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID TO SELEX-ES INC.,
FOR THE PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE AUTOMATED
LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION SYSTEMS; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED
NINETEEN THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED NINETY-SEVEN
DOLLARS ($119,997.00) FOR THIS PURPOSE; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS, ON AN
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AS NEEDED BASIS, FOR THE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL
AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION SYSTEMS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH RFP. NO. 14-15-036; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-182-2379
K-8) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID TO
PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY, INC., FOR ASPHALT SURFACE
PRESERVATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($100,000.00), FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-183-2380
K-9) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING A RENEWAL OF
THE AGREEMENT WITH HUMANA INSURANCE COMPANY
FOR DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-184-2381
K-10) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT AN ALTERNATIVE WORK
SCHEDULE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-185-2382
K-11) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
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MANAGER TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO EXECUTE
DEEDS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS OF CONVEYANCE,
AFFIDAVITS, CLOSING STATEMENTS, CORRECTIVE
INSTRUMENTS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY
BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTUATE THE
SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED
ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Motion offered by Councilwoman Davis, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson to adopt the
Consent Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous voice
vote of the City Council.
(L) RESOLUTION(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-186-2383
L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, PARTNERING WITH THE
ROOTS COLLECTIVE FOR A POP-UP MARKET TO HELD ON
BLACK FRIDAY, NOVEMBER, 27, 2015 AT THE BETTY T.
FERGUSON RECREATIONAL COMPLEX; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER
GILBERT)
Mayor Gilbert said this event will essentially provide a market place on Black Friday. It
further provides an opportunity for businesses to come and offer their goods to the community.
The event will take place at the Betty T. Ferguson Community Center, which is scheduled to be
closed due to the Thanksgiving holiday. There is a fiscal impact because employees will have to
be brought in to staff the facility on that day.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Ighodaro to adopt this item.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous voice
vote of the Council.
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-187-2384
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS' MIAMI GARDENS PROGRESSIVE YOUNG
ADULTS COMMITTEE (MGPYA) VOTER'S REGISTRATION
INITIATIVE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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(SPONSORED BY THE CITY CLERK)
Councilwoman Odom for clarification purposes said this appears to be a project and not a
calendar of events and asked whether this advisory committee would be required to report back
to the Council with the outcome of this particular project.
Attorney Dickens in response to Councilwoman Odom's inquiry said the Council
approves the calendar of events for advisory committees.
Councilwoman Odom said that she wanted to make the point that this is one individual
project and not a calendar of events.
Attorney Dickens reiterated that all advisory committees are required to make quarterly
reports to the Council and if they are not, staff needs to make sure this is done. The Council
approves all projects and events because the committees are advisory to the Council.
Councilwoman Odom said she wanted to make sure that a calendar of events for each
committee was approved rather than each project.
Mayor Gilbert explained this is the only project this particular committee has brought
forward for the Council's approval.
Vice Mayor Robinson shared that the Commission For Women submits a calendar of
events, which this Council approves. However, this is the only item this particular committee
has submitted.
Councilwoman Odom said she just wanted to clarify whether the Council would be
approving individual projects or calendar of events.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Ighodaro to adopt this item.
There being no further discussion the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote of the Council.
QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS:
(M) ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING(S):
None
(N) ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(0) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
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(P) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
None
(Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Ighodaro recounted approximately three months ago he'd sponsored an item
co -designating a street "Emmanuel Boulevard" after the Emmanuel Church. Apparently Miami -
Dade County is charged with the placement of the signage. The County Attorney has opined that
this particular co -designation violates one of their ordinances. Our City Attorney read this
particular section of Miami -Dade County's ordinance and did not see a violation. He shared that
he too read that ordinance and did not see a violation either. The County's option is to readopt
this item and inserting the name of the school as the co -designation rather than the church. The
school is also named Emmanuel. He shared the issue Miami -Dade County has is not the name of
the co -designation, it is with the recognition of the church.
Mayor Gilbert for clarification purposes said, the County has an issue with the name
Emmanuel Boulevard because it is a church but does not have an issue with church school,
which bears the same name.
Councilman Ighodaro further shared that Miami -Dade County's ordinance also has a
prohibition on co -designating streets after someone that is alive. However, this is in direct
contradiction to the ordinance because Miami -Dade County co -designates streets after people
who are alive. He commented Miami -Dade County is violating its own ordinance and not
allowing the City of Miami Gardens to honor what the Council voted for.
Attorney Dickens shared that she disagrees with the County Attorney's Office, opinion
on this matter. The County Attorney's Office takes the position that naming a street after a
church violates the establishment clause of the United States Constitution. She stated that she
has taken the position that not naming it after a church and after other people violates the United
States Constitution. She said there is a disagreement on the law. Miami -Dade County has said if
the city amends the resolution to take out the references to the church and make reference to the
school, they can name the street Emmanuel Boulevard, which is the same name previously
approved.
Mayor Gilbert stated Miami -Dade County is not naming a street, they are printing a sign.
Miami -Dade County prints the signs because they have to be uniformed. He reiterated, Miami -
Dade County is not naming the street, the City of Miami Gardens is naming the street. He said
he wanted to see the policy stating that a county or city road cannot be named after a church. He
said the city is not paying to have this matter advertised again. If the City has to file a Writ of
Mandamus to compel Miami -Dade County to do the ministerial act of printing the sign, the city
will do that.
Attorney Dickens stated as per protocol, Mayor Gilbert would be the point person to
initiate this engagement.
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Robinson, seconded by Councilman Harris to direct the
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City Attorney to move forward with the filing of a Writ of Mandamus to compel Miami -Dade
County to print the signage. There being no further discussion on this item, the motion passed
and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the Council.
Councilman Williams thanked staff who came out to the groundbreaking ceremony at
Parkview Elementary. He further announced that on November 21St, he will be co -hosting a
community workshop on wellness, along with State Representative Sharon Pritchett, the
American Heart Association, and Parkview Parent Academy, at the old Parkway school. Free
fruits and vegetables will be provided.
Councilman Davis announced that the first annual Food and Wine Experience will take
place, Saturday, November 14th from 6:00-12:00 PM. There are approximately 22 tickets left to
be purchased.
Councilman Harris invited everyone out to the Food Truck Invasion, Friday, November
20th, at Rolling Oats Park from 5:30 — 9:00 PM. This month the Food Truck Invasion will be
partnering with Mayor Gilbert and his open mic event, for an evening of Karaoke. He further
announced that his annual Thanksgiving Dinner will take place, Saturday, November 21St at
Love Fellowship Church between the hours of 4:00-7:00 PM.
Vice Mayor Robinson thanked Manager Benson, the event team (Petula Burke, Noelle
Barnes and Shantelle Smith) for their work in making the "Paint the City Pink" event such a
success.
Mayor Gilbert acknowledged the presence of former Council member Melvin Bratton, in
the audience. He told Councilman Bratton that the Bratton Family remains in everyone's
prayers. Councilman Bratton is a valued member of the Miami Gardens' family. He further
acknowledged Councilman Bratton for his service in the armed forces.
Mayor Gilbert encouraged everyone to come out to the Food Truck Invasion. He further
asked everyone to come out to the Black Friday event.
(R) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
(S) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly
made, the meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Attest:
Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
Ronetta Taylor, M , City Clerk
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