Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.22.2015 - City Council MinutesCITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 22, 2015 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session, Wednesday, April 2, 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: Vice Mayor Felicia Robinson and Council members: Lisa C. Davis, Lillie Q. Odom, Rodney Harris, David Williams Jr., and Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro. Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to excuse Mayor Gilbert's absence. Also in attendance were: City Manager Cameron Benson, City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. (B) INVOCATION Delivered by Pastor Timothy Williams (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited in unison (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES D-1) Regular City Council Minutes —April 8, 2015 Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilman Williams 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) Items K-1 and K-8, were pulled from the Consent Agenda by Councilman Williams. A presentation was added by the City Manager as Item F-2. Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to approve the official agenda with the additions/deletions/changes. There being no discussion, the motion to approve the official agenda passed and carried Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 1 by a unanimous voice vote of the members present. (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) F-1) City Manager — Skanska — Municipal Complex Construction Update Vincent Collins, Project Manager with Skanska appeared before the City Council to provide an update on the Municipal Complex Construction project. He stated as of right now the project is on target. Jimmie Allen, City of Miami Gardens Capital Projects appeared before the City Council to further expound on the project. He said the work on the second and third floors, as well as around the building will be completed by May 20th. By June 30th the start of the final inspection with applicable agencies to make sure everything is good to go will commence. Around July 15th the contractor will advise on the completion of the work. It is anticipated that the contractor will be applying for a PPO and a CO around August 29, 2015, in preparation for occupancy of the building. In October the move process will start, with the communication equipment being installed. The months of October, November and December will provide time to address all the issues involved with moving the police department into the new building. He shared that his judgment right now is that by Christmas the police department will be in the new building and operating. Councilwoman Odom referenced the inspections to be conducted by June 30th and asked whether Mr. Allen was referring to: City inspections, County inspections or State inspections. Mr. Allen in response to Councilwoman Odom said he was referring to the City and the County inspections. Councilman Williams asked about being Hurricane ready. Mr. Allen in response to Councilman Williams' inquiry said preparations are in place to accommodate concerns about hurricane season. Councilwoman Davis for clarification purposes asked whether the police department would be open before Christmas. Mr. Allen in response to Councilwoman Davis' inquiry said on the current schedule, if everything is completed, the police department should be in the new building on or about Christmas. F-2) City Manager's Presentation — Citizens Academy Graduates Ms. Shellie Ransom Jackson, Building and Code Compliance Director appeared before the City Council to present the third graduating class of the City of Miami Gardens Citizens Academy. Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 2 (G) PUBLIC COMMENTS Chris Smith, 19940 NW 291h Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to inquire about purchasing body cameras for City of Miami Gardens Police Officers. Councilman Williams asked it this is something that could be taken to the public. Manager Benson in response to Councilman Williams' inquiry said this is something that requires additional research. He respectfully asked that the Council allow staff to bring something back for conservation purposes. Pat Wright, 1221 NW 179th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express her opinion about item K-1. She said there are residents in this community who would be interested in serving on the Excellence in Education Council. She further expressed concern that the funds were going to a park program and not a not-for-profit organization. She further asked about the Miami Gardens Leasing Corporation and whether that entity was a part of this as well. JoAnn Harris, 5020 NW 197th Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express her opinion about Item K-1, and the funding that would be allocated to the parks department. She shared there are a number of not-for-profit organizations within the City of Miami Gardens that would be more than happy to come forward to receive the funds. Dorothy Smith, 20484 NW 14th Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to ask for the Council's Council to continue its support of the Coconut Cay Crime Prevention group. The next meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2015. (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: RESOLUTION NO. 2015-70-2267 K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT THE U.S. SENATE AND U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OPPOSE "FAST TRACK" LEGISLATION; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 3 EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS) RESOLUTION NO. 2015-71-2268 K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS' ANNUAL MOTHER'S DAY EVENT; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP OF THE EVENT IN THE AMOUNT ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00) FROM CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL EVENT ACCOUNT NO. 10-11-01-511-492-01; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS) RESOLUTION NO. 2015-72-2269 K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS' FATHER'S DAY EVENT; AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP OF THE EVENT IN THE AMOUNT ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00) FROM CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL EVENT ACCOUNT NO. 10-11-01-51-492-01; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN LISA C. DAVIS) RESOLUTION NO. 2015-73-2270 K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, COMMEMORATING HAITIAN FLAG DAY ON MAY 18, 2015; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN IGHODARO) RESOLUTION NO. 2015-74-2271 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 AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TRANSIT AGENCY (MDT) FOR THE INSTALLATION OF BUS BENCHES, LIGHTING, TRASH RECEPTACLES, AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 4 THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION NO. 2015-75-2272 K-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PURCHASE SALE AGREEMENT WITH ANSTON CAPITAL, INC. FOR THAT CERTAIN CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT N.W. 191ST STREET AND 27TH AVENUE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE WITH SUBSEQUENT PURCHASERS AND TO BRING ANY SUBSEQUENT CONTRACT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL, IF NEGOTIATIONS FAIL WITH ANSTON CAPITAL; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Moved offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris 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) K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY MANAGER TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO DISSOLVE THE MIAMI GARDENS EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR A TRANSFER OF FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR ROBINSON) Councilman Williams indicated from his discussion with the City Manager there was sufficient time to resolve the issues before the Council has to act. Manager Benson said staff is prepared to address that issue. Councilman Williams asked whether the Council had to act on this item tonight. Manager Benson said if the Council wanted to have another conversation about this item, he would yield to the person sponsoring the item. Vice Mayor Robinson explained this all came about because she was appointed to work with this "Council". She shared for the last two years she has been trying to get a quorum. That Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 5 task has been unsuccessful. She said she also reached out to others in the community to get participation on the Board. That task has also been unsuccessful. She articulated that as an educator she is passionate about education. She opined since the State is having some issues about the paperwork the best thing would be to dissolve this entity. In doing that she wanted to make sure the funds that have been raised were utilized toward education. The education program that would utilize those funds would benefit the youth in this community. She explained that she recommended the parks department because they work with our youth on a regular basis. Councilman Williams shared that in most cases around the country Excellence in Education Councils are working very well. He said he did not want to see this Council dissolved. He emphasized the importance of having a Sunshine meeting to discuss other options. He again asked if there was sufficient time remaining to address this issue properly. Vice Mayor Robinson said the question is not whether there is enough time, but rather what is going to change. She restated that over the past two years she has had at least two conversations with Councilman Williams personally about finding people to be on this Council. Councilwoman Odom asked whether residents were aware of vacancies to this Council and if so, were they provided an opportunity to apply. Vice Mayor Robinson in response to Councilwoman Odom's inquiry shared that she reached out to individuals at every opportunity when attending the various events throughout the City. Councilwoman Odom concurred with Councilman Williams about the importance of having an Excellence in Education Council and that entity's role in the public schools located within the City of Miami Gardens. She opined the schools in Miami Gardens can certainly use a system in terms of making it better for not only Miami Gardens, but the school system as well. Councilwoman Davis conveyed understanding of Councilman Williams and Councilwoman Odom's position. She said she also understood Vice Mayor Robinson's position and shared the City has had other non-functioning committees. She emphasized if we are serious about moving this Excellence in Education Council forward; there needs to be serious minded people willing to work on this Council. She conveyed the importance of having an Excellence in Education Council in the City of Miami Gardens. Attorney Dickens clarified the Excellence in Education Council is not a committee, but an organization. The Council has the authority to appoint members to this Council. She recounted when this entity was incorporated there were people involved in education on this Council. She reiterated this is an independent Board, which membership is appointed by the Council. Councilwoman Davis emphasized the importance of inviting serious minded individuals to serve. Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 6 Vice Mayor Robinson asked whether there was a specific criterion for board membership. item. Attorney Dickens said she did not recall specific criteria but would check. Councilman Harris asked for a motion to table the item. Motion offered by Councilwoman Odom, seconded by Councilman Williams to table this Councilman Williams shared a sunshine meeting has already been set up for April 271h There being no further discussion, the motion to table passed and carried by a 5-1 vote. Councilman Ighodaro cast the dissenting vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2015-76-2273 K-8) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH BMG MONEY, INC., TO AUTHORIZE LOANS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilman Williams explained he had pulled this item so that the City Manager could provide clarity. Manager Benson said this item would provide employees with an opportunity to secure loans for unforeseen circumstances, etc. This is a volunteer practice. Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt this item. There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote of the members present. QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS: (M) ORDINANCES ON FOR FIRST READING(S): None (N) ORDINANCES ON FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARINGS) None Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 7 (0) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (P) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGERXITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK Interim Chief Brooklen appeared before the City Council to share that on April 20th the Police Department attended an awards ceremony at the Coral Gables Country Club. Two Miami Gardens Police Department employees were nominated for their work in the community. Both nominates were awarded in their respective categories. (Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Williams shared he had the pleasure of visiting North Dade Middle School and before he could get in the principal's office he (principal) was ranting and raving about two of Miami Gardens Police Officers and the great work they are doing at the school. Councilwoman Davis shared that she recently had two family members to pass away on the same day. She thanked the following individuals for their support: Cameron Benson, David Williams Jr., Lillie Q. Odom, Chief Brooklen, Eugene Williams, Marlene Arribas, Miami Gardens Steppers, Clover Leaf Royals, Sherwood DuBose, and Mayor Gilbert. Councilman Harris shared that he has partnered with several organizations within the immediate area to rehab 15 single family homes in the Bunche Park and Scott Lake areas, Saturday, April 25th. He encouraged everyone to come and volunteer. Councilman Ighodaro stated his intention to bring forth a resolution co -designating NW 167th Terrace from NW 29 Avenue to 32nd Avenue "Emmanuel Boulevard." He asked the City Clerk to prepare and advertise the necessary notice for this public hearing for the May 13th City Council meeting. Vice Mayor Robinson encouraged everyone to come out to her very informative Meet Me on Monday meeting every second Monday of the month. Vice Mayor Robinson emphasized the importance of acting on the Excellence in Education Council item. The Sunshine meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 271h Councilwoman Davis asked that this item be placed on the Council members' calendar. (R) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC None Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 8 (S) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly made and seconded the meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. Attest: Oliver Gilbert, Mayor �►�14i Ronetta Taylor, C, City Clerk Regular City Council Minutes April 22, 2015 Page 9