HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.14.2015 - City Council MinutesCITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14,1201S
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
OCTOBER 14, 2015
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Wednesday, October 14, 2015, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 18605
NW 27t' 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, 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 — September 23, 2015
D-2) Special City Council Minutes — September 23, 2015
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to approve
both the Special and Regular Council Minutes for September 23, 2015.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
The following item was added as item K-8 "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA,
APPROVING NUNC PRO TUNC, A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION AND A SPECIAL EVENTS AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND SIXAXIS
ENTERPRISES, LLC; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE"
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Harris to approve the
official agenda with the necessary additions/deletion/changes. There being no discussion, the
motion to amend passed and carried by a unanimous vote of the Council Members present.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14, 12015
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F' -wee Mayef Robinsen Zee Dell's
F-2) Vice Mayor Robinson - Miami Gardens Police Explorer's Program
Officer Carlos Austin appeared before the City Council to expound on the Miami
Gardens Police Explorer's Program. This is a national program that has been in existence for
sixty (60) years. As of July 1St of this year, the City of Miami Gardens' program has been in
existence for five (5) years. Since its inception, over three hundred students from local high
schools as well as the community have participated in the city's program.
Vice Mayor Robinson emphasized the importance of supporting this program and its
participants. She presented the Miami Gardens Police Explorers with a $1,000.00 check. The
funds are to be used for the purchase of uniforms. She further encouraged other organizations
wanting to donate funds to support this program and Miami Gardens' youth.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Francis Ragoo, 889 NW 214th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to share that he had attended a presentation by DR Horton, with regards to a new
development. He said he had asked whether this development would have a club house, the
answer was, "no". He asked the Council if it was too late to mandate that a least one unit be
utilized for the HOA to meet. He said if it is too late in the process to mandate that provision for
this particular development that the Council ensure that for future developments a clause such as
this is included.
Betty Ferguson, 1625 NW 188th Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, and Sylvia Perkins
Chair of the RCL, 2301 NW 186th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the Council
representing Rolling Crest Lakes Home (RCL). Rolling Crest Lakes was donating $2,856,90,
to be allocated for the purchase of aquatic equipment for the pre -swim team program. Upon
acceptance of the funds the city agrees to provide RCL, with confirmation of purchase of the
equipment. She asked that an email be sent to the organization when the equipment arrives.
Flora Johnson, 1910 NW 153`d Street Road, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to share that approximately three weeks ago she had an opportunity to ride on the
Miami Gardens Express Trolley. She commended Natasha St. Louis for her efforts because the
Trolley is serving the residents. Furthermore, the drivers are friendly and know the riders by
name.
Reverend Nettie Davis, 17530 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared
before the Council to announce that October is Domestic Violence Aware Month. There is a
link between domestic violence and HIV/AIDS because violent offenders are raping innocent
spouses and partners. Without the use of protection or condoms those innocent partners are
being infected.
(H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING:
None
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14, 2015
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(J) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
Councilman Williams stated that he served as the Chairman of the Board for one of the
subrecipients therefore he was declaring a conflict. After this declaration, Councilman Williams
left the dais and the Chambers.
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-156-2353
J-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ALLOCATING FISCAL YEAR
2015-2016 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
("CDBG") PUBLIC SERVICE FUNDS, AS OUTLINED ON
EXHIBIT "A"; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST, RESPECTIVELY,
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENTS FOR THIS PURPOSE;
PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY MANAGER)
Mayor Gilbert opened the floor for this public hearing.
LaFrances Sweet, 2271 NW 191St Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council in support of Sunshine For All, Inc., on of the subrecipients requesting funding.
She stated older people need help.
Janie Gardner, 20580 NW 3rd Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council in support of funding for Sunshine For All, Inc.
Julio Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Sunshine For All, Inc., appeared before the City
Council to solicit support for funding of the Meals on Wheels for seniors program. This program
has been in existence in Miami Gardens since 2008. This program has grown with a waiting list
of over 90 clients. He said he is seeking an award of $70,000.00, for this fiscal year cycle.
Rachel Taalibdeen, Executive Director of the North Dade Youth & Family Coalition, 761
NW 167th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to solicit support of
requested funding for her organization. She stated that her organization not only works with the
youth, it also works with seniors and encouraged those individuals on the Sunshine For All, Inc.,
waiting list to contact her organization at (786)530-4136. The North Dade Youth & Family
Coalition works with the faith base community, which help to provide meals.
Claudia Kitchen, Executive Director of Kristi House 1265 NW 12th Avenue, Miami,
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14,12015
Florida, appeared before the Council to solicit support of this organization's requested funding.
After there were no other interested parties to speak on this item, the public hearing closed.
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Robinson, seconded by Councilwoman Davis to adopt
this item.
Councilwoman Odom stated that staff did a tremendous job with the survey, which the
Council had requested the last time this item was discussed.
Councilman Ighodaro stated that he had expressed reservation with staff's
recommendation during the last meeting this item was discussed. He said he is typically not
against staff's recommendations however he takes exception to this one. He said Sunshine For
All, Inc., is a program that has been funded for the last seven (7) years. He opined it is
important to sustain a program that feeds our elderly. He said he has reviewed this program and
understands the kinds of services being provided to this population. There is an expectation that
the residents gets from receiving these meals. Old people know what it is to be hungry. Some of
them cannot provide for themselves. He asked how do you select, which of these individuals
will go hungry for the next year. He stated that he is not in favor of continuing to cut this
program. He conveyed appreciation of staff's work on this issue. He said they needed to look
at redeeming the program to the same level as last year for a total funding of $80,000. He
recommended proposing Alternative #3, which would basically keep Alternative #2 in tack by
reducing No. 3 by $1,000.00, and eliminating No. 9.
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro for an Alternate #3, which keeps Alternate #2 in
tack except for reduction of $1,000 for No. 3, and the elimination of funding for No. 9. This
motion died for a lack of a second.
Mayor Gilbert for clarification purposes stated the City is not cutting the program; the
federal government is cutting the program. The city is a pass through to community
organizations. He stated the money by definition has to go to people who really need help. He
shared that he has talked to staff about the recommendation. All subrecipients are being funded
less money this fiscal year. Not one of those other subrecipients has asked to be funded at last
year's level. He said he would love to provide $120,0.00, in funding but that is not where we are
as a country anymore. He recommended awarding Sunshine For All, Inc., $70,000.00, and not
cut any other funding for other subrecipients.
Craig Clay, Assistant City Manager appeared before the City Council to highlight the two
proposed alternatives. Both proposals restored Sunshine For All, Inc., funding to $70,000.00.
Alternative #1 would fund the new agency that has never been funded in the amount of
$5,000.00.
Mayor Gilbert indicated that he did not want to cut any subrecipients.
Councilman Ighodaro said his argument was not about cutting funding, but about
expectation. He said his concern was about decreasing funding and bringing new agencies on
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14,1201S
board. He said he heard what Mayor Gilbert said.
Vice Mayor Robinson recounted that last year the Council's directive was to fund new
organizations and services.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Robinson to select
Alternative #2.
There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt with alternative #2 passed and
carried by 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman Davis:
Yes
Councilman Harris:
Yes
Councilwoman Odon:
Yes
Councilman Ighodaro:
Yes
Vice Mayor Robinson:
Yes
Councilman Williams:
Recused
Mayor Gilbert:
Yes
After this vote was taken, Councilman Williams returned to the meeting.
(K) CONSENT AGENDA:
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-157-2354
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, HOSTING THE 5TH ANNUAL
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
FAIR FOR ELEMENTARY -AGED STUDENTS; AUTHORIZING
AN ALLOCATION OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5000.00)
FROM THE SPECIAL EVENT FUND FOR THIS PURPOSE;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-158-2355
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE 7TH ANNUAL
OPERATION STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE IT'S OUR
RESPONSIBILITY (S.A.V.I.O.R.) MARCH TO BE HELD AT
BUNCHE PARK ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015;
AUTHORIZING A SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT TWO
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2000.00); FROM THE SPECIAL
EVENTS FUND FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (COUNCILMAN ERHABOR IGHODARO)
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14, 12015
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-159-2356
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING A RETROACTIVE
EXPENDITURE IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE THOUSAND FOUR
HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($1450.00), FROM THE SPECIAL
EVENT FUND, AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE AFRICAN
MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN
IGHODARO)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-160-2357
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID TO KAILAS
CORP., FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
VISTA VERDE NEIGHBORHOOD; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SUB -RECIPIENT AGREEMENT IN
THE AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION, TWO HUNDRED FORTY-
FOUR THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED SIX DOLLARS AND
NINETY CENTS ($1,244,406.90), WHICH INCLUDES A TEN
PERCENT (10%) CONTINGENCY, FOR THIS PURPOSE;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-161-2358
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID TO FLORIDA
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING INC. FOR DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENTS ALONG NW 25TH COURT (204 — 205 STREET)
AND NW 38TH COURT (195 — 196 STREET); AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SEVEN
THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED TEN DOLLARS AND EIGHTY-
EIGHT CENTS ($147,310.88), WHICH INCLUDES A TEN
PERCENT (10%) FOR THIS PURPOSE CONTINGENCY;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-162-2359
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14, 2015
MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST
RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN RENEWAL AGREEMENT
FOR TURF AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE WITH THE
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT), A
COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A";
PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE FUTURE
AGREEMENTS FOR THIS PURPOSE WITHOUT PRIOR CITY
COUNCIL APPROVAL; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-163-2360
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, THAT CERTAIN FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE NON-
EXCLUSIVE RECIPROCAL ACCESS EASEMENT AGREEMENT
WITH WALMART, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "B";
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. 2015-164-2361
K-8) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING NUNC PRO TUNC, A
LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND A SPECIAL EVENTS AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AND SIXAXIS
ENTERPRISES, LLC; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Motion offered by Councilman Harris, seconded by Councilwoman Odom to adopt the
Consent Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous vote
of the Council.
(L) RESOLUTION(S)
None
QUASI-JUDICIAL ZONING HEARINGS:
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14, 12015
(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
(P) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
No reports.
(Q) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilman Williams announced that a science fair workshop for parents that have
students on the elementary level, will take place at Miami Carol City Senior High School,
Thursday, October 15, 2015, from 5:30-7:00 PM. This will take place for the next three
Thursdays. On November 4th a final grand opening will take place at Parkview Elementary
School, starting at 9:30 AM.
Councilwoman Davis shared that she had attended the Norwood Crime Watch and
thanked everyone for coming out. She also announced that Mrs. Pierre's husband had a heart
attack and a stroke and asked that everyone keep Mrs. Pierre in their prayers. She further
announced that the City's first Wine and Food Experience will take place, November 14th from
6:00 PM to 12 Midnight. The special celebrity guest will be announced on October 28th.
Councilwoman Odom shared she will be sponsoring a Senior Awareness Workshop,
Thursday, October 22nd from 10:00 AM to 12 noon, at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Center.
This workshop is being sponsored to inform seniors of the various services available to them.
Councilman Harris invited everyone to come out to be a part of the food truck invasion
scheduled for Friday, October 16th from 5:30-9:00 PM, at Rolling Oaks Part, in support of Breast
Cancer Awareness.
Councilman Ighodaro announced that October is Hispanic Heritage month. An event will
take place, Thursday, October 22nd at City Hall from 4:00-6:00 PM. He further thanked
Shantelle Smith, Assistant to the Council for doing a great job with the Uni'Tea events. He also
thanked Assistant City Manager Craig Clay for his participation and support at the Uni'Tea event
at Dr. Lester Brown Park.
Vice Mayor Robinson shared that during the month of October the City was painted Pink
in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness. All the events held have been educational. She
shared that the mortality rate amongst African American Women and minority women is high.
The Pink Tea will take place, Sunday, October 18th. She stressed the importance of being
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES, OCTOBER 14, 2015
preventative. The last event "Paint the City Pink" is dedicated to our children, which was in
connection with the earlier presentation re: Zoe Doll's. This is an eight year old Miami Gardens
resident that is starting her community service early. She started a not-for-profit organization
that collects dolls for blind girls. October 25th at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Center an
event will take place with Zoe Doll's. She asked that everyone come out in support of our youth.
Councilwoman Odom commended Attorney Rachel Rao and Marlene Arribas for
initiating the Attorney Immigration workshop at St. Timothy's. Much valuable information on
immigration was provided at this event.
Mayor Gilbert shared that Norland would be playing Miami Carol City, Friday, October
16th. He asked that everyone come out in support of their respective school.
(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 8:15PM.
Attest:
Oliver Gilbert, Mayor
Ronetta Taylor, M City Clerk
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