HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 14, 2004 INDEX
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 14, 2004
1. Called to Order/Roll Call of Members.................................... Page 1
2. Invocation..................................................................... Page 1
3. Pledge of Allegiance......................................................... Page 1
4. Approval of Minutes......................................................... Page 1
Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting of:
Regular Council Meeting of March 24, 2004............................ Page 1
5. Agenda/Order of Business(Additions/Deletions/Amendments....... Page 1
The agenda was amended to include the following item:
a) An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Miami Gardens, Florida,
Amending Ordinance No. 2003-5 Amending the City's Budget for
2003-04 Fiscal Year......................................................... Page 1-2
6. Special Presentations........................................................ Page 2-3
7. Ordinances for First Reading .............................................. Page 3
7A) Authorizing the imposition of lien search fees..................... Page 3-4
7B) Amending Ordinance No. 2003-5; amending the City's Budget
for 2003-04 Fiscal Year..................................................... Page 4
8. Ordinance for Second Reading(Public Hearings)None............... Page 4
9. Public Comment............................................................. Page 5
10. Resolutions
10A) Res. 2004-54-105 Approving a waiver of plat requirement for
property generally located at Northwest 161" Street and Northwest 42nd
Avenue........................................................................ Page 5
10B) Res. 2004-55-106 Authorizing Miami-Dade County to revoke the
Certificate of Use and Occupancy issued to B &M Brothers Restaurant
located at 2732 NW 183rd Street ............................... . . ...... Page 5-7
10C) Res. 2004-56-107 Awarding a Bid to Bench Ads Management of
South Florida, Inc. .......................................................... Page 7-8
11. Report of City Attorney(No Report)..................................... Page 8
12. Report of City Manager(No Report)...................................... Page 8
13. Reports of Mayor and Council Members................................. Page 8-9
13A) General Reports fro Mayor and Council Members.............. Page 9
14. Requests, Petitions &Other Communications from the Public....... Page 9
14A) Public Comments (None)........................................... Page 9
15. Special Presentations
None........................................................................... Page 9
16. Adjournment.................................................................. Page 9
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 14, 2004
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on
Wednesday, April 14, 2004, beginning at 7:25 p.m., in Suite 201 of the Administrative Offices,
17801 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Vice Mayor Aaron Campbell and
Council members Audrey J. King, Barbara Watson,Melvin L. Bratton, Sharon Pritchett and Oscar
Braynon, II. Mayor Gibson was not present due to a delayed flight.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr.Danny O. Crew,Assistant City Manager Horace
A. McHugh, City Attorney Sonja K. Knighton and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
2. INVOCATION:
The Invocation was delivered by the Reverend Dr. Willie Golden.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
4A) Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting of:
Regular Council Meeting - March 24, 2004
Moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett to approve the
minutes with the following additions/deletions/corrections: Page 5, line 1, insert the word "that"
after the word"City"; line 3,the word"representative"should be plural by adding an"s"at the end
of the word; line 5 insert the word "that" after the word "indicate"; line 7 insert the word
"information" after the word"forthcoming"; line 9, change the word"judicially"to "judiciously";
and line 21, delete the word "elderly." The motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
5. AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/
AMENDMENTS):
Manager Crew requested to have the official agenda amended to include the following item"
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2003-5; AMENDING THE CITY'S BUDGET FOR 2003-04
FISCAL YEAR; ADOPTING REVISED BUDGET ESTIMATES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO MAKE CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 1 of 9
TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
OF THIS ORDINANCE".
Vice Mayor Campbell further amended the Agenda by adding Major Marshall's monthly
report under Presentations.
There being no further discussion, it was moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by
Councilman Bratton to amend the official agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S):
Major Marshall, District Commander for the Carol City District/Miami Gardens District
Police Department appeared before the City Council to report that crime continues to decline in the
City. Overall crime is down eight percent across the board. Compared to last year,sexual battery is
down 63%, which is a significant number being that there is a North Dade serial rapist out there.
Residential and commercial burglaries are down 19%. There is however a slight increase in
robberies (February through March up by 9%).
Major Marshall related that a formal request has been made to the Police Administrative
Bureau requesting that a monthly report on Specialized Services be provided to the City of Miami
Gardens; that report will be forthcoming. He referenced the Alarm Registration data base and the
numerous discussions had regarding whether the City of Miami Gardens should be charged for this
data base. He conveyed Director Parker's concurrence that the City of Miami Gardens should not
have to pay Miami-Dade County Police Department for this information. He further related that
Director Parker has authorized the information extracted from the data base. The Miami-Dade
County Police Department is now in the process of rewriting the program so that the information can
be extracted and provide to the City of Miami Gardens at no charge.
Councilwoman King provided Major Marshall with a copy of an email from a constituent
residing in Seat 3. The email in essence is a complaint about the neighbors in this area being
verbally abused and the activities occurring there were not conducive to the quality of life for this
particular neighborhood.
Major Marshall related that Captain Rifkin is already working on this issue.
Captain Rifkin appeared before the City Council and shared that he too had received a copy
of this email and has already forwarded it to the Investigation Unit Lieutenant.
Councilwoman King related that she's received a complaint from another resident in the
Scott Park area about park patrons parking their vehicles in such a way as to block the driveways of
residents. The complaint further expressed concern with the amount of beer bottles and trash being
left after the organized activities.
Major Marshall said that on-duty police officers are monitoring the activities at all City parks.
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 2 of 9
Mr. Green, Assistant to the City Manager appeared before the City Council to further
expound on the park situation. He related that he'd visited the park on this past weekend and did not
witness anything out of the ordinary.
Manager Crew suggested having this resident speak with Mr. Green, as well as having all
park complaints forwarded to him.
Vice Mayor Campbell thanked Major Marshall for the accomplishments the Carol City
District/Miami Gardens Police Department has been able to obtain for the City of Miami Gardens,
under his leadership.
Major Marshall accredits this accomplishment to the fact there is more police presence on the
streets. The police department now only patrols as far south to 151St Street instead of 103rd Street.
Therefore, the police officers are able to make the loop much quicker, resulting in more uniform
police presence, and a quicker response time.
Councilwoman Watson asked how is the City looking overall as compared to Miami-Dade
County's statistics.
Major Marshall shared that the Northside Station is having an outstanding year. The City of
Miami Gardens is next following Northside in terms of Miami-Dade County's statistics. He further
shared that the Carol City District/Miami Gardens Police department is doing an excellent job with
its budget, and present is operating under budget(the budget the city adopted).
Councilwoman King asked that a congratulatory letter of support be written to Major
Marshall and the Carol City District/Miami Gardens Police Department, on behalf of the City of
Miami Gardens.
Vice Mayor Campbell related that one has to be careful about making comparisons with other
districts in Miami-Dade County because not all conditions are the same.
7. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING:
7A AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE IMPOSITION OF LIEN
SEARCH FEES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR INCLUSION IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Manager Crew indicated that this was a house keeping ordinance. The City has as yet, no
liens to search. However this is a provision that should be on the books in preparation for this in-
house function.
Moved by Councilman Braynon,seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve this item on
first reading, with second reading and public hearing scheduled for April 28, 2004.
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 3 of 9
There being no further discussion, the motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Out of town
7B AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.2003-5;AMENDING
THE CITY'S BUDGET FOR 2003-04 FISCAL YEAR;ADOPTING REVISED
BUDGET ESTIMATES;AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE
CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION
IN CODE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that the City adopted its FY 2003/04 last September. Then Interim
City Manager Curry came back to the Council advising that she'd received revised estimates from
Miami-Dade County. A workshop was held during the month of October 2003 in regard to this
issue. At that time, the budget was adjusted and a lot of changes were made however,that revised
budget was never officially adopted. He opined that it is prudent for this Council to go ahead and
adopt those changes that were made during the workshop held in October 2003.
Moved by Councilman Bratton, seconded by Councilman Braynon to approve this item on
first reading, with second reading and public hearing scheduled for April 28, 2004.
There being no further discussion, the motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Out of town
8. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING(PUBLIC HEARINGS):
None
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 4 of 9
9. PUBLIC COMMENT - 10 MINUTES
Mr. Lemuel Wims, residing at 19675 NW 32nd Court, Miami Gardens, appeared before the
City Council and referenced the Robert's Rules of Order as it related to Council members making
comments when an item has been moved and seconded and the vote called. He encouraged the
Council members to continue with the process of explaining they why were voting a certain way.
A discussion ensued as to whether there was a prohibition against making comments after it
has been motioned, seconded and appropriate discussion held on an item. Attorney Knighton
indicated that there is no legal prohibition against making comments after it has been motioned,
seconded and the vote called.
10. RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-54-105
10A) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,APPROVING A WAIVER OF PLAT REQUIREMENT
FOR PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT NORTHWEST 161ST
STREET AND NORTHWEST 42ND AVENUE; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Manager Crew explained that this is a waiver of plat resolution, which is a standard
administrative practice.
Moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by Councilwoman King to approve this item.
At the conclusion of the discussion,this motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Out of town
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-55-106
10B) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, AUTHORIZING
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO REVOKE THE CERTIFICATE OF USE AND
OCCUPANCY ISSUED TO B & M BROTHERS RESTAURANT LOCATED
AT 2732 N.W. 183RD STREET IN MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 5 of 9
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY)
Attorney Knighton explained that this matter came to her from Miami-Dade County as an issue,
whether or not the Certificate of Use and Occupancy was issued properly. Miami-Dade County has
made a determination that it was not. However, Miami-Dade County is reluctant to revoke the
Certificate of Use and Occupancy without the City Council's approval.
Mr. James Byers from Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning appeared
before the City Council to further expound on this issue. He said the Use is permitted as a restaurant
but it should have been established through the building permit process because the property went from
a retail store to a restaurant;therefore,the proper permits were never issued. The Building department
has not notified the property owner directly, however the tenant, as of this date, has been made fully
aware of the circumstances and not complied at all. He reiterated that Miami-Dade County is seeking
the authorization to revoke the Certificate of Use and Occupancy when the time comes,being that the
property owner has been given due process to comply. If the property owner fails to comply then
Miami-Dade County would go ahead and revoke the Certificate of Use and Occupancy.
Attorney Knighton related that in order for the Council to comply with this request, an
amendment to the resolution stating the City gives authority to Miami-Dade County to revoke the
Certificate of Use and Occupancy subject to the property owner being given due process must be made.
Manager Crew pointed out that the propane system installed at this location failed its
inspection. This is a hazardous condition to have in a restaurant.
Councilwoman Watson asked if Miami-Dade County would be reporting back to the City
Council on the outcome of this situation.
Mr. Byer related that he would advise the City Manager as to the outcome of this situation.
Moved by Councilwoman Watson,seconded by Councilman Braynon to amend the resolution
with the following language: "Miami-Dade County is hereby authorized to revoke the Certificate of
Use and Occupancy for the property located at 2732 NW 183`d Street,operating as B&M Brothers as
of April 27th, unless there is compliance or unless the County deems otherwise."
There being no further discussion, the motion to amend passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Out of town
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 6 of 9
Councilman Bratton asked if the affected parties were notified of tonight's meeting.
Mr. Frankie Rutherford the restaurant owner of B & M Brothers, residing at 18200 NW 4`h
Avenue, Miami Gardens, was afforded an opportunity for comments. He said that the restaurant
facility was already in existence prior to his leasing the property. He related that he'd been told by the
contractor that had installed the propane gas stove that all the proper permits were taken care of.
Councilwoman King emphasized the importance of Mr. Rutherford getting this situation
resolved due to the safety issue involved.
Councilwoman Pritchett related that she wanted Mr.Rutherford to understand that this situation
must be satisfied through Miami-Dade County and their Building and Zoning Department and not the
City of Miami Gardens.
Mr.Rutherford shared that he'd gone to Miami-Dade County previously. He related that he'd
just received this information approximately two days prior, and had called the telephone number
provided however he was not able to reach anyone.
Mr. Freddie Valderada, a representative from the Miami-Dade County Building department
appeared before the City Council and related that this gas problem started three years ago. The last
inspection was done on December 2, 2002. He said that each time this property has come up for
inspection, it has failed the inspection.
At the conclusion of the discussion, it was moved by Councilman Braynon, seconded by
Councilwoman Watson to approve this item as amended. The motion passed and carried by a 5-1
vote.
Councilwoman King: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: No
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Out of town
RESOLUTION NO.2004-56-107
10C) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AWARDING A BID TO BENCH ADS MANAGEMENT
OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC., TO PROVIDE BUS BENCHES AND TO
ADVERTISE ON THE SAME; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO EFFECTUATE AN AGREEMENT
WITH BUS BENCH ADS MANAGEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC.;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 7 of 9
Manager Crew said that this issue came up a couple of months prior and at that time staff was
directed to take the matter out for the bid process. There were three bids submitted. Subsequent to
the bid opening a phone call was received from Martin Outdoor Media indicating that they'd made a
mistake on the calculation and wanted to resubmit their proposal. Administration advised that this
request was not possible. Administration recommended awarding the bid to Bus Bench Ads
Management.
Mr. Scott Martin,with offices at 19501 NE 10th Avenue, Suite H,North Miami Beach,was
provided an opportunity for comments. He asked for clarification as to whether Bus Bench Ads
Management would be paying the City of Miami $75,000 per year.
Manager Crew said this is correct.
Mr. Martin wished the City well with this contract.
Attorney Robert Holland, representing Bus Bench Ads Management was afforded an
opportunity for comments. He said that he did not have any comments at this time in regards to this
particular item. He further shared that he would be helping Mr. Rutherford free of charge, in
resolving his issues.
Councilwoman Pritchett referenced page 1, line 20 of the resolution and indicated that a
correction should be made for continuity purposes (e.g. Bench Ads)
Attorney Knighton indicated that she would make the correction as a scrivener's error.
At the conclusion of this discussion, it was moved by Councilman Bratton, seconded by
Councilwoman Watson to approve this item. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes (with prejudice)
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Councilman Braynon: Yes
Councilwoman King: Yes
Vice Mayor Campbell: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Out of town
11. REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
No Report
12. REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER
No Report
13. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 8 of 9
13A) GENERAL REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilwoman Pritchett related that a few meetings back the Council asked that information
be put out regarding the agenda proceedings so that the public would be made aware of the process.
Clerk Taylor said this information is provided on the yellow speaker's card.
Attorney Knighton opined that it was easier to do it this way,so the citizens will know when
they fill out the yellow speaker's card for comments.
Councilwoman King emphasized the importance of patronizing the businesses within the
City of Miami Gardens and shared that she has taken Commissioner Watson's initiative to heart.
She encouraged everyone to utilize the services of merchants located within the City of Miami
Gardens whenever possible.
14. REQUESTS,PETITIONS&OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM
THE PUBLIC:
14A) PUBLIC COMMENTS - 20 MINUTES
None
15. SPECIAL PRESENTATION(S)
None
16. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before this Body, and after being properly moved
Councilman Braynon, and seconded by Councilman Bratton, the meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
S lrley Gibs n, Mayor
Attest:
Ronetta Taylor, C
City Clerk
Miami Gardens City Council
Minutes—April 14,2004 Page 9 of 9