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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 8, 2006 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 2006 (A) CALL TO ORDERIROLL CALL. The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on Wednesday, February 8, 2006, beginning at 7:08 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515 NW 167th Street, Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson,Vice Mayor Oscar Braynon II, and Council members Barbara Watson, Aaron Campbell Jr., Melvin L. Bratton, Ulysses Harvard and Sharon Pritchett. Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. (B) INVOCATION. Delivered by Dr. Lester Brown (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Recited in Unison. (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular City Council Meeting—January 25,2006 Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon, second by Councilman Bratton to approve the minutes as presented. There being no discussion,motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. (E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/AMENDMENTS): Mayor Gibson pulled Item I-2 from the official Agenda. Manager Crew requested the agenda be amended to add the following item as Item G-1 "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING A FINAL PLAT FOR M.G.S. PLACE SUBDIVISION,A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A",- PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE" Moved by Councilwoman Watson, second by Councilman Bratton to approve the official agenda with the addition and deletion. This motion passed and carried by a 6-0 vote. Councilman Bratton: Yes Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Harvard: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Out of room Councilwoman Watson: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes Regular City Council Minutes February 8,2006 (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) There were none (G) ZONING MATTERS RESOLUTION NO. 2006-15-361 G-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPROVING A FINAL PLAT FOR M.G.S. PLACE SUBDIVISION,A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE" Manager Crew said this is a standard plat. This application meets the requirements of the code and the Comprehensive Plan. Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon, seconded by Councilman Campbell to approve this item. Councilwoman Pritchett questioned whether there is a reason this matter was being considered tonight. Manager Crew said the item missed being placed on the February 1 S`Zoning Meeting,there the applicant requested the item considered at tonight's meeting due to a pending closing on the property. At the conclusion of this discussion, the motion to approve passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Harvard: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes (H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING There were none (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING "PUBLIC HEARINGS." I-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,AMENDING SECTION 3 OF ORDINANCE NO.2003- 07;TO CHANGE THE STARTING TIME FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Regular City Council Minutes 2 February 8,2006 AND ZONING MEETINGS FROM 7:00 P.M. TO 5:30 P.M.; 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 GIBSON) Mayor Gibson opened the floor for the public hearing. Willie Dykes, 3460 NW 205`h Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council in opposition to this ordinance. lie said changing the start time of Council meeting is not in the best interest of the constituents because they will not be able to participate in their government meetings. Billy Isley, 1740 NW 193`d Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council in opposition to this ordinance. He said changing the start time from 7:00 p.m.to 5:30 p.m.,would not provided opportunity for residents to participate. He opined by viewing the proceedings on television is not allowing residents to participate. They must attend the actual City Council meeting to participate. Sharon Frazier Stephens, 145 NE 193`d Street, Miami, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express her opposition to this ordinance. Wendell James, 18820 NW 29`h Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council in opposition to this ordinance. W. Ervan Miller, 1370 NW 207`h Street, Miami Gardens, Florida,appeared before the City Council in support of this ordinance. He opined even though the meeting might start at 5:30 p.m.,it will still be going on at 7:00 p.m. therefore,those parties interested in participating can still do so. After there were no other interested parties to speak on behalf of this item the public hearing was closed. Mayor Gibson passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Braynon, and then moved to approve this item. This motion was second by Councilman Campbell. Mayor Gibson conveyed her realization that people have to work. She further conveyed her understanding of the Council meetings and the time involved. She said at approximately 9:30 p.m., which is two and a half hours into the meeting,people start to get a little overloaded when dealing with a lot of key issues on the agenda. She opined changing the time would make everyone more mentally alert when dealing with the issues at hand. Mayor Gibson shared that she has had several individuals to ask her why would she recommend changing the time to 5:30 p.m. She said she asked those individuals how many meetings have they attended. In response some of those concerned citizens indicated they have never attended a meeting. There was one individual that indicated he/she had attended two Regular City Council Minutes 3 February 8,2006 meetings. She shared that the School Board meetings start at 1:00 p.m., and she has seen Ms. Frazier Stephens at those meetings. She opined if there is an issue a resident wants to discuss he/she will make arrangements to attend the meeting no matter what time it starts. Mayor Gibson said most people attending the City Council's meetings leave by 9:00 p.m. because they have to go to work the next day. There might be a few that stay for the duration of the meeting. She conveyed her belief that this change is a change that would benefit all. Mayor Gibson said this City is going to get busier about the business that it does take care of. Therefore,it is going to be very difficult to take care of the business of this City from 7:00 p.m. to whatever time the meeting is stopped before completing the agenda. Miami-Dade County starts its meetings earlier however if they can not get through the agenda another meeting is scheduled for Thursday of that same week. Councilwoman Pritchett referenced Section (e) of the Ordinance, more specifically the language "All meetings of the City Council shall be held at such place designated by the City Manager subject to the approval of the City Council". She questioned whether there is going to be a charter change because Article IV, entitled Legislative, more specifically Section 4-1(a), which states"The Council shall hold at least eleven(11)regular monthly meetings in each calendar year at such times and places as the Council may_. She asked how this can be accomplished when the Charter says something different. Attorney Dickens said the Council was not changing that particular provision because it is a part of the original ordinance. She conveyed her belief that the provision is inconsistent with the Charter because ultimately the City Manager designates subject to the approval of the City Council. Councilwoman Pritchett opined the statement needed to be more definitive and clear cut. Councilwoman Watson directed everyone's attention to page 2 of the ordinance more specifically Section 3, entitled Regular Meetings, which reads exactly as what Councilwoman Pritchett put into the record from the Charter. Councilwoman Pritchett indicated she is aware of the section in the ordinance Councilwoman Watson is referring to. However, as stated previously Section (e) of the ordinance needed in her opinion to be more definitive. Attorney Dickens stated that Section(e)can be removed from the ordinance if that is the will of the Council. Councilman Bratton asked if this ordinance passes and the 5:30 p.m. start time is implemented and it is later found that that time is not conducive, what is the recourse? Vice Mayor Braynon said another ordinance can be introduced to change the time back to 7:00 p.m. Regular City Council Minutes 4 February 8.2006 Councilwoman Pritchett made reference to the organizational chart prepared by the City Manager,which places the City of Miami Gardens' residents at the top of that Chart. The residents have asked that the proposed 5:30 start time be discarded. She asked if other resolutions other than changing the time been considered to address the dilemma the Council seems to be faced with as opposed to changing the meeting start time from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mayor Gibson said on first reading Councilwoman Pritchett had offered an amendment to the ordinance which changed the proposed start time from 5:00 p.m.to 5:30 p.m. No other suggestions were made at that time. Councilwoman Pritchett said she originally wanted to change the start time to 6:00 p.m. at that time. After the discussion the compromise was 5:30 p.m., for the basis of moving the item forward to the public hearing status. She reemphasized that her original suggestion was 6:00 p.m., but after hearing from the residents she was wondering if there were other options as opposed to changing the meeting time. Vice Mayor Braynon shared one of the suggestions he had thought about was implementing time certain for items. Councilman Harvard opined even if the meeting start time was changed to 5:30 p.m.,there would still be ample time for residents to speak. He questioned whether the concerns raised by the residents had to do with not being able to speak on certain items,if the time changed and they were not able to get to the meeting when that item was introduced. He questioned whether reformatting the agenda would help. Mayor Gibson pointed out that the agenda currently provides for public comments to be heard at two different places. That provision has not changed. She said if the agenda format is changed to provide for time certain items, there will still be people who will not make the time certains. She explained under the time certain format if someone has an interest in an item,they can request that item be heard at a certain time, which would benefit that individual, but not necessarily others. Attorney Dickens said as it related to Councilman Harvard's question about reformatting the agenda,prior to her arrival an ordinance was adopted outlining the order of the agenda format. She said there is a way to format the agenda, if it is the goal of the Council to ensure that at 7:00 p.m., the people that really want to be present to discuss an item would likely be present at that time. One of the ways to do that is to have two public comments section,which basically is the current format. Vice Mayor Braynon opined until other initiatives are in place such as televised Council meetings and new agenda format, the meeting start time should not be changed. Attorney Dickens pointed out the original ordinance which established the Agenda order of business does not reflect what is currently being used. That ordinance only has one public comment section,which is at the end of the meeting. Regular City Council Minutes 5 February•8,2006 Vice Mayor Braynon asked Attorney Dickens to prepare an ordinance to amend the original ordinance to reflect the agenda format currently being used. At the conclusion of this discussion, the motion to approve failed by a 1-6 vote. Councilman Campbell: No Councilman Harvard: No Councilwoman Pritchett: No Councilwoman Watson: No Councilman Bratton: No Vice Mayor Braynon: No Mayor Gibson: Yes After the vote was taken, Vice Mayor Braynon relinquished the gavel to Mayor Gibson. 1 2) AN DI AwnOF Tl-Iin CCTV COUNCIL OF TUL` CITY OF MIAMI Alii GARDENS, FLORIDA, OPT-ING OUT OF SECTION 101.657(Z), FLOPADA STATUTES,NVHIC-14 REQUIRES THAT THE SUPERN4SOR OF ELECTION PREPARE AN ELECTRONIC DATA FILE FOREARLV V TiNGi PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO PROVIDING FOR ADOPTIO 1 CONFLICT;OF REPRESENTATIONS;REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN PROVIDING A SENIERABILITV CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR!NCLUSION 1N CODE; PROVIDINC AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BV MAVO G (,i) PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 - MINUTES) W. Ervan Miller, 1370 NW 207`h Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to address his comments to the hurricane debris still piled up in front of properties. He further commended Manager Crew and his staff for providing water,ice and food to residents and for doing an outstanding job with the City's clean-up efforts during the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. Willie Dykes,3460 NW 205`h Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to express concern with the lack of progress being made on the construction of the Community Center. He further expressed concern with homeowners not being able to pull a homeowner's building permit with the City of Miami Gardens. Manager Crew addressed Mr. Dykes concern about the lack of progress being made with the construction of the Community Center. He said when the City took over the project from Miami-Dade County, it retained the County's architect. That architect is on the same time schedule as previously with Miami-Dade County. That schedule has not been changed in any way. The City entered into a Interlocal Agreement with Miami-Dade County in order to received the additional six million dollars. It has been discovered that there are Burrowing Owls on the property and the State of Florida will not allow the City to move forward until those owls are removed. Unfortunately this is the nesting season therefore the State will not allow the owls to be removed. In addition,the plans are not completed. It Regular City Council Minutes 6 February 8,2006 is anticipated the City will issue a bid on the project June 2006. The City has reviewed the plans up to the 75%stage. Vice Mayor Braynon asked Manager Crew to respond to Mr.Dykes'concern about the building department not issuing homeowner building permits. Manager Crew shared Miami-Dade County had advised the City that it would issue approximately 3,000 building permits annually. The City's Building Department was established based upon Miami-Dade County's recommendation. In the City's first year over 7,000 building permits were issued. In addition, the hurricane season has generated a tremendous amount of activity in permits. Staff has been added. In addition the City Council approved a lease agreement,which would move the Building Department to larger quarters. The computer system being used at present is inadequate, however Council has addressed this issue and that purchase is in process. Homeowner permits have been issued by the City. However,the jurisdiction for the issuance of homeowner building permits is left to the Building Official. The City's Building Official feels it is his job to ensure the homeowners are competent to do the work themselves therefore, a written test consisting of approximately 16 questions is administered to those applying for a homeowner permit. He emphasized the Building Official and not the City is personally liable as per state law, if he issues a permit and it is not correct. The City now has a full time Building Official on staff. Councilwoman Pritchett thanked Manager Crew for expounding on the homeowner building permit issue. She shared one of the complaints she received from residents applying for homeowner building permits was the fact the homeowner is not given any study material to assist in preparing for the 16 question test. She questioned whether the City could suggest what documentation the homeowner should study in preparation for the test. Manager Crew said the City did not want to provide study material because the goal is not to pass the test. The goal is to build something that is sound and safe. The test provides the Building Official with a certain level of comfort that the homeowner has the ability to make the repair or build the structure. Vice Mayor Braynon conveyed his understanding of Manager Crew's explanation about the building department. He said his only problem is that he did not hear a hundred complaints from any other departments. The only complaints he hear about relate to the building department. Those complaints have ranged from costumer service to taking the 16 question test. He said it would be appropriate to advise the homeowners that they will be tested on the part of the code that applies to the permit being applied for. He asked whether the City Manager had a time frame as to when the building department issues would be resolved. Manager Crew conveyed his hopes of having those issues resolved in the very near future. He further shared that approximately 50%of those complaints involve the contractor. The contractor is telling the homeowners it's the City's fault,when in fact it is the contractor that has not complied with what is required. Chris Steers,Assistant City Manager for Business Services appeared before the City Council to Regular City Council Minutes 7 February 8,2006 expound on the test being administered to homeowners. He said the test itself it not to qualify a person. That is the responsibility of Miami-Dade County's Qualifying Board. The test is to provide the Building Official with a level of comfort that the homeowner is going to make the correct repairs /construction according to code. Mr. Steers shared with the Council and listening audience some of the changes that have taken place such as the hiring of additional staff as well as a full time building official. The City is also looking to hire a full time plumbing inspector. Councilman Bratton said in defense of the City's Code, it must be enforce. The question is whether a homeowner wants a journeyman making the repairs or a shade tree person. He opined in order to comply with the code a person must know what is going on. There is no pre-study for the test. Mayor Gibson asked from a legal standpoint as to whether the City Manager can dictate to the Building Official what it is he/she should and should not do. She questioned whether there were legal ramifications from the City's standpoint if a building permit was issued to a homeowner and something went wrong. Attorney Dickens said the City Manager is correct in that the Building Official is the only City official as per his/her state licenses that can be held personally liable as per state statutes. She stated as the City's Counsel she would not advise the City to go about the business of trying to educate contractors because when you try to educate someone you become responsible for them if they don't pass the test. Attorney Dickens said she hasn't seen the test and this is the first time she is hearing about a test. However, if this is what the building official believes will help him to make a determination in issuing a permit,then the City Manager nor the City Attorney or City Council have the authority to tell the Building Official to issue a permit. Councilman Campbell shared his personal experience with a contractor placing the blame on the City when in fact the contractor had provided erroneous information. He said a lot of the times it is the contractor not doing what they are suppose to do but instead are blaming the City. He encouraged residents to call the City to find out what is going on with their permits instead of taking the contractor's word. Councilman Campbell stated that he had spoken with the City Manager and Mr. Steers about the complaints he received and the need for additional staff. Hiring additional staff also means increasing the budget as well as finding quality people(e.g.plumbing and electrical inspectors). There is no pool of inspectors out there waiting to be hired. Manager Crew said the City has a contract with a private firm to do inspections when the City gets overwhelmed. The cost to utilize an inspector from that private firm for an employee is $200,000.00 per year. Councilwoman Pritchett suggested sending a letter the property advising of the status of a Regular City Council Minutes 8 February 8,2006 particular building permit. A copy of this letter would be retained in the file. Therefore when a homeowner inquires about the status of a permit all one has to do is review a copy of the letter sent out to the property owner. Mr.Steers said the building department sends a postcard out to the property owner within thirty days. Councilwoman Pritchett suggested sending this information to the property owner as soon as the application is received advising of the status. Mayor Gibson suggested directing the City Manager to have Mr. Steers to look at what may be some solutions. She conveyed her understanding of what Councilwoman Pritchett was saying however, when one looks a the volume of paperwork being generated as well as having to mail out 7,000 or more letters or post cards it would be time consuming. She opined the problem is not with the City it is with the contractor not communicating with the customer. Mr.Steers further indicated that the City is making efforts to communicate with the Contractor. Calls are made advising the contractor the building permit is ready. Mayor Gibson said she has visited the Building Department,has looked in those files and has seen documentation of staff's communication with the contractor as well as the homeowners. She further placed emphasis on the fact that the building department is receiving an unusually high volume of building permit request due to Hurricane Wilma. There is an inordinate amount of people who lost their roof,which is requiring an excessive mount of request for service. This is not going to always be the case. Manager Crew shared one of the complications from staff's side is that Miami-Dade County has established a set of rules that prohibits the City from hiring state certified and qualified inspectors from another county. Therefore the City is limited to hiring from Miami-Dade County. Mayor Gibson shared that Miami-Dade County's Building and Permitting Department is located in the South West section of the County. If this area was not incorporated residents would have to drive all the way south in order to apply for a building permit. The process with Miami-Dade is a long and tedious one and would take months for a homeowner to get the required permit. Although the City of Miami Gardens is going through some growing pains,residents do not have to travel all the way down south in order to apply for a permit. The City's Building and Permitting department is accessible. In addition, Miami Gardens residents can also get in contact with their elected official to seek assistance in mitigating some of their concerns. She emphasized the City has come a long way in less than three years. Thomas P.Spaulding, 18805 NW 32"d Place,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to provide a status report on Carol City High School. He indicated the Dr. Rudy Crew, Miami-Dade County Public School Superintendent will be setting a meeting date to discuss issues relating to the school's construction. He said once a date certain has been established for this meeting the City Council would receive an invitation to attend. Regular City Council Minutes 9 February 8,2006 Billy Isley, 1740 NW 193`d Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to express his views about the City's homeowner permitting process as it related to the 16 questions test. He shared the United States government provides 500 questions with answers to any test it administers. He further expressed his views about the City's Contractor, New Communities Strategies, which indicates that Mr.Wallace is to produce a monthly financial report as well as attend every City Council meeting. Leonard Coles, 2010 NW 191" Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council thanked the Council for voting down Item I-1. He expressed concern with the multi-family developments being developed in the City. He said one of the goals for forming this City was to limit the growth. He questioned whether police resources being increased along with the residential population. He further broached the subject of homeowner building permits and shared that he has always been able to obtain a building permit from Miami-Dade County with very little difficulty. Loretta Ham, 17731 NW 15th Court,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to introduce the president and members of the Ambassadors,consisting of senior citizens of the Rolling Oaks, Crestview. Wendell James, 18820 NW 291h Place, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express concerns with the City's building department. He said Miami-Dade County provided a pamphlet,which he studied and subsequently passed the test. He further shared that Miami- Dade County's Mayor has announced that the building permitting process is being relaxed to assist the homeowners. He further placed emphasis on the importance of the City implementing a similar policy due to the health issues associated with leaky roofs and the 2006 approaching hurricane season. Hugh Dodd, 17125 NW 19th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express his views the proposed time change ordinance. Mayor Gibson advised Mr.Dodd that that ordinance had been addressed and voted down by the City Council. Therefore,the time did not change. Dorothy Smith, 18900 NW 30th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council and thanked the members for not changing the start time for the City Council meetings. She further asked that the Code Enforcement Director attend the City Council meetings to address Code Enforcement issues. She also suggested an on-call beeper number available for residents to call the Code Enforcement Director to report infractions. She also stressed the importance of having the police department work with the residents as well to address those code enforcement issues occurring on the weekends and holidays. She shared the residents in her community want to raise the level of quality of life in their neighborhood. Mayor Gibson asked Ms. Smith if she has provided the City with a list of those code enforcement issues. Ms. Smith said she had provided this information but nothing has been done to correct the Regular City Council Minutes 10 February 8,2006 problems. Attorney Dickens pointed out that Code Enforcement is a process and even though there might appear that nothing is being done. Someone can not assume there is no lien process in place, etc. Mayor Gibson said Ms. Smith's suggestions will be taken into consideration by the appropriate department. Councilman Bratton further informed Ms. Smith that staff is working diligently to address her concerns.Once certain documentation is received an appointment will be set with Ms.Smith to discuss ways to resolve the issues. Robert Ham, 17731 NW 15`"Court,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council to express his concerns about dangerous situation with dead tree limbs still hanging on the trees at Rolling Oaks and Scott Lake Parks as a result of Hurricane Wilma. (K) CONSENT AGENDA/RESOLUTION(S) RESOLUTION NO. 2006-16-362 K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY D/B/A DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP, FOR TREE INVENTORY SERVICES AND MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SEVENTY-NINE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED($79,700.00)DOLLARS;PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Item passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-17-363 K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, URGING THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT CERTAIN ISSUES DURING THE 2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION; DIRECTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.(SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN PRITCHETT) Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon,seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett to approve the Consent Agenda. There being no discussion,the motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilman Harvard: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Councilwoman Watson: Yes Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Regular City Council Minutes 11 February 8.2006 Councilman Campbell: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes (L) RESOLUTION(S) RESOLUTION NO. 2006-18-364 L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE ELDERLY AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN PRITCHETT) Lillie Q. Odom,Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and City Council appeared before the City Council and provided a brief report on a conference she had attended relating to Elderly Affairs. The conference was held in Orlando, Florida. The title of the conference was "Best Practices of Change, Building a Community for a lifetime". The term used during this conference for senior citizens was aging. There are many municipalities and counties doing extra ordinary things as it relates to the aging. The focus was on the effectiveness of senior citizens programs and services, which includes housing,transportation social interaction,health care,nutrition education and recreation. April 2003,the Florida House of Representative voted unanimously on HB 9149,which set aside funding to provide the aging the opportunity to remain within their communities by providing the necessary services. The process for creating a Community For A Lifetime requires that local municipalities adopt a resolution supporting this initiative. This resolution is forwarded to the Department of Elderly Affairs. The community then forms a committee to assess and entertain the elements that are important to the seniors and their independent care. Ms. Odom shared that the newer housing developments are addressing the aging by installing lower kitchen cabinets and kitchen sinks and increasing the size of the doorways. Tamarac,Florida is one of the municipalities actively participating in this housing initiative. Tallahassee has an elderly center which utilizes 279 registered active volunteers. Ms. Odom shared that the members committees appointed to serve on the various municipal and county committees all vary in age. She said she had asked the question raised by this Council as to age requirement to receive service and was told that in most cases service was being provided from fifty years of age and older. Clerk Taylor pointed out that since Friday of last week,three additional appointments have been made to the Committee: 1)Councilman Campbell appointed Annie Sims;2)Councilwoman Watson appointed Inez Davis and 3) Councilman Harvard appointed Loretta Ham. There are two vacancies remaining; one for Mayor Gibson and one for Vice Mayor Braynon. Vice Mayor Braynon shared that he has a meeting scheduled for tomorrow to meet with an individual that has expressed an interest in serving on this Committee. Moved by Councilwoman Watson, seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett and Councilman Regular City Council Minutes 12 February 8,2006 Harvard to approve this item. Mayor Gibson asked for clarification purposes whether Ms. Odom had indicated that the Committee members were composed of all ages. Ms. Odom said the committee members from the various counties and municipalities were indeed made up of all ages. Some of the members appeared to be college age. There being no further discussion,this motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote. Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes Councilwoman Watson: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Harvard: Yes Mayor Gibson: Yes (M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY. Attorney Dickens advised the Council of the need to call an attorney-client meeting for Wednesday, February 22, 2006, beginning at 6:00 p.m. This is a private meeting between the City Council members,the City Attorney and the City Manager. This meeting is closed to the public. The meeting will involve litigation matters with City National Bank as Trustee, where discussions will center around a proposed settlement of the City's decision on a zoning matter,which was appealed by the applicant. Councilwoman Pritchett indicated due to the traffic situation she might be a little late for this meeting however, she would be attending. Manager Crew introduced Richardo Brown,a student at Johnson and Whales University. Mr. Brown visited the City of Miami Gardens and followed staff around to get a feel for municipal government. Richardo Brown appeared before the City Council to convey his desire to pursue a career in government. John Alonzi,a Captain with the Miami Gardens District Police Station appeared before the City Council to provide a monthly status report on police activity in the City. He reported that every targeted crime from the month of January 2006 is down. Overall targeted crimes are down 27%year- to-date from last year. He announced next week is National Child Passenger Safety Week. The police department will begin at the various elementary schools some safety and education in the school zones with the school crossing guards. In addition,the police department in conjunction with the City's Code Enforcement Department will begin some Code Enforcement sweeps starting this coming weekend. Regular City Council Minutes 13 February 8,2006 Renee Farmer,Assistant City Manager for Public Services appeared before the City Council to provide an update on Legislative Days in Tallahassee scheduled for March 27-29,2006. Travel and hotel accommodations have been made for those attending the session. Staff is working with the City's lobbyist to create a schedule for each Council member for the various senators and members of the House. (N) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS. Mayor Gibson shared she had visited Boca Raton,which has a planning and development area there. Elected officials were invited to give presentations on an area to be developed. She shared that she had identified the area of the Palmetto Expressway from the interchange area to NW 57`h Avenue as the area to look at for future development. Recommendation was made to put higher density along this corridor since this is a main thoroughfare into the City and making the major intersection more pedestrian friendly. It is anticipated a final report will be presented in approximately two month. This information will be shared with the City Council members. One of the major issues being focused on is open greenspace and how municipalities are trying to preserve their open greenspace because of the projected population boom, particularly in the South Florida area. Mayor Gibson shared the discussions during her trip to Atlanta,Georgia also centered around growth in the Southeastern part of the United States, therefore people are trying to be proactive. Councilwoman Pritchett shared with the Council and listening audience a flyer sent out by Congressman Kendrick Meek,which invited everyone to participate in"Miami Remembers The Life and Legacy of Coretta Scott King, with a King Memorial March on Sunday, February 12, 2006, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The event will start at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Post Office, located on NW 62nd Street and Carrie Meek Boulevard(NW 27`h Avenue)and finish about one third of a mile at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Metro Rail Station. A program will follow the one third mile walk. Councilwoman Pritchett asked Horace McHugh,Assistant City Manager to provide a report on the rap up session of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Steering Committee. Horace McHugh appeared before the City Council and highlighted the Committee's successful event and celebration. An oratorical contest was added to this year's schedule of events, which has over 100 individuals participating. There was an anticipated crowd of over 3,000 in attendance for this year's event. He indicated there were vacancies on the committee which needs to be made. Attorney Dickens informed Councilman Harvard that he has vacancies to be filled on all committees. Councilman Bratton asked if a class or seminar could be put together to educate the residents about signatory loans. Manager Crew said this is certainly something the City Council look at conducting. Councilman Harvard said a Conference relating to Affordable Housing and Economic Regular City Council Minutes 14 February 8.2006 Development,Small Business Development,Workforce Training would take place on March 1,2006, in Orlando,Florida. He further commended the police and code enforcement departments for doing an excellent job. Councilman Harvard reported that he had met with County Commissioner Barbara Jordan,who indicated the City has her support on the half penny sales tax as well as the down signage and other things the City might need. Councilman Harvard related that he was asked to purchase a ticket for Opa-locka Commissioner Dottie Johnson's"Spirit of Excellence Award Dinner". He suggested perhaps others from the City might want to attend this event. This event is scheduled for February 25, 2006. Councilwoman Watson reported that the composition of a Youth Council for the City of Miami Gardens is still being looked at. She reported that Seat 2 has successfully partnered Norland Middle School with a company looking to adopt a classroom and a school. She related Seat 2 is actively looking to identify other companies that are willing to work with principals, faculty and staff of local schools to progress themselves. These companies are not only willing to give money,but the expertise of their staff. Lastly,she is still working on the Hurricane Relief Program and is now preparing for the 2006 Hurricane season. 1. City Manager annual evaluation. Taren Kinglee,Human Resource Director appeared before the City Council and provided the City Council with a salary survey of what other City Manager were earning in similar municipalities Moved by Councilman Campbell,seconded by Councilman Bratton to give Manager Crew and 4.5%increase to be applied to Deferred Compensation. This motion passed and carried by a 6-1 vote. Councilwoman Watson: Yes Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Harvard: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Mayor Gibson: Yes (0) REQUESTS,PETITIONS& OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. There were none *Please Note: Councilman Bratton left meeting at 9:56 p.m. Regular City Council Minutes 15 February 8,2006 (P) ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to come before this Body,and upon a motion being duly made by Vice Mayor Braynon, second by Councilman Harvard, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. � J Shi ey ibson, Mayor Attest: z4A—�S�"40— Ronetta Taylor, , City Clerk Regular City Council Minutes 16 February 8,2006