HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 22. 2006 CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 22, 2006
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL:
The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens,Florida,met in a public meeting format at 6:12
p.m. The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson,Vice Mayor
Oscar Braynon Il,and Council members Aaron Campbell Jr., and Ulysses Harvard.
Attorney Dickens announced she had called this Attorney-Client Session at the February 8,
2006,City Council Meeting to be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. The services of a Court Reporter have been
acquired to record this Attorney-Client Session. The meeting will be held pursuant to Section
286.011(8), Florida Statutes. Anticipated attendance for this Attorney Client Session will include:
Mayor Shirley Gibson, Vice Mayor Oscar Braynon 11, Council members Barbara Watson, Aaron
Campbell Jr.,Melvin L.Bratton,Ulysses Harvard and Sharon Pritchett,City Manager Danny O.Crew
and City Attorney Sonja K Dickens. The purpose of this Attorney-Client Session is to discuss the case
of City National Bank of Florida as Trustee under Land Trust No. 2400-5110-00 v. City of Miami
Gardens.
Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon, second by Councilman Campbell to adjourn this public
meeting at 6:14 p.m., in order to convene in private session, this motion passed and carried by a 4-0
vote.
Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon, second by Councilman Harvard to reconvene the public
meeting at 6:35 p.m., the motion passed and carried by a 4-0 vote.
Attorney Dickens announced this will confirm that the Attorney-Client Session was in fact held
and concluded. After there was no further business to come before this Body,it was moved by Vice
Mayor Braynon second by Councilman Harvard to adjourn this public meeting at 6:37 p.m.,the motion
passed and carried by a 4-0 vote.
The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens,Florida,met in regular session on Wednesday,
February 22, 2006, beginning at 7:13 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 11,and Council members Barbara Watson,Aaron Campbell Jr.,Councilman Melvin L
Bratton, Councilman Ulysses Harvard and Councilwoman 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 Jay Marder, Development Services Director.
Regular City Council Minutes
February 22,2006
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Recited in unison.
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular City Council Meeting—February 8,2006
Moved by Councilwoman Watson, second by Councilman Harvard to approve the minutes,
with necessary corrections, if any. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/AMENDMENTS)
Manager Crew asked that the official agenda be amended to add the following item: "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS,FLORIDA,
APPROVING EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES FOR COUNCILWOMAN BARBARA
WATSON FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE NLC LEGISLATIVE CONGRESSIONAL CITY
CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON D.C., AND THE PINELLAS COUNTY 4-H YOUTH
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SERIES; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION TO THE CITY
MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon,second by Councilman Harvard to amend the official agenda
There being no further discussion,the motion to amend the official agenda passed and carried by a 7-0
vote to add this item to the official agenda as Item No. K-3.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
1. Major Matthew Boyd, Miami Gardens District Police Division
Burglary Crime Prevention Presentation
Major Boyd appeared before the City Council to introduced Sergeant J. Michael Ankney of the
Miami Gardens District General Investigations Unit. He further conveyed his appreciation of the City
Council and members of the community for their support. He announced presently at 191"Street and
NW 37th Avenue the first tactical Narcotics Unit Buy Bust Operation was underway. The operation
started this morning at 11:00 a.m.,and thus far 45 individuals have been arrested. Within the first five
minutes of operations two handguns were confiscated.
Sergeant Ankney the Burglar Sergeant for the City of Miami Gardens appeared before the City
Council to announce the police department is currently working on an identification program. This
program provides for the marking of all personal property items with the owner's Florida Driver
License number. This provides a mechanism to ensure properties stolen and subsequently confiscated
are returned to the rightful owners. In addition Major Boyd will be writing a series of articles to be
published in the newspaper. The first article to be published is entitled "Don't be a Victim", and
provide residents with information on how to better secure their property and what to look out for in
their neighborhoods. Furthermore, Mayor Boyd has partnered with the Miami-Dade County Public
School Board to address Truancy within the City of Miami Gardens.
(G) ZONING MATTERS
There were none.
(H) ORDINANCES) FOR FIRST READING
Regular City Council Minutes 2
February 22,2006
H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 10 OF
ORDINANCE NO. 2003-07, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO.
2005-03-41TO AMEND THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AT REGULAR
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS; 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 VICE MAYOR BRAYNON).
Vice Mayor Braynon explained at the last City Council meeting there was some discussion
about the agenda format. During that discussion it was noted the agenda format currently being
followed was not depicted in the original ordinance. For example the first comment section listed
on the agenda after Ordinances for second reading was not in the original ordinance. This ordinance
provides for the inclusion of the first public comments section. In addition the ordinance also
provides that items to be pulled from the Consent Agenda should be done under Order of Business.
Attorney Dickens further expounded on this item and indicated the"Request,petition&other
communication from the public"section,which was being used as a second public comments section
is deleted from the proposed ordinance. In addition the public comments section is being placed
after Special Presentations and Zoning Matters is deleted.
Councilwoman Pritchett said at the last City Council meeting when this matter was discussed
there was no discussion about the deletion of"Request, petition & other communication from the
public." She said the residents would not have an opportunity to comment or question the reports
given by the City Manager or the Mayor and City Council.
Attorney Dickens shared that she has had conversations with Vice Mayor Braynon since the
last City Council meeting about the drafting of this ordinance. She further explained any Council
member can sponsor an item and often times when this is done, she would enter into discussions
with that Council member as to the relevant issues they want addressed in the document. She said
after having a side-bar discussion with Vice Mayor Braynon additional issues were addressed.
Attorney Dickens opined if residents have questions on something that was stated under the
Manager's or Mayor and Council's Reports,they can asked those questions or express their concerns
at the next City Council meeting under Public Comments, which is placed at the beginning of the
meeting. She stated the Council can opt to have public comments heard at the end of the agenda. It
is up to the Council to decide how many times and where it wants the public comments section to be
located on the agenda.
Attorney Dickens opined the Reports of the City Manager and City Attorney are reports to the
Council and certainly any body wanting to make comments have a right to do that.
Regular City Council Minutes 3
February 22,2006
Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon,seconded by Councilwoman Watson to approve this item on
first reading.
Councilwoman Pritchett commented, when the residents were seeking to incorporate this
geographical area as a City, it was stated business would not be conducted as usual. She opined to
afford as many opportunities as possible for the public to come and be engaged in the process of the
government is for the betterment of all. She expressed her concern with taking out an opportunity
for the public to speak a second time when this is what has historically been done. She stated the
City must engage the public and afford them the feeling they will have more than one opportunity to
speak.
Vice Mayor Braynon asked Councilwoman Pritchett if she would like to offer a motion to
amend the ordinance to include "Request, petition & other communication from the public."
Attorney Dickens clarified that she had spoken with Vice Mayor Braynon about the drafting
of this particular as she has done with other Council members who have sponsored items for the
agenda. She said that Council certainly has a right to amend the ordinance. She pointed out that the
first public comments section was never included in the original ordinance, therefore that is an
addition to the ordinance.
Councilwoman Pritchett opined it would be good public relations to afford as many
opportunities as possible for public participation, given there is a time limit for speaking.
Mayor Gibson said the item is listed as"Request,petition&other communication from the
public"but the public has been using this as an opportunity for public comments. She stated if this
item is to remain on the agenda,she wanted it to be used for the intended purpose,which is different
than public comments. She reiterated if this item is to remain on the agenda, it must be utilized for
the intended purpose, which is to hear request,petitions and other communication from the public.
She emphasized this is not the same as public comments.
Councilwoman Pritchett concurred with Mayor Gibson's statement. She then moved to
amend the ordinance to leave the section providing for"Request,petition and other communication
from the public as part of the official agenda. This motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Braynon.
Councilman Bratton asked for clarification on"other communication".
Mayor Gibson said"other communication"could mean anything other than public comments
and could include a letter or something of that nature.
There being no further discussion the motion on the amendment passed and carried by a 7-0
vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Regular City Council Minutes 4
February 22,2006
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
There being no further discussion on the item as a whole,the motion to adopt on first reading
passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: Yes
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
(I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING "PUBLIC HEARINGS."
There were none
(J) PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 - MINUTES)
Leonard Coles, 2010 NW 1915` Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to read into a record an open letter of concerns. This letter is made a part of the record and is
attached hereto as Exhibit"A".
Mayor Gibson opined that Mr.Coles' letter was a powerful one and asked those individuals in
the audience if they felt as Mr. Coles did about the Council members not communicating with them,
providing them with an opportunity to speak, not respectful of their wishes or failed to provide
adequate leadership to raise their hands. Please note,out of the approximately 18 residents sitting in
the audience,the only individual with to raise hands was Mr. Coles.
Mr.Wendell James, 18820 NW 29`h Place,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City
Council to place emphasis on the importance of addressing the on-going problem of roof repairs. He
opined this continuing problem will result in health concerns and affect the quality of life for residents.
He opined at this point this situation is considered an emergency. He opined the rules can be bent to
accommodate the residents.
Mayor Gibson stated that this Council is not the reason there is a proliferation of Blue Tops in
this City. People are having problems trying to find roofers. They are having problems with their
homeowners insurance. There are also people who don't have money to get their roof repaired. She
said there are all kinds of reasons why people's roofs are not being repaired,and not because this City is
holding up their permit.
Willie Dykes,3460 NW 205`h Street,Miami Gardens,Florida,appeared before the City Council
to express concern about the Town Center Concept and the fact that the Metro Rail is slated to travel
Regular City Council Minutes 5
February 22,2006
along 27`h Avenue. He opined this Town Center is not going to work. This area is never going to be a
Miracle Miles(in Coral Gables)because this area will not get the clientele or the merchants like those
on Miracle Miles. He opined, even if a Town Center was realized, it would take approximately 15
years before it is operational. In the meantime the City would be losing revenue from those existing
merchants.
Councilman Campbell reminded the opened minded citizens present about those who had
stated there would never be a City of Miami Gardens. He opined there are some people who just don't
have a vision. There are some people who just don't want to take any risk.They want status quo. He
said it is unfortunate that we have people like that among us however,we will always have those types
of people among us.
(K) CONSENT AGENDA/RESOLUTION(S)
Please note Councilwoman Pritchett pulled Item K-2 from the Consent Agenda. This item now
reflected as Item L-1. The agenda has been renumbered accordingly.
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-19-365
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2004-10-61
WHICH APPOINTED MEMBERS TO THE REVENUE
ENHANCEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE; DISBANDING THE
REVENUE ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN CAMPBELL)
RESOLUTION NO 2006-20-366
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,APPROVING EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES
FOR COUNCILWOMAN BARBARA WATSON FOR ATTENDANCE
AT THE NLC LEGISLATIVE CONGRESSIONAL CITY
CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON D.C., AND THE PINELLAS
COUNTY 4-H YOUTH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SERIES;PROVIDING
FOR AUTHORIZATION TO THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING
FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (COUNCILWOMAN WATSON)
Moved by Vice Mayor Braynon, second by Councilwoman Watson to approve the Consent
Agenda. There being no discussion this motion 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
Regular City Council Minutes 6
February 22,2006
Mayor Gibson: Yes
(L) RESOLUTION(S)
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-21-367
L-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS,FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING AN ANNUAL CITY HOSTED
MEMORIAL DAY BREAKFAST TO BE HELD AT THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS COMMENCING IN 2006; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY FOR THE
CITY TO HOST THE BREAKFAST; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. (SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN BRATTON)
Councilwoman Pritchett said she wanted to know Councilman Bratton's expectations for
having this breakfast every year.
Councilman Bratton stated that over 300 people participated in last year's breakfast. It was well
received. This year's theme would recognize the VFW's in the area as well as all military personnel.
Councilwoman Pritchett said if someone requested to know the purpose,the goal,the mission
of what was being accomplished that information is not provided in the resolution.
Councilman Bratton said once the concept is in place and the logistics worked out that
information would be provided.
Councilwoman Pritchett said this is an excellent concept however, that information is not
included in the resolution. She suggested including the VFW concept in the resolution.
Mayor Gibson stated she has heard Councilwoman Pritchett's concern however,when the event
is organized and completed that within itself speaks to what it is going to be done. She opined the
purpose is quite clear. this is a Memorial Day event. In addition the advertisement would further
expound on the event.
Councilman Bratton said last year's event was well received and from the comments received
from the veterans and parents of fallen soldiers honored during the event he was encouraged to continue
this process.
Councilwoman Watson conveyed her appreciation of Councilwoman Pritchett's efforts to get
the purpose,scope and directive of this particular resolution however,if that information is provided in
the resolution it may limit the ability to expand the event. She opined the ability to continuously
involve the citizens is needed. She opined this might in the future evolve into an annual parade
however,if the scope and focus is narrowed the event might not development into its full potential as a
community event.
Regular City Council Minutes 7
February 22,2006
Moved by Councilman Harvard, seconded by Councilman Campbell and Councilwoman
Watson to approve this item.
Councilwoman Pritchett expressed concern because the City is formalizing the hosting of an
annual Memorial Day Breakfast commencing with the first event to be held on Monday,May 29,2006,
as stipulated in the resolution. She suggested amending the resolution to include a whereas clause and
incorporate the language provided by Councilman Bratton. Language could also be added stating
"these items will be include and not be limited to the following." By providing that language the
resolution would not be limited to the listed items, but would provide room to expand on the items.
This would give more fiber to an excellent concept.
There being no further discussion, this motion passed and carried by a 6-1 vote.
Councilman Campbell: Yes
Councilman Harvard: Yes
Councilwoman Pritchett: No
Councilwoman Watson: Yes
Councilman Bratton: Yes
Vice Mayor Braynon: Yes
Mayor Gibson: Yes
(M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY
1. Information Item —Transmittal of Comprehensive Development Master Plan
Manager Crew said this information provides for the various concepts and statistical
information,land use,housing element,in the Comprehensive Development Master Plan. He asked
Council to review the document and provide input.
2. School Impact Fees—Information Item
Manager Crew shared the School Board provided a letter, which included in this package of
information,which adopts the Impact Fee levels for any new developments in Miami-Dade County.
3. City Manager's Monthly Report
Councilwoman Pritchett asked whether a monthly financial report was available.
Manager Crew shared the City receives a monthly report,however due to the current financial
system,the report does not make much sense and is not a true reflection of what is happening within
the City. This information could be provided to the Council.
Councilman Harvard asked for an update on the Emergency Hurricane Plan.
Manager Crew stated a draft of this plan would be provided at the next City Council meeting.
Information on the CERT Program was also included in the Plan.
Manager Crew stated that a Salary Survey of all Cityjob classifications would also be provided
Regular City Council Minutes 8
February 22,2006
to Council at the next meeting.
(N) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
Councilwoman Watson provided a report that she had visited Pinellas County to observe their
Youth Program and its recruiting process. She conveyed her hopes that at some point the City of Miami
Gardens would be able to implement a similar program.
Councilwoman Watson explained relevant issues involved with Item K-3 as it related to her
travel expense and stated this Pinellas County's youth program recruiting process is a three part session.
She shared she would be traveling back to Pinellas County on Saturday, February 25`h and then again
on Tuesday, February 28`h to observe the remaining recruitment sessions.
Vice Mayor Braynon announced that on Saturday, February 25, 2005, at Rolling Oaks Park,
18701 NW 17`h Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a Health and Fitness Fair would be held.
Councilman Campbell announced that 14 citizens completed the first CERT training. It is
anticipated that certificates would be given out during one of the City Council meetings in March. In
addition advertisement and announcements will be provided for those citizens interested in
participating in future classes.
Councilman Harvard thanked Major Boyd and his staff for the fine job they are doing within the
community. He further shared that trash had been taken from the old dump area,only to have someone
reopen the gate and add new trash there. He said perhaps the police department can pay special
attention to this area to discourage this type of illegal activity.
Councilman Harvard shared that he has visited the City's Building Department and witnessed
firsthand the great job the City's employees are doing.
Councilwoman Pritchett announced there is going to be the creation of a Norwood
Neighborhood Crime Watch. The first meeting will be held on Friday,February 24,2006,beginning at
7:00 p.m.,at the Miami Gardens District police station. She encouraged everyone to attend.
Mayor Gibson shared she along with other individuals has been in meetings with JPL about
their service and restoration efforts. There are five areas being looked at: 1)facility upgrades;2)pole
inspections and replacement; 3) electrical infrastructure; 4) under-grounding and 5) enhanced
vegetation management initiative.
Mayor Gibson said FP&L has made a commitment that they are going to be doing as many
upgrades as possible. This will affect a lot of the facilities that will need to up and on line as quickly as
possible. These would include schools, hospitals and feeder lines for grocery stores and service
stations.
Mayor Gibson reiterated that Miami-Dade County has jurisdiction over Emergency
Management. Miami-Dade County is the entity that makes the decisions. If the information received
Regular City Council Minutes 9
February 22,2006
by Miami-Dade County is not shared with municipalities,then those cities do not have information to
provide to its residents. She said she was informed that Miami-Dade County decides what facilities
should be placed on a list of priority repair. She reiterated FP&L takes its priority about the restoration
of electrical service from Miami-Dade County. She said the City would be contacting Miami-Dade
County to ensure their inventory includes those facilities within the City of Miami Gardens,such as
nursing homes and senior citizen homes so that they can get service.
Mayor Gibson said the other issue is everybody wants to go underground with their
infrastructure. FP&L has agreed that it would pay 25% of the cost however, the cost to the average
customer could be between five and ten thousand dollars,which would include the connection from the
property to the underground.
Mayor Gibson said FP&L has also made a commitment that it would do more tree trimming. If
there is a nuisance tree,FP&L will take it down as well as provide a replacement tree. She emphasized
there is a lot of work to do and not all of it will be done in three months. Some of this is a five,ten or
fifteen year process. Eventually FP&L will do a blueprint of all municipalities within Miami-Dade
County. In addition, FP&L has committed to working more closely with municipalities in its
restoration efforts.
Mayor Gibson further stated that forty percent of the poles in Miami-Dade County are the
property of BellSouth.
Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of everyone preparing for the hurricane season.
(0) REQUESTS,PETITIONS & OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE
PUBLIC.
There was none.
(P) ADJOURNMENT.
There being no other business to come before this Body and upon a motion being duly made
by Councilman Bratton and second by Councilman Harvard, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Attest: rley Gibson, Mayor
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T Ronetta Taylor, C, City Clerk
Regular City Council Minutes 10
February 22,2006
e a I/a ac d ti+�S C��i� Cfoa••�-� .
Leonard�Coles
2010 NW 191 Ter., Miami Gardens, F1., Opa Locka, Florida 33056
Telephone # 305-622-4046 Fax # 305-621-5500
February 22, 2006
Council Members
City of Miami Gardens
1515-200 NW 167 'Street
Miami Gardens, Florida 33169
Open letter of concerns to the City of Miami Gardens, Florida
SUBJECT; SINCE INFORMATION/KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, WHO HOLD THE
POWER IN OUR CITY?
The following are some widely accepted Facts that I think the citizens of Miami Gardens deserve
your immediate consideration and attention to;
1. It is a fact that information/knowledge is power.
2. He or She that holds and controls the information/knowledge holds and controls the
power.
3. Power corrupts.
4. Absolute Power corrupts absolutely.
5. The Holy Scriptures teaches ;
a. For the Lack of Knowledge my People perish.
b. Knowledge is superior to Gold.
c. Knowledge can keep you from captivity/destruction.
d. Knowledge insures stability.
e. Knowledge increases strength
f. The love of money is the root of all evil.
g. As one believes in ones heart so is she or he
As many of the residents of Miami Gardens see it the following are facts relating to power in our
City;
1. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Many feel the chain is broken based on the
lack of the council members showing concern for what the public wants and deserves. Many
believe the recent purposed change of council meeting time, was nothing but a smoke screen in
an attempt to out smart the public in thinking that each council member have the capacity and
will to oppose the Mayor by deciding an issue. Please note the public knows it would not have
made any sense for council members who have other source of employment to change the time
of the meetings to conflict with their other employment work schedules (i.e. Many feel they
would have been cutting of their noses to spite their faces,that is to say they voted to keep the
meeting time the same served the individual council members,rather than in any response to the
public expressing what we want).
2. The public is given very little detailed information, on polices within city , why and how
the City Council decides what resolutions and ordinances are voted for in council
meetings and what each council member thoughts are relating to concern of the public.
The council members consistently declined/refuse/failed to verbally or in writing,
explaining the who, what, when,where and how of their decision making processes
or/and votes on issues relating to the City of Miami Gardens. Is this because you do not
feel you are accountable to the public? Example: (a) for the past(2)years the Manager
was given a percentage increase in pay, even through he has a(3)three year, dollar
amount contract, (i.e. no council member gave the public a detail explanation as to why
they feel a increase in pay is justified,knowing the fact we are a new city, still not fully
functional). (b) At each meeting the public do not have access to a complete agenda
package,the general public is given only a overview of the agenda and not the detailed
information via the internet of otherwise...
3. The council members are not and have not kept the public informed,by holding meeting
with their constituency who elected then and who have the right to have access to
information relating to, who, what, when, where and how of their decisions making,
processes are being formulated to the best interest of the City of Miami Gardens, (i.e. the
public business).
4. Many residents feel the City Manager controls the power within the city and the Council
members of whom they elected is accountable to the City Manager and his Staff. Many
residents feel the Council is and have been corporally negelent because they did not and
have not had a staff that report to each one of the council members and is only
accountable to provide members with information and assistance, independent of the City
Manger and his Staff, (i.e. as is the case with effective elective official throughout most
governments within our county, state, and nation)An example of how the City Manager
is in control rather than the Council; (A.)At the meeting on February 8, 2006, some
council members and residents expressed concern about the building department
processes and procedures (Home Owner Permits/Roofs in our city). (B.) City Mgr. gave
some off the cuff answer and the council accepted it without directing the Mgr. to provide
a written policy by this meeting date, (i.e. due to the roofing emergency that exist in our
city,no question were addressed on how Miami Dade County or other cities are handling
this crisis. (C) This crisis of blue top roofs is not list on tonight's meeting agenda as a
follow up,to share facts and not just opinions that are not based on facts.
5. Make no mistake about it many residents feel each council person need to take immediate
action to provide for themselves and their constituency, a staff that is independent of the
City Manager, Mayor and other Council members, to aid them in providing for the best
interest of the residents that each council member is suppose to be serving. Many feel
the failure to take this immediate action is a failure in leadership ability, and a failure to
do what is in the best interest of the constituency of the City of Miami Gardens. A leader
who's heart is in the right place will provide for,two way communication with the
constituency on a regular bases and not just in a controlled(2)two minute window of
time during council meetings. The residents voted for a Charter,that have a Council of
(7) seven Leaders for the people and not a strong manager,not a strong mayor, (i.e. our
charter provide for(4) four out of the (7) seven council positions,to be voted on by every
voter within the city, (i.e. this is so each resident have(4)persons on the council to hold
directly accountable for representing them).
Your attention and response to these concerns is appreciated, and expected.
Sincerely,
,t (Electronic Signature)
Leonard Coles, Resident