HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.09.2013 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 9, 2013
(A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session,
Wednesday, January 9, 2013, beginning at 7:03 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1515 NW
167`x' Street, Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida.
The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Vice
Mayor Lisa C. Davis, and Council members Lillie O. Odom, Rodney Harris, Felicia Robinson,
David Williams Jr., and Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro.
Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K.
Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor.
(B) INVOCATION
Mayor Gilbert delivered the Invocation.
(C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance recited in unison.
(D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular City Council Minutes—December 12, 2012
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to approve the
minutes, with necessary corrections, if any.
This motion passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
(E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time)
Councilman Ighodaro withdrew Item L-1 from the official agenda.
Councilwoman Odom pulled Item K-8 from the Consent Agenda.
The following items were added to the official agenda as Items K-9; K-10, K-11 and L-3
respectively.
K-9) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING GUERLINE BETHEL TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FRIENDS OF MIAMI GARDENS,
INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 1
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
COUNCILMAN ERHABOR IGHODARO, Ph.D.)
K-10) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING VALERIE BROWN TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FRIENDS OF MIAMI GARDENS,
INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
K-11) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING DANNY FELTON TO THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FRIENDS OF MIAMI GARDENS,
INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR
GILBERT)
L-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE 2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE
PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, AS OUTLINED
IN EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONS
TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY MAYOR GILBERT)
Motion offered by Vice Mayor Davis, seconded by Councilman Williams to approve the
official agenda with the additions/deletions. This motion passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
(F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each)
F-1) Caribbean Affairs Quarterly Report
Miguel Murray, a member of the Caribbean Affairs Advisory Committee appeared before
the City Council to report on issues the Committee planned to bring forward in 2013 (e.g. co-
designating NW 7th Avenue from 826 to NW 199th Street, Amy and Marcus Garvey Boulevard;
creating a sister city relationship with Jamaica). June 2012, the Committee recognized former
Mayor Shirley Gibson, as well as local businesses and residents. The Committee would also like
to utilize the City's newsletter as a venue to encourage participation from the residents. For
those individuals who are not technologically advanced, a word of mouth system has been
established. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the Caribbean Affairs Advisory
Committee monthly meeting, every third Tuesday of the month, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The
committee would also like to host events during the month of June and September in honor of
Caribbean festivities.
(G) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Timothy Bostic, 3898 NW 165th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council on behalf of residents in Venetian Gardens to thank the Council for its assistance in
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 2
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
getting street lighting within this neighborhood. He expressed concern with the actual
installation of the street lighting saying in some instances the lighting is not sufficient (not bright
enough). He presented photographs of those troubled areas.
Mayor Gilbert asked Mr. Bostic to provide Tom Ruiz, Public Works Director, with the
photographs he was presenting to the Council. He further indicated that County Commissioner
Barbara Jordan would also be contacted.
Julio Avila, 16250 NW 391h Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council and stated that the presence of Code Enforcement is needed in his neighborhood. Many
people are leaving their garbage containers outside. In addition, people are not maintaining their
property. Furthermore, there is a trailer, which appears to be inhabited on NW 162"d Street, and
NW 37th Court.
Annie Bostic, 3898 NW 165th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City
Council to expound on the need for Code Enforcement in this neighborhood. She said there is an
individual living in a motor home, which is parked on the swale area.
Mayor Gilbert asked Mr. Avila and Ms. Bostic to speak with Ms. Shellie Ramson-
Jackson, Building/Code Compliance Director. He assured Mr. Avila and Ms. Bostic that code
enforcement activity will be increased in their neighborhood.
Emma Pringle, 3441 NW 213th Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the
City Council to express concern with the co-designation of streets. She said she did not
understand why the city would be naming a street after Mr. Garvey when there are so many
African Americans that could be honored. For example, there is no street in the City of Miami
Gardens co-designated after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She further stated that it is disgraceful
to her that the street selected to be co-designated Barack and Michelle Obama Boulevard is not a
major corridor.
Mayor Gilbert in response to Ms. Pringle's comment regarding the co-designation for
Barack and Michelle Boulevard, shared it is a theoretical street, at present. City Hall will be on
that street when it is developed. The area will look totally different once the City Hall project is
completed, and the road developed. This will become one of the premier streets in Miami
Gardens because it will be the main entrance to City Hall.
(I) ORDINANCES) FOR FIRST READING:
H-1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR AN
ADDITIONAL FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR ($50,000.00)
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR QUALIFYING SENIORS TO BE
APPLIED TO TAXES LEVIED BY THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR
THE ANNUAL SUBMISSION OF A SWORN STATEMENT TO
THE PROPERTY APPRAISER; ALLOWING SUPPORTING
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 3
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
DOCUMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR WAIVER OF
EXEMPTION; PROVIDING FOR COMMENCEMENT OF
EXEMPTION; PROVIDING FOR AN ANNUAL INCREASE IN
THE INCOME LIMITATION; REPEALING ORDINANCE 2004-
19-35; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK;
PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion offered by Councilwoman Odom, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to adopt
this item on first reading.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 vote.
Vice Mayor Davis: Yes
Councilman Harris: Yes
Councilman Ighodaro: Yes
Councilwoman Odom: Yes
Councilwoman Robinson: Yes
Councilman Williams: Yes
Mayor Gilbert: Yes
(I) ORDINANCES) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(.I) RESOLUTION(S)/PUBLIC HEARING(S)
None
(K) CONSENT AGENDA:
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-01-1797
K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST,
RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN CONTRACT (WS746)
AMENDMENT #1 WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS, RELATING TO INMATE WORK PROGRAMS;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-02-1798
K-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE CREATION
OF A "NO PARKING ZONE" ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 4
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
SWALE AREAS ALONG THE NW SUNSHINE STATE
PARKWAY; 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. 2013-03-1799
K-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA APPOINTING CHARLES WILEY
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FRIENDS OF MIAMI
GARDENS, INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN LILLIE Q. ODOM)
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-04-1800
K-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, CONFIRMING COUNCILMAN
ERHABOR IGHODARO'S REAPPOINTMENT OF DANNIE
MCMILLON TO THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN FOR A TWO (2) YEAR TERM;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY
ERHABOR IGHODARO)
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-05-1801
K-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, WAIVING THE ART IN PUBLIC
PLACES REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 20, ARTICLE IV OF
THE CITY'S CODE FOR THE CITY HALL PROJECT;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE
CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-06-1802
K-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING A PROHIBITION
ON THE SALE AND POSSESSION OF AUTOMATIC AND SEMI-
AUTOMATIC WEAPONS; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO
THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR LISA DAVIS AND
COUNCILMAN RODNEY HARRIS)
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 5
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-07-1803
K-7) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID TO H & R
PAVING, INC., FOR THE COMPLETION OF A ROAD MILLING
AND RESURFACING PROJECT FROM NW 151ST STREET TO
NW 155TH STREET, IN THE AMOUNT OF NINE HUNDRED
SEVENTY THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-ONE
DOLLARS AND TWENTY CENTS ($970,741.20), WHICH
INCLUDES A TEN PERCENT (10%) CONTINGENCY;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK
TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST RESPECTIVELY, THAT CERTAIN
AGREEMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE, A COPY OF WHICH IS
ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"; PROVIDING FOR
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.(SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER)
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-08-1804
K-9) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING GUERLINE
BETHEL TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FRIENDS
OF MIAMI GARDENS, INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION
OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN ERHABOR IGHODARO, Ph.D.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-09-1805
K-10) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING VALERIE BROWN
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FRIENDS OF MIAMI
GARDENS, INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DAVID WILLIAMS JR.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-10-1806
K-11) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, APPOINTING DANNY FELTON
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FRIENDS OF MIAMI
GARDENS, INC.; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY MAYOR GILBERT)
Motion offered by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to adopt
the Consent Agenda.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous voice
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 6
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
vote.
(L) RESOLUTION(S):
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-11-1807
K-8) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, WAIVING PARK RENTAL FEES
AT A.J. KING PARK FOR THE WOMEN'S BREAST HEALTH
INITIATIVE (WBHI) IN MARCH 2013; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR OLIVER
GILBERT)
Mayor Gilbert passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Davis.
Councilwoman Odom inquired about the fiscal impact of this particular item.
Mayor Gilbert said the fee to be waived is $500.00 for all three days. This is a targeted
area the space would be used to provide tables and chairs for individuals coming into the facility.
Councilwoman Odom expressed concern with waiving the fee for a three day event.
Mayor Gilbert said he did not do this often but was doing this one specifically because of
the service this organization has offered this community in the past. This is a benefit to our
residents.
Councilwoman Robinson conveyed understanding of Councilwoman Odom's concern
and opined the Council needs to look at each request on an individual basis. She shared that her
major concern is for our community to become healthy. She opined this is one request the
Council needs to approve.
Councilman Williams said this organization provides some health benefits to our
residents. He conveyed support of this organization and stated he did not have a problem with
any organization that supports and provides valuable service to the residents in our community.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Williams to adopt this item.
There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
After the vote was taken Vice Mayor Davis relinquished the gavel to Mayor Gilbert.
L 1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY !1T'.
�1'r111T t.l 1 1 V 1
MIAMI GARDENS, 1
GO DESIGNATING 7T-H AATENUE
NORTH FROM 1 99TH STREET TO THE 826AP A i AiiTi TT-0 AS
ri- ^�-rn--crrrmr�-�r�—rim�o .,.1�:......1..1 ��.
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 7
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
MARCUS GARVEY .,
PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO
THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
REPRESENTATIONS; DATE.
(SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN ERHABOR 1GI40DARO)
(Deferred from Deeember- 7
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-12-1808
L-2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, CO-DESIGNATING NW 185TH
TERRACE EAST OF NW 27TH AVENUE TO THEORETICAL NW
25TH AVENUE AS PRESIDENT BARACK AND MICHELLE
OBAMA BOULEVARD; PROVIDING FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE
CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(SPONSORED BY THE COUNCILMAN ERHABOR IGHODARO)
Motion offered by Councilman Ighodaro, seconded by Councilman Williams to adopt
this item.
By unanimous consent the resolution title was changed to read "President Barack and
Michelle Obama Boulevard".
Vice Mayor Davis for clarification purposes commented this is the street entrance to City
Hall, and as such the city is going to make sure the street looks good.
Manager Crew in response to Vice Mayor Davis' comment stated, "That is correct."
Councilwoman Odom asked whether this street would be accessible to the public.
Manager Crew said the city is spending 1.5 Million Dollars on this street, which will be
the main entrance to City Hall.
Councilwoman Odom asked what is to prevent the city from co-designating 185`" Terrace
from NW 27th Avenue to NW 22"d Avenue, based on the ordinance allowing a 5 block
designation.
Mayor Gilbert said the co-designation could be extended through the residential
neighborhood. He said he would be much more comfortable about containing the area where
City Hall was.
Manager Crew said the streets ends at 25th Avenue becoming a turn-about because of the
pending housing development. He said his only concern is that people trying to find city hall
from NW 22"d Avenue might get lost and drive through a residential area.
Mayor Gilbert said there is a practical significance of naming the street after the President
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 8
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
and the First Lady, but there is also a symbolic significance because his (President Obama)
program helped build Miami Gardens City Hall.
Attorney Dickens clarified that the action to extend the co-designation to NW 22nd
Avenue can always be done in the future.
Motion offered by Councilwoman Odom, seconded by Councilman Ighodaro to amend
the resolution to extend the co-designation of NW 185d' Terrace from NW 27`h Avenue on the
west side to NW 22nd Avenue on the east side.
Councilwoman Robinson stated that she was not one hundred percent opposed to this
amendment, however because a residential street is involved, she would like to have this item
placed on the agenda so that the residents can provide input.
The motion to amend the resolution failed by a majority voice vote.
There being no further discussion on the resolution as a whole, the motion to adopt
passed and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-13-1809
L-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE 2013 STATE
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, AS OUTLINED IN EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO;
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS;
PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR
GILBERT)
Mayor Gilbert passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Davis before sharing his rationale for
sponsoring this item. He stated the 2013 State Legislative Program represents the ideas the
council previously support and included the Stadium and gaming, as well as ideas from the
Florida League of Cities, and ideas that have been passed on this dais. This item needs to be
amended because of the item relating to the prohibition of sales and possession of semi-
automatic and automatic weapons,passed tonight on the Consent Agenda. This legislation has to
be presented on tomorrow, January 10, 2013, to the Dade Delegation during a meeting at Florida
Memorial University. He invited members of the Council to attend that meeting, as well.
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Councilwoman Robinson to amend this
resolution to add the prohibition of sales and possession of semi-automatic and automatic
weapons.
There being no discussion on the amendment, this motion passed and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 9
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
Motion offered by Mayor Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis to adopt this with the
amendment.
There being no discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a unanimous voice
vote.
After the vote was taken, Vice Mayor Davis relinquished the gavel to Mayor Gilbert.
(M) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK
M-1) City Manager's Report
(l) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
N-1) City Council Meeting -This item will be discussed at the January 23, 2013, City
Council Meeting.
Councilwoman Odom reported on the 10th Anniversary Planning Committee activities.
She said the Committee is looking at four events for the 10th anniversary: The State of the City
Address, Employee Appreciation, Mayor's Ball and Opening of City Hall. Efforts will start in
February for the anniversary logo, and the branding theme at city sponsored events. A
comprehensive sponsorship package is being developed so that financial support can be solicited
for the events. Pole banners will be installed along the major thoroughfares.
Mayor Gilbert asked the 10th anniversary theme is being incorporated in all other city
events being held this year.
Councilwoman Odom in response to Mayor Gilbert's inquiry replied, yes we are.
Manager Crew said probably at the next city council meeting the consultant hired by the
City to look at the branding, will be present to make a presentation.
Mayor Gilbert said he is aware that other organizations will be brought on board to assist
with the PR.
Vice Mayor Davis shared that an item will be forthcoming at the next City Council
meeting outlining the events and consultants identified to assist.
Attorney Dickens said all that will be outlined in the resolution. Three companies have
been selected. Two of those companies will be handling the events. One marketing firm will be
brought on board as well.
Mayor Gilbert thanked the committee members for doing an excellent job.
Councilwoman Robinson announced next month is our heritage month. There will be an
oratorical contest for the MLK Event. She asked everyone to encourage our youth to participate.
She further encouraged the city's After Care Program participants to get involved. She wished
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 10
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
everyone a Happy New Year.
Councilman Williams shared that within the next few weeks, an invitation will be sent
out announcing the unveiling of the first Botanical Garden in a public school in Miami Gardens,
and perhaps, in Miami-Dade County. He further shared that a Science Exchange Program
initiative is also underway.
Councilman Ighodaro commended the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police for their good
work and the celebration police department's fifth year anniversary. He shared that he was
putting together a meeting of concerned clergy to plan an all-night prayer and candle light vigil
on Sunday night, January 20th, at the Betty T. Ferguson Amphitheater. He encouraged residents
to come out. Breakfast will be served after the vigil. He wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Councilman Ighodaro further shared there was a request made by a local pastor with
regard to having a day of pray with City of Miami Gardens officials and staff, on Friday, January
25th
Councilwoman Robinson announced on February 4' 2013, the City of Miami Gardens
will be partnering with Miami-Dade College African American Reading event. Miami Gardens
will host a satellite station at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, from 10:00 a.m. — 12
noon. She encouraged everyone to support this event.
Vice Mayor Davis shared the 10th Anniversary Planning Committee has been working
very hard, putting everything together for the residents. She encouraged the community to come
out in support of the events. She wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Mayor Gilbert shared that Reverend Baskin from New Way Baptist Church requested to
meet and pray with the Miami Gardens' city council, the administration and the employees, on
January 25, 2013. He opined with regard to the employees we cannot make that mandatory.
Attorney Dickens expressed concern that this seemed to be a specific denomination. The
Council can come. The concern is with the employees, and to compel employees to come is
inappropriate. She was concern with the separation of church and state issue. She further stated
there are employees from other religious denominations. If you are going to accommodate one
religious denomination you would have to accommodate the other religious denominations as
well.
Councilman Ighodaro said he did not want to put the city in any kind of imposition.
Nobody is being asked to do anything. If you do not want to come, you do not have to come.
This is an open invitation.
Mayor Gilbert said he was going to invite Reverend Baskin here and if anybody wanted
to join in, they can. If an employee wants to come and pray or be prayed for, they are welcome,
if they can do that without interrupting the daily operation of the city.
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 11
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 2013
Vice Mayor Davis opined this is a good idea but she did not want to see a precedence set
whereby other pastors from other denominations would want to come in to do the same thing.
Mayor Gilbert said he will be here, January 25`h and anyone wanting to join can do so.
We can never have too much prayer. He further shared that you do not need to be at city hall to
pray. You can pray at your home, in your car.
Mayor Gilbert wished everyone a Happy New Year and shared this is a new year and he
looked forward to serving the residents as Mayor in 2013.
(0) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
(P) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly made,
the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Attest: Viver Gilbert, Mayor
Z91 1�1
R netta Taylor, MMC,C' Clerk
Regular City Council Minutes
January 9, 2013 Page 12