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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 11, 2009CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2009 (A) CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The City Council for the City of Miami Gardens, Florida, met in regular session on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, beginning at 7:20 p.m., in the City Council, 1515 NW 167' Street, Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida, The following members of the City Council were present: Mayor Shirley Gibson, Vice Mayor Barbara Watson and Council members Aaron Campbell Jr., Andre Williams, Melvin L. Bratton, Sharon Pritchett and Oliver G. Gilbert III. Also in attendance were: City Manager Dr. Danny O. Crew, City Attorney Sonja K. Dickens and City Clerk Ronetta Taylor. (B) INVOCATION Invocation delivered by Dr. Lester Brown. (C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Recited in unison. (D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES D-1) Regular City Council Minutes -January 28, 2009 Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, seconded by Councilman Bratton to approve the minutes, with necessary corrections, if any. This motion was passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. (E) ORDER OF BUSINESS (Items to be pulled from Consent Agenda at this time) Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to pull items J-1: J-3; and J-4 from the Consent Agenda. The motions passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Mayor Gibson amended the official agenda to add the following item as J-6 "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA'S REQUEST THAT THE MIAMI- DADE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RENAME THE "OPA- LOCKA EXECUTIVE AIRPORT" TO THE "OPA-LOCKA-BARACK OBAMA EXECUTIVE AIRPORT; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE." Manager Crew removed Item F-3) from presentations. Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 1 Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Vice Mayor Watson to approve the official agenda with the necessary additions/deletions/changes. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. (F) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (5 minutes each) F-1) Councilwoman Pritchett -Community presentation -Dexter Carswell and Thaddeus Martin Dexter Carswell, PO Box 934957 Margate, Florida, appeared before the City Council to provide background information about his cousin Thaddeus Martin aka Cooper, a Reality TV Show (From Duds to GEMS) contestant and winner. Councilwoman Pritchett thanked Mr. Martin and Mr. Carswell for being present at tonight's meeting. She shared that Mr. Martin is a product of the Miami-Dade County School System, and that a portion of Mr. Martin's $100,000 cash prize for winning the completion went to pay off his mother's mortgage. In addition, Mr. Martin is the founder of aNot-For-Profit organization A Plus Two. Councilwoman Pritchett presented Mr. Martin with a plaque for his community involvement. Thaddeus Martin appeared before the City Council to further expound on the television program and the impact and difference this program is making in the lives of young black men. F-2) William Alonso - 2008 Financial Trends Report William Alonso, Finance Director for the City of Miami Gardens appeared before the City Council to talk about the 2008 Financial Trends Report. He said this report has been updated with the information provided by the auditors. The Trends Report has 13 positives, five negatives and two inconclusive. The overall rating is positive. A copy of this report is provided on the back table for those residents present at tonight's meeting. The report is also available on line on the City's website. This is staff s continued efforts to provide the Council and residents with the most current financial information. It is also another objective of providing transparency to the residents. Councilman Williams asked if there was any way to project the benefits cost for employees. Mr. Alonso said a projection could be done with regard to health care however, the pension projection cannot because that is a mandate by another entity. Councilman Williams asked how will the hiring of additional police officers affect this projection. Mr. Alonso said the hiring of ten to twenty additional police officers should not have such a significant impact. He reminded the Council that initially approximately 200 officers were hired, which provided for the significant increase. Mayor Gibson asked what is the average percentage of employee benefits in other Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 2 municipalities. Mr. Alonso said the average he has seen has been between thirty and thirty-five percent. He commented health care cost continues to increase. F-4) Deputy Chief Miller -Police Department Monthly Report Deputy Chief Miller presented Co-officer of the month Certificates to Detective James Harris and Officer Jonathan Starks, for their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. Their professionalism and dedication to duty is commendable, appreciated and deserving of the Officer of the Month Award. Deputy Chief Miller provided the monthly report, and informed the Council that from December 2008 to January 2009, the City was down 25% in targeted crimes. Robberies decreased by 43%, and all burglary categories decreased as well. Year-to-date there has been a 19% decrease (January 2008 to January 2009). Furthermore, the police department has been able to maintain full staffing with the assistance of the HR Department. All positions have been maintained consistently, and constantly. Lastly supervisor responsibility has been established and maintained. All supervisors have been trained in the evaluation process and looking to tie in performance and productivity into that evaluation. Deputy Chief Miller reported arrests in targeted crimes are up 13%. There is a 56% change in residential burglaries, which is due in part to the operations and investigation units working very closely together. Robbery arrests are continuing its consistency. He opined the violent nature of our robberies are going down. There were three homicide arrests in January 2009. Deputy Chief Miller said the Operations Unit is focusing more on street level crimes, violent crimes, narcotics and search warrants. The auto theft unit realized a 17% reduction in auto thefts compared to 2007. A special initiative is underway with regard to ATVs. Periodically, the police department has been conducting ATV's and dirty bike checks on Saturdays and Sundays. The last one was on January 25th, at which five arrests were made and five vehicles were towed, 18 citations were written and stolen vehicle was recovered. He reported on the successful truancy sweep initiative. In a four hour period 36 students were picked up and returned to school. Deputy Chief Miller said the community service officers have been partnering with the traffic unit to do school zone enforcement. In addition, there have been 26 neighborhood watch programs implemented through the community service unit. Councilman Campbell commended the Police Department for doing an outstanding job. He said he likes the culture that has been adopted for the City of Miami Gardens Police Department. There is a certain attitude. The officers are taking initiatives and are not waiting to be called. The officers are also self motivated, which has resulted in some good things happening. He opined the bad guys have started to recognize that it is not business as usual. Councilman Bratton asked about the status of the semi-trucks being parked in the City of Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 3 Miami Gardens for more than two hours. Manager Crew said that Code Enforcement as well as the police department are working diligently to address this problem. Councilman Bratton referenced the traffic accident report and stated that NW 199tH Street and 32°d Avenue is very active for accidents. He asked what type of accidents are occurring at this location. Deputy Chief Miller said he was not sure and would have to provide this info. Councilman Bratton said there is a Red-Light Camera at NW 183`d Street and 27tH Avenue and asked if an accident occurs at this location would the insurance company requests a copy of that video. Deputy Chief Miller said the police department has not had a request of this nature as yet. He shared 750 violations were issued the first 15 days of the Red-Light Camera operation, at that intersection. Councilman Bratton asked if a spotter could be placed at the NW 207tH Street and 27tH Avenue (east side) intersection. He opined the area is dangerous for children, and as such an accident waiting to happen. Councilman Williams commended the police department for doing an outstanding job. He asked whether the truancy arrests being made for repeat offenders or different individuals. Deputy Chief Miller said arrests consist of individuals from outside and within the City. There are also repeat offenders. Councilman Williams asked whether the police department has a program in place to deal with this problem. Deputy Chief Miller said the police department is in the process of implementing an intervention program for youths and juveniles. Councilman Williams stated this is an important concern for him and asked that the police department provide periodic reports on the progress of this implementation. Councilman Bratton asked whether the parents of the students being returned to school for truancy being notified. Deputy Chief Miller in response to Councilman Bratton's question stated that the Counselor in the schools, as part of their intervention, contacts the parents. The Police Department's Juvenile and Gant Units, as part of their normal duties, contact parents to let them know what is going on with their children. These units also contact the schools when the Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 4 students are returned, advising they want the parents contacted for future intervention. Councilman Gilbert shared he was in the area of 183rd Street and NW 7th Avenue, where an accident had occurred. He said police officer at this scene did an excellent job with the accident victims, as well as ensuring that the flow of traffic was not interrupted. F-5) Tsahai Codner, KMGB -New Community Pride P.S.A. Tsahai Codner, Director Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful Program appeared before the City Council and announced, the City of Miami Gardens has won first place for highly covenant national Keep America Beautiful Roger's Award for the City's anti litter public service announcement, for the Radio Ad category. The City of Miami Gardens competed with states, counties and other municipalities. F-6) City Manager Crew -Special Presentation Manager Crew presented Sonja K. Dickens with a Certificate of Appreciation for five years of grateful service as City Attorney for the City of Miami Gardens. She also received a five year pen. Attorney Dickens thanked the City Manager for this presentation. She further thanked the Council for allowing her to serve as City Attorney for the City of Miami Gardens. She shared the Miami Gardens City Council is one of the most professional governing bodies she has ever had the pleasure of working for. (G) PUBLIC COMMENTS Rita Pierre, 1000 NW 197th Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express concern with the lack of support and attendance from the Miami Gardens Police Department at the Norwood Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting. She shared that she had spoken with the community service officer prior to the meeting advising of when the meeting would take place. Mayor Gibson asked Ms. Pierre if she had spoke with the Deputy Chief about her concerns. Ms. Pierre said she had not. Mayor Gibson suggested that if this situation happened again, Ms. Pierre should contact Chief Boyd or in his absence Deputy Chief Miller to inform them of this. Janice Coakley, 19681 NW 33rd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council and thanked Mayor Gibson for intervening with WalMart on behalf of the Girl Scouts. She further thanked Councilmen Williams, Bratton and Gilbert for purchasing Girl Scout Cookies. She addressed comments to the City Manager's annual evaluation and possible salary increase. She further expressed displeasure with the fact that one of the City Manager's accomplishments was the defeat of the union in both the general and police employees. She conveyed the belief that people should be treated fairly, with respect, where employees do not feel intimidated or retaliation, and should have unbiased representation. Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 5 Lemuel Wims, 19675 NW 32°d Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to express concerns with the Red-Light Camera on NW 183`d Street and 2°d Avenue. John Zeigler, 18501 NW 22°a Court, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City Council to complain about a neighbor who is operating a mechanic repair shop at his residential property (18515 NW 22°d Court). He shared that he called the Code Enforcement Department on several occasions about this situation and as yet nothing has been done. He further suggested issuing jaywalking tickets as a way to generate revenue. He further commended the police department for doing an excellent job. Councilman Gilbert shared that he had invited Mr. Zeigler to come to the Council meetings and to get involved. Mr. Hugh L. Dodd, 17125 NW 19`h Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida, appeared before the City to talk about the decrease in property values. The experts anticipate property values in Miami-Dade County to continue to decline until 2011. He opined a property that was purchased in 2007 for 9 Million dollars is only worth $250,000 now. He further shared that President Obama has put a freeze on salaries over $100,000. He suggested that the Council do the same or implement a pay decrease. Councilman Campbell commented if there are no taxes how will city services be paid for. He asked who will pay for these services. There has to be taxes to pay for city services. Councilman Gilbert in response to Mr. Dodd's suggestion of placing a freeze or decreasing on salaries, and stated the City employees are people who actually have bills and mortgages to pay. They have to put gas in their vehicles and buy clothes for their children. A decrease or freeze in pay for employees will also have an effect on their lives. He said when an employee's pay is decreased that individual cannot meet their financial obligations. (H) ORDINANCE(S) FOR FIRST READING None (I) ORDINANCE(S) FOR SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING(S) None (T) CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION N0.2009-29-974 J-2) 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 AGREEMENT FOR DEDICATION OF EASEMENT TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT, A COPY OF WHICH IS Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 6 ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION N0.2009-30-975 J-5) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT THE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION REVIEW CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CITY'S CHARTER TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) RESOLUTION N0.2009-31-976 J-6) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA'S REQUEST THAT THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RENAME THE "OPA- LOCKA EXECUTIVE AIRPORT" TO THE "OPA-LOCKA- BARACK OBAMA EXECUTIVE AIRPORT; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CITY CLERK; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY MAYOR SHIRLEY GIBSON) Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to adopt the Consent Agenda. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. (K) RESOLUTION(S) RESOLUTION N0.2009-32-977 J-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AWARDING A BID FOR INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS TO STRAIGHTLINE ENGINEERING; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS, ON AN AS- NEEDED BASIS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($8,000,000.00); PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilwoman Pritchett asked whether this item could be made into two different resolutions because the item has been talked about in specifics areas that will be covered by this particular grant. She opined it would be more informational and helpful if the $100,000 worth Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 7 of small repairs were identified, just as with the $700,000. She opined this would create a transparency. Manager Crew said staff may have some of those projects identified. Basically the $100,000 is the money staff put aside for small projects. Attorney Dickens said the purpose of this legislation is to award the bid to a company to do all of the work relating to street improvements. This resolution can be amended to provide a clearer explanation as to what the specific dollar amounts ($700,000/$100,000) would be utilized for. Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Gilbert to amend the resolution to provide for a clearer explanation as to what the dollar amounts would be used for. There being no further discussion on this amendment, the motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. Councilwoman Pritchett further asked that the evaluation committee members be identified. Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Bratton to adopt this resolution. There being no further discussion, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. RESOLUTION N0.2009-33-978 J-3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO BLISS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-EIGHT THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND 43/100 ($188,645.43) FOR THE PURCHASE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, FITNESS STATIONS AND SURFACING AT BRENTWOOD POOL; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilwoman Pritchett asked that the fund in which this $188,645.43 is coming from to be identified. Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Councilman Bratton to adopt this item. There being no discussion, this motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. RESOLUTION N0.2009-34-979 J-4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS ON AN AS-NEEDED Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 8 BASIS TO STRAIGHTLINE ENGINEERING GROUP, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($150,000.00) FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF SIDEWALKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Councilwoman Pritchett asked for the specific location for some of the sidewalks. Manager Crew recounted in 2004 a sidewalk assessment was done. However, the City is still working on emergency repairs. Currently, various locations are being worked on. Councilwoman Pritchett asked that, as the sidewalks are replaced, a listing of the location be provided to the Council members so that as they meet with individual groups this information can be shared. Manager Crew said this information will be provided in the monthly report, as the sidewalks are replaced. Councilman Bratton said he can see the progress being made in Seat -4. Motion offered by Councilwoman Pritchett, seconded by Vice Mayor Watson to adopt this item. This motion passed and carried by a 7-0 voice vote. RESOLUTION N0.2009-35-980 K-1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING A 4% INCREASE TO THE CURRENT SALARY OF DR. DANNY CREW, THE CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (SPONSORED BY THE CITY MANAGER) Taren Kinglee, Human Resource Director appeared before the City Council and announced that she had provided the Council with a Spreadsheet that summarized the performance evaluation and percentage rating, as provided by the Council members. As part of the City Manager's contract, the Council is to determine annually whether or not to approve a salary increase. A salary survey of what other City Managers from the tri-county area earns is also provided, as well as spreadsheet of the City Manager's current salary and possible salary increase for the various percentages. Motion offered by Vice Mayor Watson, seconded by Councilman Campbell to adopt this item. Councilman Williams stated for the record that he had made a mistake on the City Manager's evaluation. The highest ranking is a four and he had mistakenly put a five ranking. Councilwoman Pritchett asked to have her evaluation of the City Manager included at this time. She stated that she attempted to contact Ms. Kinglee prior to tonight's meeting, by leaving a message. _ Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 9 Councilman Gilbert asked or the record what was the last cost of living amount received by the general employees and the city manager. Ms. Kinglee said a two percent. Motion offered by Councilman Gilbert, seconded by Councilman Williams to amend the resolution to provide for a four percent increase. This motion was passed by a 4-3 vote. Vice Mayor Watson: No Councilman Williams: Yes Councilman Bratton: No Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Mayor Gibson: Yes There being no further discussion on the resolution as a whole, the motion to adopt passed and carried by a 6-1 vote. Vice Mayor Watson: Yes Councilman Williams: Yes Councilman Bratton: Yes Councilman Campbell: Yes Councilman Gilbert: Yes Councilwoman Pritchett: No Mayor Gibson: Yes Manager Crew said this past year has brought about tremendous change in the City and he is happy to have been a part of that. He said he has never been in a city where the police department made such a tremendous impact within the first year. He said he was extremely proud of the Red-Light Camera initiative and the beautification of NW 441 (2°d Avenue). He said the next project he anticipates working on is the designing and construction of a new city hall. (L) REPORTS OF CITY MANAGER/CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK Attorney Dickens provided a brief report on a lawsuit the City had received regarding Billboards. Because damages are being sought, the Complaint will be handled through the League of Cities. The City Attorney and City Manager will be working closely with the League's attorney with regard to this matter. She said the Plaintiff is offering a settlement and requesting a moratorium on the City's Sign Code. She asked that the Council direct to forego any settlement agreement with anybody until the League attorney to review and respond accordingly. She said if any of the Council members wanted to talk with her in private about this matter, she is willing to do that. Vice Mayor Watson asked for the time frame in which the League Attorney would respond to this complaint. Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 10 Attorney Dickens said the City has until March 20th to file a response. Clerk Taylor reported since the implementation of the Passport Processing Program, May 2008, the Office of the City Clerk has processed 109 applications for a total revenue of approximately $2,808.00. She also announced that the next Charter Revision Commission meeting would take place, Monday, February 23, 2009. (M) REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Williams commended President Obama for an excellent press conference. Councilman Bratton announced the third annual Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship Pageant is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2009, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Lou Rawls Theater of Performing Arts, at Florida Memorial University. He invited everyone to attend. Councilman Gilbert congratulated Cherise Asberry, School Crossing Guard Superintendent for organizing an excellent one man show on AIDS and HIV Awareness. (N) WRITTEN REQUESTS, PETITIONS & OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC There was none. (O) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Body, and upon a motion being duly made by Councilman Bratton, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. J Attest: Shirl G' on, Mayor F~ ,~ ,. Ronetta Taylor, MMC,~ ity Clerk Regular City Council Minutes February 11, 2009 Page 11