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2021-04-06 MINUTES1 Mayor Crystal Wagar Vice Mayor Alice Burch Vice Mayor Sean Brady Councilman Stephen Loffredo Councilman Jonathan Meltz Tom Benton, Village Manager Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney Ysabely Rodriguez, Village Clerk MEETING MINUTES APRIL 6, 2021 6:30 PM 9900 NE 2ND AVENUE 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wagar called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilman Sean Brady Councilman Stephen Loffredo Vice Mayor Alice Burch Mayor Crystal Wagar Councilman Jonathan Meltz joined the meeting via communications media technology (Zoom). ALSO PRESENT: Village Attorney Richard Sarafan Village Manager Tom Benton Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) PRESENTATIONS North Bay Village Mayor, Brent Latham, presented Mayor Wagar with a proclamation in honor of her service as Mayor of Miami Shores Village. Mayor of El Portal, Omarr Nickerson, and Village Manager of El Portal, Christia Alou, presented Mayor Wagar with a proclamation in honor of her service as Mayor of Miami Shores Village. Mr. Benton introduced Chief Lystad who announced the reimplementation of the Miami Shores Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit. The goal of the unit is to decrease crashes, improve pedestrian safety, and raise awareness. 2 4.A HISTORIC HOUSE OF THE MONTH CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION PRESENTED TO 10108 NE 1ST AVENUE (MR. DOUGLAS BARNES & MS. MARY BENTON). In the absence of Ms. Benton and Mr. Barnes, Mayor Wagar read a brief description of the historic integrity of the property and asked staff to deliver the certificate to Ms. Benton and Mr. Barnes family. 5) PUBLIC COMMENTS Patrizia Bonaduce and Michelle Headley, Historic Preservation Boardmembers, spoke about the historic designation item and the importance of protecting historic homes in Miami Shores. Ms. Bonaduce further spoke about an upcoming walking tour of Historic Homes in Miami Shores. Rabbi Asher Sossonko, Betty Matz, and Melissa Netkin reiterated their eComments during the Council Meeting. eComments, which are attached hereto as Exhibit A, were read into the record. 5) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 6.A APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 16, 2021 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES. Councilman Brady moved to approve the March 16, 2021 Village Council Meeting Minutes and Councilman Loffredo seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 6) VILLAGE BOARD APPOINTMENTS 7.A APPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (1 UNEPXIRED VACANCY). The Village Clerk introduced the item, explained the method by which the Council would cast votes, and invited applicants to introduce themselves. Mr. John Ise and Mr. Ken Whittaker were present and offered brief comments regarding their qualifications. The Village Council cast votes and the results were as follows: ROUND 1 WAGAR BURCH BRADY LOFFREDO MELTZ John Ise X X X Jolie Warshaw Ken Whittaker X X Mr. John Ise was appointed to the Recreation Advisory Committee. 8) RESOLUTION(S) 3 8.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING 230 NE 94th STREET AS A VILLAGE HISTORIC LANDMARK; AND INSTRUCTING THE VILLAGE CLERK TO RECORD THE HISTORICAL LANDMARK COVENANT IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MIAMI- DADE COUNTY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). The Village Clerk read the caption of the item. Mr. Travis Kendall, Planning & Zoning Director, provided a brief description of historic integrity of the property, and recommended historic designation of the above referenced property as per the approval of the Historic Preservation Board and Planning Board. Councilman Loffredo moved to approve the resolution and Councilman Brady seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9.A AWARD OF RFP 2021-02-01 96TH STREET ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO NATIONAL CONCRETE & PAVING INC. (STAFF: ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Mr. Benton introduced the item and the scope of the project. He recommended approval of the lowest bidder, National Concrete & Paving, Inc. Responding to Councilman Loffredo, Mr. Christopher Miranda, Assistant Public Works Director, clarified the exact location of the project and the funding sources associated with the project. Councilman Loffredo moved approval of the bid award to National Concrete & Paving. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brady which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9.B DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF CHANUKAH MENORAH AT VILLAGE HALL (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR CRYSTAL WAGAR). Mayor Wagar provided opening remarks, elucidating that she brought the item forward for Council consideration due to the rich diversity of Miami Shores. Mayor Wagar further spoke about how the item is a demonstration of respect for the various religious views of residents. Responding to Vice Mayor Burch, Mayor Wagar provided her legal interpretation of the various cases concerning the display of religious symbols on public property. Vice Mayor Burch and Councilman Loffredo provided historical context with respect to the practice of invocations during Village Council Meetings. Councilman Loffredo spoke in support of the item. He further spoke about how Judaism can be thought of as being simultaneously a religion, a nationality and a culture, thereby rendering this item different than the various types of cases which reference the display of religious symbol on public property. Mr. Sarafan presented the legal difference between religious symbols and seasonal decorations on government property. Mr. Sarafan further maintained that it is not the role of government to support or appear to support any particular religion, as the display of a specific religious symbol could be interpreted as the Village favoring one religion over others. Accordingly, Mr. Sarafan counseled against the approval of the item, as the Village may run the risk of having to defend a claim alleging violation of the Establishment Clause. 4 Councilman Meltz spoke about the importance of the item. However, given the absence of supporting documentation and the 2009 legal opinion issued by Mr. Sarafan concerning religious symbols on public property, Councilman Meltz suggested the Village Attorney provide an updated legal opinion on the display of religious symbols and for such record to be presented to the Council at a future Council Meeting. Councilman Brady expressed support for fellow Jewish residents; however, he spoke in opposition to displaying any religious symbol on Village-owned property and suggested for religious symbols to be displayed elsewhere. Discussion ensued regarding potential funding sources for the purchase of religious symbols and the implications of using public funds versus private dollars for such purchases. There was further discussion on the Town of Bay Harbor Island’s case and settlement with respect to such matters. Councilman Loffredo moved the approval of the placement of a Chanukah menorah at Village Hall. However, the motion died for a lack of second. Regarding Mr. Sarafan’s question in accordance with Councilman Meltz’s suggestion for the Village Attorney to prepare an updated legal opinion on religious symbols, Mayor Wagar responded in the negative. No further discussion or action was taken. 10) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read the announcements. 11) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Brady wished his mother a Happy Birthday and thanked her for all of her support. He further thanked the Recreation Department for coordinating creative children programs. Councilman Brady encouraged residents to vote and expressed his admiration for the entire Council. Councilman Loffredo spoke about the Miami Shores Property Owners Association’s candidate forum. He further spoke about the importance of resiliency and encouraged the future Village Council to work towards addressing the issue of sea level rise. Lastly, Councilman Loffredo expressed his appreciation for serving on the Village Council. Councilman Meltz thanked Councilman Brady and Councilman Loffredo for serving on the Village Council. He further thanked IT for repairing the MYMSV app and expressed how pleased he is with such feature. Councilman Meltz thanked Mayor Wagar for bringing the Discussion Item 9B forward for Council consideration. He expressed strong support for such item and looks forward to an updated legal opinion as well as revisiting the item. Vice Mayor Burch thanked the Recreation Department for organizing the Egg Your Yard event. She further spoke about the Women Event hosted by Brockway Memorial Library via Zoom. Vice Mayor Burch expressed excitement with regards to the joint project on NE 96 Street and thanked the Village Manager and Public Works Director for working on the item. She further thanked the Police Chief for reinstituting the traffic team. Vice Mayor Burch thanked Councilman Loffredo and Councilman Brady for their service. Mayor Wagar thanked the outgoing Councilmembers and gave a shot-out to Brockway Memorial Library for hosting the Women event as well as to the Recreation Department for organizing the Egg your Yard event. Mayor Wagar thanked everyone who provided comments and expressed how honored she is to 5 have served the residents, business owners, and administration of Miami Shores as Mayor of Miami Shores Village. 12) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM. Village Council Meeting Time: 04-06-21 18:30 eComments Report Meetings Meeting Time Agenda Items Comments Support Oppose Neutral Village Council 04-06-21 18:30 18 16 16 0 0 Sentiments for All Meetings The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment EXHIBIT A Village Council 04-06-21 18:30 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 4.A) HISTORIC HOUSE OF THE MONTH CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION PRESENTED TO 10108 NE 1ST AVENUE (MR. DOUGLAS BARNES & MS. MARY BENTON). 1 1 0 0 9.B) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF CHANUKAH MENORAH AT VILLAGE HALL (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR CRYSTAL WAGAR). 15 15 0 0 Sentiments for All Agenda Items The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment Agenda Item: eComments for 4.A) HISTORIC HOUSE OF THE MONTH CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION PRESENTED TO 10108 NE 1ST AVENUE (MR. DOUGLAS BARNES & MS. MARY BENTON). Overall Sentiment susan ackley Location: Submitted At: 1:22pm 04-01-21 Susan Ackley: “I want to express my thanks to both Sean Brady and Steve Loffredo for their dedicated service to our council and Village. They have both provided thoughtful considerations for the well-being of our community. Jonathan Meltz, running to continue his service also deserves our appreciation for his past 4-years contributions.” Agenda Item: eComments for 9.B) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF CHANUKAH MENORAH AT VILLAGE HALL (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR CRYSTAL WAGAR). Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:40pm 04-06-21 Mayor Wagar and Members of the Village Council: Thank you for this opportunity to comment. After a year of being isolated from my neighbors, how refreshing it is to see this step to bring us together. For years, Village Hall has prominently displayed Christmas decorations on public property. So glad you are willing to demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion by taking this simple step. Miami Shores is a dynamic and welcoming community. Isn't it time we show that Miami Shores is made up of all faiths? Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:25pm 04-06-21 Rabbi Asher Sossonko I have lived here in Miami Shores for more than five years. I have witnessed first hand the beauty and uniqueness of our village which causes so many families to move from the bigger cities and take residence here in the Shores. I am often asked, by the many residents I speak to, why we don't have a Chanukah Menorah at village hall. My father was born in the USSR. Growing up he wasn't allowed to practice Judaism in the open. In fact, his father was sentenced to fifteen years of labor in Siberia for being a practicing Jew. Today, even in the once anti-Semitic Russia, Chanukah Menorahs are on full display. My mother was born in Miami Beach, back when the hotels on Collins Avenue had "no Jews no blacks" written on signs in front of them. Today, Miami Beach has a large beautiful Menorah in front of City Hall. Joining the many cities and government offices which proudly place Menorahs on their properties, would be a huge step for our village to display its acceptance of the Jewish community. We can continue growing as a village and continue removing any bad reputations that we've had in the past. I am very grateful to our Mayor for putting this into tonight’s agenda and I am thankful that I am able to be a Rabbi in this beautiful village of Miami Shores. Much thanks to the entire village council for all that you do. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:13pm 04-06-21 Shai Yitzhaki. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 3:55pm 04-06-21 It is laughable how many Christmas decorations there are in Miami Shores with so little representing other religions. I’m embarrassed to explain it to my daughter during the holidays. Many other communities will have this same menorah and there’s no reason that Miami Shores shouldn’t proudly express the diversity of its residents. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 3:21pm 04-06-21 Thank you Mayor Wagar for championing this long over due placement . As a member of this wonderful community of ours I applaud your effort and wholeheartedly agree . Miami Shores is home to many faiths and as a modern inclusive community the placement of a Menorah should bother no one . I support this effort and trust the village council will as well . Adam Shepard 295 NE 95th street Guest User Location: Submitted At: 2:15pm 04-06-21 I have been a resident of Miami Shores for 16 years and love the Village because of it's inclusivity and diversity. However, the absence of a menorah in the winter holiday display has always felt exclusionary. The addition of a menorah to the other beautiful items displayed during the holidays would be a welcomed addition and a way to show all Village residents that they are celebrated and valued. Melissa Netkin Location: Submitted At: 8:42am 04-06-21 I totally support the action of having a Chanukah menorah being displayed at Miami Shores Village Hall during Chanukah and the holiday season. If a Christmas tree is allowed to be displayed, than other symbols of holidays should be allowed as well. Linda Schwartz Location: Submitted At: 6:28pm 04-05-21 I think Miami Shores should be inclusive and join other communities by allowing the menorah for Chanukah to be placed at Village Hall. We can show our solidarity by allowing this small gesture. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 6:07pm 04-05-21 Miami Shores has a long history of being a faith-based community. We would like to see that history continue by adorning its public spaces with icons of many faiths. Nina Birnbach Location: Submitted At: 5:50pm 04-05-21 I think it would be very nice to have a menorah at village hall Guest User Location: Submitted At: 5:28pm 04-05-21 All for celebrating the diversity of our village. Bizarre we don’t have a synagogue in the village for our Jewish neighbors and friends. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 5:06pm 04-05-21 Leah Grossman A Chanukah menorah would be very nice...I know my kids would love to see the representation of what they celebrate. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:54pm 04-05-21 Harrison Bergman Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:32pm 04-05-21 I support the placement of a beautiful Chanukah Menorah in Miami Shores village hall to go alongside the beautiful Christmas holiday decorations. Betty Matz Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:05pm 04-05-21 A menorah at Village Hall would demonstrate our community's support and inclusiveness for all residents.