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2021-06-015 MINUTES1 MEETING MINUTES JUNE 15, 2021 6:30 PM 9900 NE 2ND AVENUE 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL PRESENT: (5) Councilmember Alice Burch (joined via Communications Media Technology: Zoom) Councilmember Katia Saint Fleur Councilmember Crystal Wagar Vice Mayor Daniel Marinberg Mayor Sandra Harris ALSO PRESENT: Village Attorney Richard Sarafan Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez Interim Village Manager Esmond Scott 4) PRESENTATIONS 4.A LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED BY KATHLEEN REDMOND Ms. Kathleen Redmond, outgoing Library Board Chair, provided an overview of the Brockway Memorial Library Annual Report and answered questions posed by the Village Council. She further thanked the Village Council and staff for their support. 2 5) PUBLIC COMMENTS Robert Menge spoke about the importance of civility and respect of divergent views. Mr. Menge further advocated for a new resident orientation pamphlet. Lou Perez thanked the Village Council and the Interim Village Manager for the enhanced presence of Miami Shores Police Department (MSPD) officers who have been monitoring traffic throughout the Village, thereby reducing speeding and reckless driving. He further advocated for the issuance of citations in the event of infractions. Dan Greene spoke in favor of Item 9A, proposed amendments to synthetic turf, due to some of the inconveniences associated with the existing limitations stipulated in the Village Code. Kathryn Garcia spoke in opposition to Item 9A due to environmental concerns. She further advocated for the item to be reviewed by the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee for the purpose of studying potential health and environmental risks of synthetic turf in public areas. Brian Kronberg spoke in favor of Item 9C. Damon Stinson spoke on behalf of neighboring residents on NE 103 Street regarding the meeting conducted by Chief Lystad regarding traffic enforcement and the proposed plan to address such issues. Ethan Grossman spoke in favor of Item 9A due to the existing limitations stipulated in the Village Code. Darci Cohen spoke in opposition to Item 7C due to quality-of-life concerns associated with the rezoning of parking lots to commercial properties abutting residential properties. Bill Perry spoke about an incident that occurred after the June 1, 2021 Village Council Meeting, whereby an elected official was allegedly harassed by a resident. Mr. Perry advocated for an investigation regarding the incident. Dynise Perry echoed the sentiments of Mr. Bill Perry regarding the incident and the need for an investigation. Ms. Perry further advocated for equality, diversity, and compassion throughout the entire community and denounced allj forms of attack. Martha Stobs spoke about the Haitian Heritage event hosted at Brockway Memorial Library and asked for Village Council representation at such events. Patrick Sullivan spoke in favor of the increased police presence at NE 103 Street and requested for staff to develop a vendor registration list for residents. John Copeland spoke in favor of Items 7B and 7C, the future land use map amendment and rezoning items. eComments have been attached hereto as Exhibit A. 3 6) CONSENT AGENDA The Village Clerk read the introductory statement and the caption of each item contained on the Consent Agenda. Village Clerk Rodriguez pulled Item 6C from the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Marinberg moved to approve the consent agenda as amended and Councilmember Saint Fleur seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 6.A APRROVAL OF THE MAY 18, 2021 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Passed on Consent. 6.B APPROVAL OF THE MAY 20, 2021 VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Passed on Consent. 6.C APPROVAL OF THE MAY 25, 2021 VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez noted a correction to the Roll Call section of the May 25, 2021 Special Meeting Minutes which inadvertently reflected Tom Benton’s presence when he was not in attendance for such meeting. Vice Mayor Marinberg moved to approve the May 25, 2021 Village Council Special Meeting Minutes as amended and Councilmember Wagar seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 7) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 7.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES, AMENDING THE VILLAGE’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN’S GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTE; TOGETHER WITH OTHER AMENDMENTS THERETO; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into record. Mr. Kendall provided opening remarks, explaining the item’s relevance to the Village’s Comprehensive Master Plan with respect to water conservation requirements. Mr. Kendall noted some minor changes associated with the dates on page 4. Mr. Kendall further introduced Kathryn Lyon from the Corradino Group who delivered a presentation on the water supply plan and answered questions posed by the Village Council. She further noted should the Village approve the ordinance on first reading, the next course of action is for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to review and provide remarks regarding the proposed water supply plan prior to placing the item on the agenda for second reading. Mayor Harris opened the floor to public comments and subsequently closed it as no one present offered comments. 4 Village Clerk read the eComments into the record which have been attached hereto as Exhibit A. Vice Mayor Marinberg spoke about the importance of water consumption awareness. Responding to Councilmember Burch’s inquiry concerning WASA, Mr. Kendall indicated the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee is working on a Village-Wide Climate Action Change Plan to address resiliency, water conservation and other matters. Councilmember Wagar moved approval of the ordinance on first reading and Councilmember Saint Fleur seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 7.B AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, APPROVING A SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP WITHIN THE VILLAGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CONSISTENT WITH 163.3161, 163.3184 AND 163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES; REDESIGNATING THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM PARKING TO COMMERCIAL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into record. Mayor Harris opened the public hearing for comments. Kate Mason raised concerns regarding the item setting precedence for future amendments of parking to commercial changes of use. Mayor Harris closed the public hearing. Village Clerk Rodriguez read eComments into the record. Mr. Kendall asked the Village Council to consider the future land use map (FLUM) amendment prior to voting on Item 7C due to procedural and statutory requirements. Mr. Kendall introduced the item, indicating the property owner is seeking a future land use map amendment to change the designation of a property from Parking to Commercial to allow for a commercial building to be constructed. The applicant, Jennifer McConney, provided background information about her application. The proposed site, according to the renderings and application, has been designed to be a one-story small office. Ms. McConney voluntarily offered the placement of a restrictive covenant to the Planning Board, limiting the height of development to no more than two stories in addition to providing a 30’ buffer. Ms. McConney further emphasized she is not interested in building a 3-story building. Ms. McConnell provided support letters to the Village Clerk for the record. Mr. Sarafan explained the purpose of placing the FLUM and rezoning items on the agenda, indicating the (FLUM) is an element of the Comprehensive Plan; in order to approve the rezoning item, there must be a finding that it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Currently, the Comprehensive Plan reflects the zoning of such property as parking. Therefore, the FLUM amendment item is asking the Village Council to consider changing the use of the property to commercial instead of parking. Should the item pass, the Village Council will have to approve the rezoning item to officially rezone the proposed area. 5 Responding to Councilmember Burch, Ms. McConney spoke about referring to the Downtown Design Manual when preparing the application. Individual Councilmembers provided their respective position on the extent of neighborhood engagement with respect to the proposed project and the possibility of setting precedence for future rezoning requests for parking to commercial use. Vice Mayor Marinberg asked whether B1 is the right use and the likelihood of placing restrictive covenants on future requests involving parking to commercial rezoning matters. Mr. Sarafan clarified there are Village-Wide business operation time limits and he explained current businesses are required to maintain a certain number of parking spaces behind the property. With respect to setting precedence, Mr. Sarafan explained each rezoning applications stands on its own merit. Responding to Councilmember Saint Fleur, the applicant indicated there will be two additional parking spots. A motion was moved by Councilmember Burch and seconded by Councilmember Wagar to approve the ordinance on first reading. There being no further discussion, Mayor Harris called the question, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 7.C AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES, VILLAGE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ZONING; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO REFLECT A DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGE; REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY, BEARING FOLIO NUMBER 11-3206-013-4030, CONSISTING OF .37 ACRES (+/-) FROM PARKING (P) TO BUSINESS DISTRICT (B-1); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into record. Mayor Harris opened the public hearing for comments. Hearing none, Mayor Harris closed the public hearing. Discussions concerning Items 7B and 7C ensued. Councilmember Wagar stressed the importance of the Building Department assisting the applicant through the permitting process. A motion was moved by Councilmember Wagar and seconded by Vice Mayor Marinberg to approve the ordinance on first reading. The motion passed unanimously. 8) RESOLUTION(S) 6 8.A A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE TURF AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT FUNDED CONTRACT RENEWAL BETWEEN THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: VILLAGE MANAGER). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into record. Mayor Harris opened item-specific public comments. Hearing none, Mayor Harris closed public comments. Mr. Scott provided an overview of the maintenance agreement and explained the housekeeping nature of the item. A motion was moved by Vice Mayor Marinberg and seconded by Councilmember Saint Fleur to approve the resolution. The motion passed unanimously. 9) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO REFER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SYNTHETIC TURF CODE SECTION TO THE PLANNING BOARD (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER CRYSTAL WAGAR). Councilmember Wagar introduced the item, indicating the intent of the proposed amendments is to permit residents to use their backyards more productively. Based on her research, Councilmember Wagar stated Miami Shores Village is the only municipality that has the type of area limitation stipulated in the Village Code. Mayor Harris opened item-specific public comments. Hearing none, Mayor Harris closed the public comments. Mr. Sarafan recommended for the Village Council to refer the item to the Planning Board for review and recommendation of the proposed amendments to the synthetic turf section of the Village Code. A motion was moved by Councilmember Wagar and seconded by Vice Mayor Marinberg to refer the proposed amendments concerning the synthetic turf code section (which were outlined in the draft ordinance) to the Planning Board for recommendations to the Village Council. The motion passed unanimously. No further action was taken. 7 9.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE ELIMINATION OF PLANNING BOARD APPROVAL OF COMMERCIAL SIGN APPLICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION FOR SUCH APPLICATIONS TO BE ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVED (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER KATIA SAINT FLEUR). Councilmember Saint Fleur introduced the item, indicating the intent of the proposed amendment is for commercial signage to be approved by the Planning Department as opposed to the Planning Board for efficiency purposes. Mr. Sarafan recommended for the Village Council to refer the item to the Planning Board for review and recommendations concerning the proposed amendment to the Village Council. Mayor Harris opened item-specific public comments. Giselle Kovak spoke about the challenges associated with commercial sign restrictions and advocated for discussion on design standards for commercial signs. As no further comments were offered, Mayor Harris closed public comments. A motion was moved by Councilmember Saint Fleur and seconded by Councilmember Wagar to refer the proposed amendments to the commercial sign code section to the Planning Board for recommendations to the Village Council. The motion passed unanimously. No further action was taken. 9.C DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REDUCE OR REMOVE SIDE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVEWAYS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG). Vice Mayor Marinberg introduced the item, indicating the intent of the proposed amendments is to alleviate consternations concerning proposed improvements to nonconforming driveways while improving the aesthetics of the Village. Mayor Harris opened item-specific public comments. Hearing none, Mayor Harris closed public comments. Responding to Mr. Sarafan’s inquiry, Vice Mayor Marinberg specified the two areas he would like the Planning Board to review are: (1) placement of material and (2) widening of driveways. Mr. Sarafan recommended Planning Board clarification on whether moving away from the setback is non-conforming with respect to the widening of a driveway. Councilmember Wagar spoke about the importance of providing a reasonable outlet for residents who want to beautify their properties. According to the language stipulated in Zoning Code Section 525(1), “a nonconforming structure shall not be enlarged in a way that increases its nonconformity,” Mr. Sarafan recommended the Village Council also seek clarification from the Planning Board. A motion was moved by Vice Mayor Marinberg and seconded by Councilmember Wagar to refer the proposed amendments to the Planning Board for recommendations to the Village Council and to seek 8 clarification from the Planning Board concerning Zoning Code section 525(1). The motion passed unanimously. No further action was taken. 9.D DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE PERMITTED HEIGHT OF GATES IN THE FRONT YARD (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG). Vice Mayor Marinberg provided opening remarks, proposing the Village Council consider permitting residential property owners to replace or install, if missing, gates or doors to a maximum height not to exceed eight feet (8’), so long as the width of each entry gate or door is not wider than ten feet (10’). Mayor Harris opened item-specific public comments. Hearing none, Mayor Harris closed public comments. Mr. Sarafan recommended for the Village Council to refer the item to the Planning Board for review and recommendation of the proposed amendment. A motion was moved by Vice Mayor Marinberg and seconded by Councilmember Wagar to refer the proposed amendments relating to the permitted height of gates in the front yard to the Planning Board for review and recommendations to the Council. No further action was taken. 9.E DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE INTERIM VILLAGE MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (STAFF: VILLAGE ATTORNEY). Mr. Sarafan provided opening remarks regarding the negotiation of the Interim Village Manager employment agreement with Mr. Esmond Scott’s attorney. Responding to Vice Mayor Marinberg’s inquiry regarding the temporary Deputy Village Manager job classification of the Interim Village Manager, Mr. Sarafan explained that he proposed classifying Mr. Scott as Deputy City Manager until July 8, 2021 to avoid having two Village Managers because, according to the Finance Director Holly Hugdahl and outgoing Village Manager Tom Benton, Mr. Benton previously received a payout of his of his personal time off (PTO) and therefore is not eligible to receive an additional PTO payout. Accordingly, Mr. Benton, in his resignation letter to the Village Council, requested to remain on the Village’s payroll until such PTO has been exhausted, effective July 8, 2021. Responding to Vice Mayor Marinberg’s question as to whether Mr. Benton is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the Village, Mr. Sarafan responded in the affirmative. Discussion ensued regarding the policy surrounding the payout of Mr. Benton’s personal time off. Councilmember Wagar asked for the Finance Director, through the Interim Village Manager, to provide an explanation as to why Mr. Benton was not eligible to receive full payout of his PTO. A motion was moved by Councilmember Wagar and seconded by Councilmember Saint Fleur to approve the proposed Interim Village Manager agreement. The motion passed unanimously. 9 Vice Mayor Marinberg further spoke about bringing forth discussion items concerning employment agreements for the Village Clerk and Village Attorney and annual performance reviews for the charter officers, starting with the Village Attorney and Village Clerk. 10) MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Scott thanked the Village Council and residents for their vote of confidence and support. Mr. Scott further provided an update on the Summer Camp program and Hurricane Season. Mr. Scott indicated he is currently working with FIND to determine alternatives to the grant for the seawall at Bayfront Park. Lastly, Mr. Scott provided an update regarding traffic calming and vehicular speeding. Specifically, he mentioned speaking to FDOT regarding their plans for NE 103 Street regarding traffic calming. 11) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read the announcements into the record. 12) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Wagar spoke about the Manager’s Report and asked Mr. Scott regarding the meeting that took place with residents on NE 103 Street. Mr. Scott indicated the meeting was attended by Chief Lystad and his command staff to address traffic calming concerns. Councilmember Wagar expressed interest in an updated Village-wide informational brochure for new residents. Councilmember Saint Fleur spoke about her inability to attend the Library event due to a personal commitment in Haiti. She further spoke about the incident raised by members of the public. Councilmember Saint Fleur further spoke about ensuring safety measures are put into place to protect the Village Council members. Councilmember Burch spoke about Mr. Stinson's comments and speed enforcement measures. Vice Mayor Marinberg spoke about his attendance at the IEMO Conference and critical items for municipalities to consider. Vice Mayor Marinberg extended his support and commendations to Mr. Scott given the short time he has served Miami Shores. Mayor Harris echoed Councilmember Saint Fleur’s comments about safety measures for the Village Council and asked the Village Attorney procedural questions regarding proposed amendments to the Village’s Zoning Code. 13) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM. Village Council Meeting Time: 06-15-21 18:30 eComments Report Meetings Meeting Time Agenda Items Comments Support Oppose Neutral Village Council 06-15-21 18:30 26 18 11 1 4 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 Village Council 06-15-21 18:30 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 4.A) LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED BY KATHLEEN REDMOND 1 0 0 0 5) PUBLIC COMMENTS 2 2 0 0 7) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 1 0 0 1 7.A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES, AMENDING THE VILLAGE’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN’S GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTE; TOGETHER WITH OTHER AMENDMENTS THERETO; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). 1 0 0 1 7.C) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES, VILLAGE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ZONING; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO REFLECT A DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGE; REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY, BEARING FOLIO NUMBER 11-3206-013-4030, CONSISTING OF .37 ACRES (+/-) FROM PARKING (P) TO BUSINESS DISTRICT (B-1); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). 1 0 1 0 9.A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO REFER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SYNTHETIC TURF CODE SECTION TO THE PLANNING BOARD (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER CRYSTAL WAGAR). 2 1 0 0 9.C) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REDUCE OR REMOVE SIDE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVEWAYS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG). 9 8 0 1 9.D) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE PERMITTED HEIGHT OF GATES IN THE FRONT YARD (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG). 1 0 0 1 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) LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED BY KATHLEEN REDMOND Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 3:24pm 06-15-21 I live at 10331 NE 6th Avenue which is right at the intersection of 103rd St and 6th Avenue. As Miami has emerged from the Corona virus restrictions there has been a notable increase in the amount of traffic and the excessive speed of traffic. What is the Miami Shores Police Department plan to address the speeding issue on an ongoing basis? There needs to be more than an occasional speed trap or parking an unoccupied police cruiser along the side of the street. I believe there needs to be consistent and visible police presence and enforcement of traffic laws in order to break the habit of drivers that speed through our neighborhood. This past week, Friday June 11th there was another auto accident at the intersection in front of my house due to excessive speed. One car ended up breaking a hole in the wall across the street. The number of accidents has increased along with the higher speeds from traffic going both north and south on 6th Avenue. Are there ways to reduce the speed on 6th avenue with speed bumps or other options? Regards Russell Kline C - 305-332-1626 Agenda Item: eComments for 5) PUBLIC COMMENTS Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 3:22pm 06-15-21 Lou Perez - 145 NE 103rd Street Re: Traffic Laws Enforcement I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor, Council Members and Interim Manager for the enhanced presence of our Miami Shores Police monitoring traffic through out the Village. As one might expect, speeding and reckless driving is curtailed while officers are on location. I hope this enforcement action will continue and officers begin handing out traffic tickets, as suggested by Council during the last Council meeting. Thanks Again Carl Paulsen Jr. Location: Submitted At: 12:51pm 06-14-21 I would like to register my support for Chief Lystad's decision to rescind his resignation. He is a valued public servant and has our utmost confidence for his abilities and integrity. Carl F. Paulsen Jr. 3rd Generation Miami Shores Resident. Agenda Item: eComments for 7) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:44pm 06-15-21 Thomas Johnson 987 NE 96th Street RE: Need to Construct New Tertiary Wastewater Treatment for South Florida’s Future Dear Mayor and Council Members, I am aware there are many important issues before you that need attention today. None is more important to our citizenry than clean water to drink and for the environment around us to thrive. We are currently drawing our drinking water from the Biscayne aquifer, about 50 -120ft below us. While some of this water is re-used and gradually replenishes the aquifer, much of it is lost through the current functioning of our wastewater treatment systems. Currently, wastewater is disinfected and then pumped out to sea in large outfall pipes or injected into deep wells underground. The outfall pipes are scheduled to be closed for use by 2025 although Broward and Miami-Dade counties are unlikely to meet this mandate. By using the deep wells for disposal we are essentially employing fracking technology to dispose of our wastewater, and we do not know what the consequences of this are, or when their capacity will be breached and our drinking water soiled. Even if we knew this technology was safe, which we do not, by injecting the water deep underground we are draining the aquifer we rely on for drinking water at an ever increasing rate. We know from the draining of the Everglades that this is a bad strategy. Already over 20 drinking wells have had to be closed due to contamination of the water, mostly I believe, from salt water intrusion. This will get worse from the projected sea level rise. We need to create a tertiary wastewater treatment system so that the water coming from those systems can be used on the land and returned back to the aquifer beneath us. This is completely possible to do, but it requires acting now for the new plants to be ready in 10yrs. In 10 years the the projected sea level rise will already be causing a lot of existing septic systems to fail and there will be an urgent need to connect homes to the public wastewater system, for which there is no capacity today. Thank you for your attention to this! Can we ask the Manager of the South Florida Water Management District to explain where in their budget and planning this problem is being addressed? I do not see it in the current report, which we are considering at today's meeting. Respectfully, Thomas Johnson, Architect (retired) Agenda Item: eComments for 7.A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES, AMENDING THE VILLAGE’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN’S GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTE; TOGETHER WITH OTHER AMENDMENTS THERETO; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:37pm 06-14-21 Victor Bruce, local architect and resident of 370 NE 101st Street - good evening Mayor and Council persons, I'd like to make a public comment about this agenda item and its purpose to "identify deficiencies left unresolved" as they relate to the potable water infrastructure in Miami Shores. We have worked with many homeowners and whenever the addition of a bathroom is part of the scope, the project runs into problems with the Water and Sewer Department in Miami-Dade County, or WASD or WASA. In some parts of the Village, like NE 94th Street, the "main water line" has been upgrades which means it has been essentially enlarged. But, in many others locations in the Village, these "water mains" remain undersized to provide the adequate water pressure to a home that could be increasing from two to three or four bathrooms. The County simply states that the homeowner, through a letter provided by the design consultant be it the plumbing engineer or architect, has to accept the conditions if they want their permit approved by WASD. The County simply washes their hands and leaves it to the homeowner to accept conditions as they are or to spend their own money on increasing the sizing of the water main which becomes a costly endeavor. Agenda Item: eComments for 7.C) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES, VILLAGE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ZONING; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TO REFLECT A DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGE; REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY, BEARING FOLIO NUMBER 11-3206-013-4030, CONSISTING OF .37 ACRES (+/-) FROM PARKING (P) TO BUSINESS DISTRICT (B-1); PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). Overall Sentiment Kate Mason Location: Submitted At: 9:25pm 06-14-21 I do not support rezoning this property from P to B-1 without further clarification as to why this would be a good idea for the community. It seems like it would only benefit the owner at the major detriment of all the neighbors. Agenda Item: eComments for 9.A) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO REFER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SYNTHETIC TURF CODE SECTION TO THE PLANNING BOARD (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER CRYSTAL WAGAR). Overall Sentiment Jonathan Jerome Location: Submitted At: 1:51pm 06-15-21 I support this change. With rising temperatures and wanting to conserve water, the use of turf is a great option. Especially with kids that want to run around and not get filthy. There should be no limit to the amount of turf one wants to use at their home. Thx Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:52pm 06-10-21 To the village council. I am a resident at 262 NE 98th Street and I'm writing to support the proposed changes to the code regarding artificial turf. I believe that artificial turf should be treated equivalently to natural grass. I see no reason to restrict its usage in our neighborhood's back yards and view it's environmental benefit to be important to our community. Allowing greater use of artificial turf will protect the tree canopy, reduce CO2 emissions, reduce water usage, and reduce fertilizer and pesticide usage. I therefore request that you support the proposed changes to the code. In addition to the restriction to 600 sq ft, the 3' from your house structure is entirely arbitrary. I have beautiful canopy trees in my backyard that I may have to remove because the shade they provide prevent my grass from growing. It's been a painful struggle since moving in. I do hope this is considered. Thanks! Agenda Item: eComments for 9.C) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REDUCE OR REMOVE SIDE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVEWAYS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG). Overall Sentiment Jonathan Jerome Location: Submitted At: 1:49pm 06-15-21 I support this change. Makes it easier for homeowners to maximize the use of their land. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 8:21am 06-15-21 This change is necessary and long overdue. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 9:39pm 06-14-21 I am in support with the proposed revision. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 9:37pm 06-14-21 Jessie Veader. I support this! Kate Mason Location: Submitted At: 9:30pm 06-14-21 I support a discussion on this issue and finding no major drawbacks I would support the amendment removing the setback requirements in this context. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 6:06pm 06-14-21 I support this change to the code of ordinances. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 2:33pm 06-14-21 Sorry I can’t be in person but want to express my support for Item 9C. I think it a good idea for the City to revisit old codes and adjust portions of the code when they no longer make sense. Prohibiting pavers and only allowing asphalt on certain driveways seems like one of the old codes that needs adjustment. Appreciate your willingness to take these changes on and make Miami Shores a more beautiful place to live. William Hulme 196 NE 105 ST Guest User Location: Submitted At: 2:22pm 06-14-21 To: Mayor and City Council Members - I am writing in favor of Item 9C and thank the council for discussing modifications to the current driveway code. As a neighbor who lives directly across the street from someone that wants to improve the curb appeal and aesthetic of their property, I think they should be allowed to. Installing pavers on driveways is very common and we would love to look outside of our window and see a new and improved driveway. Not only would this make their property look better but it would improve the aesthetic of our home as well. Thank you for considering. Flavio D 161 NE 105th Susanne Rice Location: Submitted At: 9:28am 06-12-21 I would be interested in knowing the changes before voting Agenda Item: eComments for 9.D) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE PERMITTED HEIGHT OF GATES IN THE FRONT YARD (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG). Overall Sentiment Susanne Rice Location: Submitted At: 9:29am 06-12-21 please post changes before a vote takes place.