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2021-07-06 MINUTES1 Mayor Sandra Harris Vice Mayor Daniel Marinberg Councilmember Alice Burch Councilmember Katia Saint Fleur Councilmember Crystal Wagar Esmond Scott, Interim Village Manager Richard Sarafan, Village Attorney Ysabely Rodriguez, Village Clerk MEETING MINUTES JULY 6, 2021 6:30 PM 9900 NE 2ND AVENUE 1)CALL TO ORDER Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM. 2)MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3)ROLL CALL PRESENT: (5) Councilmember Alice Burch 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 PRESENTATION REGARDING TWO-STROKE MOTORS WITHIN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (BY: SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY COMMITTEE). Mr. Darren Ockert, SRC Chair, delivered a presentation regarding two-stroke motors within Miami Shores Village. Mayor Harris opened public comments. Mr. Patrick Sullivan spoke in opposition to the item yet advocated for time restrictions for the use of two- stroke motors. 2 Mr. Chris Herbert spoke in opposition to the item and spoke about the decibel standards and other OSHA regulations relative to the matter. Mr. Andy Stefanick expressed concern regarding the item and noted misrepresentation of information cited by Mr. Ockert. Mr. Andy Stefanick spoke in opposition to the item. Mr. Dennis Leyva spoke about imprecise information detailed in the corresponding memo. He further spoke about other municipalities with regard to such matters. Mr. Jesse Valinski spoke in opposition to the item yet spoke in favor of restricting the time such devices may be used. eComments regarding such item have been attached hereto as Exhibit A. 4.B PRESENTATIONS OF FY2019 POPULAR ANNUAL REPORT AWARD & FY2020 POPULAR ANNUAL REPORT SUBMISSION. Ms. Holly Hugdahl, Finance Director, provided an overview of the item, specifically stating how the report highlights the Village's overall picture and health of its finances. In honor of scoring the highest on the CGFOA exam in the State of Florida, Mayor Harris, on behalf of the Village Council and staff presented Sarah Simpson, controller, with a token of appreciation and recognition. 5)PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Robert Menge thanked the Public Works Department for assisting with the inclement weather concerns. He further advocated for staff to provide information to the public regarding the upcoming storm water and septic to sewer conversion projects for the Shores Estates Subdivision. Lastly, he further asked for information regarding the purpose of the Charter Review item. Mr. Daniel Brady spoke about including the Age-Friendly Initiative in the future strategic plan. Mr. Brady further recommended for the Village Council to take the Comprehensive Plan into account when establishing the strategic plan for the Village. Mr. Victor Bruce spoke in opposition to 9A and changing the setback requirements of driveways. Mr. Jesse Valinski spoke in opposition to the cancellation of the Fourth of July Fireworks event. Ms. Patrizia Bonaduce spoke about the hardcopy historic database that was presented to the new councilmembers. She further spoke about the need for the newly designed street signs to be installed throughout the entire village. Ms. Katherine Mason spoke in favor of the charter review item and expressed interest in serving on such committee. 3 6)CONSENT AGENDA Village Clerk Rodriguez read the introductory statement and the caption of each item contained on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Burch pulled Item 6C from the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Wagar moved to approve the consent agenda as amended and Vice Mayor Marinberg seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 6.A APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 1, 2021 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Passed on Consent. 6.B APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 15, 2021 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Passed on Consent. 6.C APPROVAL OF THE SALE OF MR. BENTON'S ASSIGNED VILLAGE VEHICLE TO MR. BENTON FOR $12,000 (STAFF: INTERIM VILLAGE MANAGER). Councilmember Burch provided opening remarks, asking for the Village Council to consider gifting the assigned vehicle to Mr. Benton in light of his 49 years of uninterrupted service to the Miami Shores Community and also due to the numerous cost savings measures upheld by Mr. Benton during his 23 years of service as Village Manager. Councilmember Burch moved to gift the assigned vehicle to Mr. Benton and Mayor Harris seconded the motion. Councilmember Wagar raised ethical concerns regarding the gifting of public property and asked whether such practice is customary for outgoing Village Managers. Responding to Councilmember Wagar’s inquiries, Mr. Scott stated $12,000 is fair market value. He further indicated that he reached out to the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics regarding the proposed sale of the vehicle, to which Mr. Jose Arrojo, Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics, did not find any ethical issues with the sale of such vehicle. Councilmember Saint Fleur recommended tabling the item until more information is brought forth for Council consideration. Vice Mayor Marinberg spoke in opposition to gifting public property. Councilmember Burch withdrew motion. Mayor Harris moved to approve the sale of Mr. Benton's assigned village vehicle to Mr. Benton for $12,000 and Councilmember Burch seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. There was no further discussion or action taken. 4 7)VILLAGE BOARD APPOINTMENTS 7.A APPOINTMENTS TO THE DOCTORS CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD (4 VACANCIES). Ms. Rodriguez introduced the item, indicating the electronic method by which the Village Council will cast their votes. Mr. Christian Ulvert and Ms. Rasha Cameau briefly introduced themselves. The Village Council proceeded to cast electronic ballots. Upon the conclusion of the first round of voting, Village Clerk Rodriguez read the following results into the record: R.CAMEAU T. CASTELLANOS S. LEON S. RAUSCHER Y. RODRIGUEZ C. ULVERT SAINT FLEUR 1 1 1 1 BURCH 1 1 1 1 WAGAR 1 1 1 1 HARRIS 1 1 1 1 MARINBERG 1 1 1 1 Ms. Rasha Cameau, Ms. Sunja Leon, Ms. Yojana Rodriguez, and Mr. Christian Ulvert were appointed to the DCS Board. 7.B APPOINTMENTS TO THE POLICE RETIREMENT PENSION BOARD (2 CIVILIAN VACANCIES). Ms. Rodriguez introduced the item, indicating the electronic method by which the Village Council will cast their votes. Mr. Dan Kerr, Mr. Martin Maguth, and Mr. Clark Reynolds introduced themselves to the Village Council and answered questions posed by the Village Council. The Village Council proceeded to cast electronic ballots. Upon the conclusion of the first round of voting, Village Clerk Rodriguez read the following results into the record: D.KERR M. MAGUTH C. REYNOLDS MARINBERG 1 1 SAINT FLEUR 1 1 WAGAR 1 1 BURCH 1 1 HARRIS 1 1 Mr. Martin Maguth and Mr. Clark Reynolds were appointed to the Police Retirement Pension Board. 8)RESOLUTION(S) 5 8.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM VILLAGE MANAGER TO BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE RETIRING VILLAGE MANAGER, AS SIGNATORY FOR APPLICABLE VILLAGE BANK ACCOUNTS, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: FINANCE DIRECTOR). The Village Clerk read the caption of the resolution into the record. Mr. Scott briefly introduced the item, indicating its housekeeping nature in light of village manager transition process. Vice Mayor Marinberg moved to approve the resolution and Councilmember Burch seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY RESOLUTION, CREATING A SEPTIC TO SEWER TASK FORCE; DIRECTING THE VILLAGE CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE NAMED OFFICIALS LISTED HEREIN; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR SANDRA HARRIS). The Village Clerk read the caption of the resolution into the record. Mayor Harris introduced the item, explaining the item’s intent which is to support County Commissioner Regalado’s resolution, establishing a County Septic to Sewer Task Force. Councilmember Burch volunteered to serve on such task force as a Miami Shores Village representative should it receive the required votes at the County level. Mayor Harris moved to approve the resolution and Councilmember Burch seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9)DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 11 HISTORIC DESIGNATION (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). Mr. Travis Kendall, Planning & Zoning Director, provided an overview of the item and shared staff’s recommendation to not support the proposed Village code amendments proffered by the Historic Preservation Board, which would require all properties constructed prior to 1958, who are applying for demolition, to appear before the Historic Preservation Board (HPB) for historic landmark designation consideration. Mayor Harris opened item-specific public comments. Ms. Maria McGuiness spoke about the importance of preserving the historic significance and cohesion of the community, specifically when new residential construction plans are out of scale compared to the neighboring properties. Ms. Patrizia Bonaduce spoke about the importance of preserving the history of the Village as a member of the Historic Preservation Board. 6 Mr. John Bachay spoke about how those who desire to move into this community should have certain expectations. Mr. Jesse Valinski spoke about the importance of educating the residents about what they can or cannot do with their property should the item pass. Mayor Harris closed public comments. Councilmember Saint Fleur spoke in support of the item in an effort to preserve the historic significance and charm of properties in Miami Shores. Mayor Wagar spoke about the importance of protecting the integrity of the community. Vice Mayor Marinberg raised concerns about the potential chilling effect such proposal may have with respect to the additional steps that may cause further delays with the process in addition to other concerns. Responding to Councilmember Saint Fleur’s inquiry, Mr. Sarafan explained the challenge with the item as proposed by the HPB lies with determining how to treat demolition applications for properties that were constructed prior to 1958 and how do your let residents and prospective residents know about the proposed Village code amendment. Mr. Wesley Castellanos, Historic Preservation Board Chair, explained the premise of the item, requesting an opportunity for the HPB to review demolition applications to determine whether properties constructed prior to 1958 have historic significance. The Village Council lauded the HPB for their hard work. Councilmember Burch spoke about the chilling effect and advocated for the HPB to recommend unique homes to the Council for historic landmark designation consideration as currently stipulated in the Village code of ordinances. Mr. Sarafan spoke about a recent item that was denied by the Planning and Zoning Board due to the lack of cohesion with the neighboring community. Mr. Daniel Brady, Planning & Zoning Board member, spoke about the item referenced by Mr. Sarafan which he felt, along with neighbors, that the proposed design was not harmonious with the neighboring properties. Councilmember Burch moved to uphold staff’s recommendation to not make changes to the Village Code of Ordinances as proffered by the Historic Preservation Board. Vice Mayor Marinberg seconded the motion, which carried 3-2 voice vote. Councilmember Saint Fleur and Mayor Harris voted in opposition. No further discussion or action was taken. 9.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE ALLOCATION OF $7500.00 FOR HISTORIC MARKERS IN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). 7 Mr. Kendall introduced the item and Mr. John Bachay, HPB member, who delivered a brief presentation on historic markers, identified three potential areas for such markers: Grand Concourse Apartments, Brockway Memorial Library, and Miami Shores Community Church and further asked for the Village Council to consider allocating $7,500 for such markers. Mayor Harris opened public comments and subsequently closed it as no one present offered comments. Mr. Bachay mentioned the Miami Shores Community Church is willing to share the costs for the historic marker that will be placed in front of the property. By way of consensus, the Village Council approved the allocation of $7,500 for historic markers in three potential locations throughout the Village, contingent upon the approval of the signs. Mayor Harris encouraged the HPB to engage in fundraising activities to help offset the costs associated with such endeavors. No further discussion or action was taken. 9.C DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CHARTER REVIEW AMENDMENT PROCESS (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER CRYSTAL WAGAR). Mayor Harris opened item- specific public comments. Ms. Maria McGuiness spoke about the importance of providing a memo as back-up to the item to help inform the public. Mayor Harris closed public comments. Councilmember Wagar provided opening remarks, asking the Village Council to consider establishing an Ad Hoc Charter Review Advisory Board for the purpose of providing recommendations on the best practices of how to proceed with the Charter review and amendment process given the number of years since the last Charter review process was conducted. Discussion ensued on the Charter Review timeline stipulated in the Village Code of Ordinances. Councilmember Wagar moved to establish an Ad Hoc Charter Review Advisory Committee, which shall be comprised of seven residents, for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Village Council on the best practices and topics associated with the Charter review and amendment process for Village Council consideration. Mayor Harris seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. Village Clerk Rodriguez volunteered to serve as the staff liaison to such Committee and the Village Council accepted. No further discussion or action was taken. 9.D DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON ESTABLISHING A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER KATIA SAINT FLEUR). 8 Councilmember Saint Fleur introduced the item and spoke about the importance of having a strategic plan in place to establish a vision, common goals, and a means of accountability for the Village. Mayor Harris opened item-specific public comments. Mr. Jesse Valinski spoke in opposition to the item and asked about the associated costs related to the strategic plan facilitator. Mr. Carlos Canasi thanked the Village Council for doing a wonderful job and praised Jessica Fleitas, Communications Specialist, for her hard work. Ms. Maria McGuiness spoke about the importance of having a memo describing the premise of the item. Ms. McGuiness asked whether the permanent village manager will be involved in the strategic planning process. Mayor Harris closed public comments. Councilmember Burch recommended for the Interim Village Manager to reach out to Ms. Lynn Tipton from the Florida League of Cities regarding the strategic plan. Responding to Mayor Harris, Mr. Scott mentioned it's not too late to move forward with the proposed strategic plan in light of where the Village stands in terms of the current budgeting process. By way of consensus, the Village Council directed the Interim Village Manager to review the process, timing, and costs associated with establishing a Village-wide strategic plan and engaging a facilitator. No further discussion or action was taken. 10)MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Scott delivered updates on various matters. Mr. Scott further asked the Building Official, Mr. Ismael Naranjo, to provide an update on the Building Department permitting process and the upcoming public workshop to educate residents on such process. Mr. Naranjo also provided an overview of the 40-year recertification process. 11)ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read the announcements. 12)VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Harris- Mayor Harris spoke about the discussions that take place for the first time at Village Council Meetings due to Sunshine Law requirements. Councilmember Saint Fleur- Councilmember Saint Fleur echoed Mayor Harris’ comments and lauded the Village Controller, Sarah Simpson, for her achievement. Councilmember Saint Fleur thanked staff for coordinating the vigil in observance of the tragedy in the Town of Surfside. Councilmember Saint Fleur spoke about the reason why there wasn't a fourth of July fireworks event this year which was out of respect to the tragic ongoing search-and rescue efforts in the Town of Surfside. 9 Councilmember Wagar- Councilmember Wagar thanked the Footprints Across Haiti movement for collecting relief for the first responders who have been tirelessly working in the Town of Surfside search- and-rescue mission site. Councilmember thanked new residents who are attending the Council Meetings. Councilmember Wagar further thanked the Village Manager and the Building Official for trying to accommodate residents. Councilmember Burch- Councilmember Burch thanked staff for attending the Council Meeting. Councilmember Burch further spoke about the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration of Miami Shores Village, where the fireworks for the cancelled Fourth of July event will be launched at such event. Vice Mayor Marinberg- Vice Mayor Marinberg spoke about the human rights ordinance which will appear on the next agenda. Vice Mayor Marinberg further spoke about the recent Planning Board meeting which he felt the items that were referred to such board, were lost in translation. 13) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:09 PM. Village Council Meeting Time: 07-06-21 18:30 eComments Report Meetings Meeting Time Agenda Items Comments Support Oppose Neutral Village Council 07-06-21 18:30 26 10 8 1 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 Village Council 07-06-21 18:30 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 4.A) PRESENTATION REGARDING TWO-STROKE MOTORS WITHIN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (BY: SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY COMMITTEE). 6 5 0 0 6.C) APPROVAL OF THE SALE OF MR. BENTON'S ASSIGNED VILLAGE VEHICLE TO MR. BENTON FOR $12,000 (STAFF: INTERIM VILLAGE MANAGER). 1 0 1 0 7.B) APPOINTMENTS TO THE POLICE RETIREMENT PENSION BOARD (2 CIVILIAN VACANCIES). 1 1 0 0 9.D) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON ESTABLISHING A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER KATIA SAINT FLEUR). 2 2 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) PRESENTATION REGARDING TWO-STROKE MOTORS WITHIN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (BY: SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY COMMITTEE). Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 3:08pm 07-06-21 My wife Nancy Ancrum and I support the reduction of noise, air and water pollution that will result from curbing the use of two-stroke engines – principally in yard care equipment. We recognize that this equipment is more expensive to purchase (though cheaper to operate) and are prepared to pay more to safeguard our community's physical environment and improve our emotional well-being and enjoyment of time spent outdoors. The P&Z department report makes technically specific what we have personally experienced and learned anecdotally. Thank you. Patrizia Bonaduce Location: Submitted At: 1:33pm 07-06-21 Good evening, I support the banning of the gas-powered leaf blowers, for so many reasons: The vast damage caused by gas-powered blowers are, among many others: 1. NOISE , it’s up to 112 Decibels, louder than a plane taking off, a train, or a live rock concert. 2. POLLUTION, produces as much pollution as 17 cars. Hydrocarbons emissions are known to cause cancer and cardiopulmonary diseases. 3. ENVIRONMENT, Wind speeds up to 200 mph. A wind speed matched only by a hurricane or a tornado, harming the soil biology seriously, destroying insects and threatening all life on Earth. 4. HEALTH, these blowers generate a large amount of dust and allergens increasing asthma attacks and lung diseases. 5. OBSOLETE TECHNOLOGY, Small, two-cycle gasoline engines are notoriously inefficient, consuming large amounts of fuel. Dozens of States have already banned gas-powered leaf blowers and replaced them by Electric one are less polluting and less noisy. In Florida is already banned in Key Biscayne, South Miami, Surfside, Palm Beach, Saint Augustine, and Naples, Coral Gables and Key West are working on this Ordinance. The noise is unbearable even on weekends , there is no time limit, no day of rest , and the Village is not a quiet place anymore; which was the main reason in the first place we chose it to be our home. Please restore the peace , save the environment and the health of our families. Thank you Anya McCoy Location: Submitted At: 12:44pm 07-06-21 I support the effort to stop the use of two-stroke gas equipment in Miami Shores, the equipment is outdated and pollutes both the air and noise-wise. I understand there may be exceptions to the ban in times of emergencies, e.g., hurricanes. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:42pm 07-06-21 I support the proposal by the Sustainability & Resiliency Committee to ban 2-stroke motors. Not only are they polluting our air, but they are a source of damaging noise pollution. We understand that a ban on these motors may be immediately difficult for some of the landscapers, so I hope that a period of 6 months can be allowed before this ban takes place, so that they will have time to purchase new equipment. Thank you, Carol & Allan Respondek 1162 NE 105 Street, Miami Shores Jean Lee Location: Submitted At: 12:06pm 07-06-21 I support the idea of limiting the use of two-stroke motors in the Village as they are extremely polluting in every way; air, noise, and petroleum product carcinogens to name a few. There are other options available now and as a society, we need to be heading in the direction of less pollution. Mary Benton Location: Submitted At: 11:57am 07-06-21 We must act now to make Miami Shores more resilient and sustainable. Phasing out the use of highly-polluting two-stroke gas motors in the village will go a long way toward achieving that goal. Please make an exception for gas-powered chainsaws which are needed for storm cleanup, especially if there is no electricity. There are ways to make this easier on the companies that do our landscaping, such as giving them time to plan, encouraging residents to help by purchasing batteries that can be used when the landscaping company arrives, etc. Reducing the decibel level would also be a blessing as well for those of us who don't have impact windows or like spending time outdoors. Thank you for doing the right thing! Agenda Item: eComments for 6.C) APPROVAL OF THE SALE OF MR. BENTON'S ASSIGNED VILLAGE VEHICLE TO MR. BENTON FOR $12,000 (STAFF: INTERIM VILLAGE MANAGER). Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:44pm 07-06-21 Tom Benton has served this village over and above his job description. In his many years of serving as the village manager, he has only had three vehicles. I believe that this generous council can find it in their hearts to give Mr. Benton the car. Cheryl Calhoun Agenda Item: eComments for 7.B) APPOINTMENTS TO THE POLICE RETIREMENT PENSION BOARD (2 CIVILIAN VACANCIES). Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:27pm 07-06-21 Good evening, Council members, I am Mary Ross Agosta, a resident of Miami Shores for 29 years. Like each of you, I served as a public servant in Miami Shores from 1995-2001 as Council woman and Mayor. It was indeed an honor to serve this fabulous community. After my term ended as an elected official I continued to serve on the General Employees Pension Board for several years. Recently I was appointed to the Police Pension Board, and I am pleased to serve our village again. Upon review of tonight’s agenda and in regards to item #8, the appointment of two civilians to the Police Pension Board, I wish to support Mr. Clark Reynolds and Mr. Martin Maguth. As a member of this board I understand who is needed to compliment those already serving and both Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Maguth can provide the financial and hands- on pension funds expertise. To serve on any board in Miami Shores Village is an honor and commitment and I understand both men fully understand the role of a board member and working together to achieve the necessary outcomes, for the Village and our police officers. I ask that you vote for Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Maguth as the two board members needed on the Police Pension Board. I appreciate your attention to this request and would be grateful your votes for these two candidates. Thank you. Mary Ross Agosta 200 Grand Concourse 305 790-8811 Agenda Item: eComments for 9.D) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON ESTABLISHING A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER KATIA SAINT FLEUR). Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:11pm 07-06-21 Kathleen Redmond, 1010 NE 92nd St Please include the Aging In Place initiative/plan which focuses on the needs of senior citizens in our community and their desire to remain in their own homes. A plan has been formulated and should be included in the Village Strategic Plan. Thank you. Daniel Brady Location: Submitted At: 9:51am 07-05-21 Please include the completion of the Age Friendly Initiative Plan as an integral part of a strategic plan for the Village. The Village joined the Age Friendly Initiative several years ago and the Plan is the final piece of that process. Good morning Councilmember, I am leaving for vacation tomorrow morning for the next 3 weeks, but I wanted to weigh in on the 2 Stroke motor ban on the upcoming agenda. Without being crystal clear and apparently slightly deceptive, the language necessitated my research on 2 stroke motors which is apparently targeting gas operated leaf blowers. While I am an environmental supporter and I have a butterfly garden in my front yard and a fully planted tropical garden in my back yard, I am writing to disagree with this proposal. I am very aware of the sustainability challenges we face going forward. The noise from the gas leaf blowers or gas-powered lawn mowers are not bothersome to me at all. The blowers are what is necessary for the crews, who keep our Village looking beautiful, to do their job. I would suppose this ban would also apply to all the public workers for Miami Shores too, correct? I think the ban would cause undue hardship on the lawn companies and individual garden workers as it would require them to buy new equipment, when so many of these support workers struggle to provide for their families. Ear protection is an easy and inexpensive way to protect workers hearing. The blowers are used for such a short time, it seems silly to target these machines only. Will gas lawn mowers be allowed or are we required to return to the push mowers of the 50’s? There are other things to consider. Tree trimmers work require chain saws and blowers, hurricane clean-up workers require chainsaws and blowers. The use of gas chainsaws to clear roadways after an emergency would also be affected. Let’s address the plastics issue first. Plastic grocery bags are choking the waterways and killing the fish and many alleys are disgusting as residents and public and private workers leave trash and food behind, doggie poop bags (which are left in the alley cans but not emptied by the MS trash workers) are left to rot and general conditions are unsatisfactory. Let’s also address what is going to happen to our environment when rising waters push the septic tanks out of the ground and pollute the butterfly gardens and the Miami Shores neighborhoods with fecal matter that will destroy our surrounding land. Banning gas powered leaf blowers is a misdirected effort of time and energy as to what is important in this discussion. This ban is not necessary to protect our environment. Respectively submitted, Elizabeth Cowen