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2021-09-23 MINUTES1 MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 6:30 PM 9900 NE 2ND AVENUE 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 6:35PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2) ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmember Alice Burch Councilmember Katia Saint Fleur Councilmember Crystal Wagar Mayor Sandra Harris Vice Mayor Marinberg arrived at 6:48PM. ALSO PRESENT: Village Attorney Richard Sarafan Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez Village Manager Esmond Scott 4) PRESENTATIONS 4.A MIAMI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (MSES) CAMBRIDGE PROGRAM UPDATE PRESENTED BY: MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (MDCPS). Ms. Brenda Swain, MSES Principal, and Ms. Joette Viggiano, MDCPS District Supervisor of International Programs, delivered a presentation on the status of the Cambridge Program and answered questions posed by the Village Council. Ms. Swain was also joined by MDCPS employees: Ms. Tabitha Fazzino (Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs), Ms. Martha Montaner, and Dr. Rodriguez. 2 4.B BARRY UNIVERSITY INTRODUCTION REGARDING THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROPOSAL FOR MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (DRS. DALE HARTZ, CAROLE HUBERMAN, AND STEPHEN SUSSMAN). Dr. Dale Hartz, on behalf of the Barry University Strategic Planning Team, provided a brief introduction, delivered a presentation, and answered questions posed by the Village Council concerning the strategic planning proposal for Miami Shores. On a separate note, Councilmember Burch asked for the Village Council’s indulgence to acknowledge and thank Mr. Seth Bramson for his assistance in researching photographs of the Miami Shores aerial view that depict access steps of Bayfront Park. Such photograph will be displayed at Village Hall. 5) PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Robert Menge spoke in opposition to a planning board application for a proposed gas station to be constructed at 10500 Biscayne Boulevard. Ms. Lisa Sotir spoke in opposition to a planning board application due to the size of the proposed home which she believes is not in scale with the surrounding area. Ms. Sotir further encouraged the Village Council to attend the planning board meeting. Ms. Kate Mason spoke in favor of the strategic plan proposal. Ms. Mason further recommended forming a volunteer group comprised of residents to garner resident input regarding the strategic plan survey. 6) ORDINANCE(S) ON SECOND READING- PUBLIC HEARING 6.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD ARTICLE III, THE “MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE;” PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG). The Village Clerk read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Mayor Harris opened the public hearing and subsequently closed it, as no one present offered comments regarding the ordinance. Vice Mayor Marinberg introduced the item, noting the amendments to the ordinance which provide further clarification to the definitions outlined in the ordinance. Councilmember Wagar moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilmember Burch seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 7) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 3 7.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). Mr. Scott introduced Mr. Nelson Diaz, Village Lobbyist, who spoke about the current legislative session. Responding to the Village Council, Mr. Christopher Miranda, Public Works Director, provided an overview of the drainage challenges for the NE 104 Street corridor from 12th -16th Avenues, noting NE 104 Street was identified as one of the lowest lying areas in the Village according to the Vulnerability Study. Councilmember Saint Fleur asked the Village Manager to seek funding for traffic calming measures, such as speed tables. By way of consensus, the Village Council agreed to the following legislative priorities: 1. Upgrade to the 93rd Street Pump Station to include: a. Design and permitting b. Replacement of generator c. Raise control panel d. Replace fuel tank e. Relining of pipes 2. Septic to Sewer study for the area east of Biscayne Boulevard 3. Drainage for the NE 104th Street corridor from 12th -16th Avenues No further action was taken on this item. 7.B DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF ONE NON- VOTING EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL TO SERVE ON THE SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE 2020-01 (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez introduced the item, which is housekeeping in nature. Mayor Harris asked her colleagues if anyone would be interested in serving as the ex-officio member on the Sustainability & Resiliency Committee (SRC). Responding to Councilmember Burch’s inquiry concerning the meeting frequency of such committee, Mr. Travis Kendall, SRC Staff Liaison, explained the board does not have a regular meeting schedule at the moment. However, the committee meets at 6:30 PM. Councilmember Wagar volunteered to serve on such board with the condition that there be an alternate member. Councilmember Burch volunteered to serve as the alternate member. A motion was moved by Councilmember Wagar to appoint herself as the ex-officio member to serve on the SRC, with Councilmember Burch as the alternate member. Vice Mayor Marinberg seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. No further action was taken on this item. 8) MANAGER'S REPORT 4 Mr. Scott provided an update regarding various operational matters. 9) ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements into the record. In response to a public comment asking the Village Council to attend a planning board hearing, Mr. Sarafan advised the Village Council to not attend hearings where an appeal may come before the Village Council. Mr. Sarafan noted the purpose of said legal advice is to ensure the Village Council is considering the merits of said matter during the appeal. Responding to individual Councilmember inquiries, Mr. Sarafan cited the Jennings Rule (Jennings v. Dade County) with respect to ex parte communication and protecting the zoning process from unfair influence. 10) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Burch- Councilmember Burch spoke about eComments and announced the Community Bike Ride event. Councilmember Saint Fleur- No comments were offered by Councilmember Saint Fleur. Councilmember Wagar- Councilmember Wagar echoed the sentiments of Vice Mayor Marinberg regarding the improvements to the 9900 Building. Councilmember Wagar further congratulated Mr. Scott on his appointment as Miami-Dade City and County Management Association President. Vice Mayor Marinberg – Vice Mayor Marinberg spoke about hosting office hours at Borsalino on Saturdays from 10am to noon. Vice Mayor Marinberg announced Hispanic Heritage Month. He further spoke about the improvements to the 9900 Building. Mayor Harris- Mayor Harris asked the Communications Specialist to post information regarding the level of commitment and meeting frequency for board vacancies. 11) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM.