2022-02-01 Minutes1
MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 1, 2022 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:
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
Village Manager Esmond Scott
4) PRESENTATIONS
Village Manager Scott provided opening remarks regarding the 90th Anniversary of Miami Shores
Village and announced the various kick-off events in celebration of such occasion.
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS- 2 MINUTE TIME LIMIT
Village Clerk Rodriguez read eComments into the record, which have been attached hereto as
Exhibit A.
Janet Goodman advocated for a community meeting with the Village Manager and the Public
Works Director regarding the Shores Estates septic to sewer conversion project. She further
spoke about the importance of transparency.
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Esteban Serrano expressed concerns regarding a neighboring boatlift, which he alleged to be
unauthorized.
Maria McGuiness asked the Village Council to consider hosting Council Meetings at a different facility to
accommodate more residents.
Jessica Pluhar spoke about speeding on North Miami Avenue and the dangers associated with this issue.
She further advocated for speed humps and other measures to help curtail vehicular speeding.
6) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
6.A APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 18, 2022 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF:
VILLAGE CLERK).
Councilmember Burch moved to approve the January 18, 2022 Village Council Meeting Minutes and
Mayor Harris seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote.
7) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING
7.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA,
IMPOSING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW AND
CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR REZONING AND/OR FUTURE LAND USE MAP
AMENDMENTS DURING THE PENDENCY OF EFFORTS BY THE VILLAGE TO PROCESS
CHANGES TO THE VILLAGE’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR AN EXCEPTION
FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing and subsequently closed it as no one provided comments.
Mr. Sarafan explained the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) anticipates the process
to amend the Village’s Comprehensive Plan will take approximately 6 months.
Responding to the Village Council, Mr. Scott spoke about the anticipated transparency measures with
respect to the Comprehensive Plan amendment process.
Councilmember Burch spoke about her recollection involving the Village’s decision to forgo
Comprehensive Plan workshops for residents in 2018-2019.
Mr. Scott confirmed that such workshop will be held at the Community Center to accommodate more
residents.
Vice Mayor Marinberg proposed engaging outside legal counsel regarding said amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan.
Vice Mayor Marinberg moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and Councilmember Burch
seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote.
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7.B AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” BY CREATING SECTION 2-34, RELATING TO
CERTAIN PROHIBITIONS AND LIMITATIONS WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR SUBMITTAL OF
ANY PUBLIC COMMENT VIA WRITTEN MEANS TO ANY BOARD OF THE VILLAGE;
PROVIDING FOR CRIMINAL PENALTIES, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY:
COUNCILMEMBER ALICE BURCH).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record.
Councilmember Burch provided a brief overview of the item, advocating for certain prohibitions to the
submittal of written public comments by way of any third party due to recent entries made by a canvassing
firm.
Discussion ensued regarding the unintended consequences related to the proposed ordinance.
Councilmember Burch advocated for the Village Clerk to enable the registration feature of the
eComments platform.
Discussion ensued regarding the practicality of requiring the public to register with the Granicus platform
in order to provide eComments.
Mr. Sarafan clarified the spirit of the proposed ordinance, which is to prohibit the usurpation of people’s
identity by way of written comments.
Councilmember Saint Fleur moved to direct the Village Attorney to draft an e-Comments disclosure
statement for Village Council consideration and to direct the Village Clerk to enable the registration
feature of eComments. Vice Mayor Marinberg seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
8) ORDINANCE(S) ON SECOND READING- PUBLIC HEARING
8.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA,
RELATING TO ZONING, APPENDIX “A”, AMENDING ARTICLE V, DIVISION V, “OFF-5
STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS”, ADDING SECTION 6 521(2)(c), “REPLACEMENT OF
NON-CONFORMING DRIVEWAYS”; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, CODIFICATION,
SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL
MARINBERG).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing and subsequently closed it as no one provided comments.
Mr. Travis Kendall, Planning and Zoning Director, spoke about the section changes which now include
521(b)(1)(g), thereby adding a new subsection to the Zoning Code.
Vice Mayor Marinberg recommended the removal of Section 536(2).
Responding to the Village Council, Public Works Director Christopher Miranda explained paving of the
swale and the driveway approach requires a public works permit and for the property owner to bring it
into conformance pursuant to Village Code Section 521.
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Mr. Scott clarified the proposed ordinance stops on the property line but if the approach is affected, such
construction would have to be brought into compliance.
Vice Mayor Marinberg moved to adopt the ordinance as amended with the condition that such document
indicate that Public Works consultation is required when paving driveways if said language does not
currently exist. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Burch which carried a 5-0 voice vote.
9) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS
9.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE 9900 BUILDING (SPONSORED
BY: MAYOR SANDRA HARRIS).
Mayor Harris introduced the item, indicating the primary concern that lead to the item which is the need
for a permanent Village Council Chamber in light of new social protocols and limited seating in
the existing Council Chamber.
Councilmember Burch advocated for the continued use of the existing Council Chamber for Council and
other board/committee meetings in light of the poor acoustic and facility layout of the 9900
Building. Councilmember Burch further spoke about the possibility of purchasing a portable dais.
Village Clerk Rodriguez reminded the Village Council that capital improvement funding has been
allocated to upgrade audio-visual equipment located at the 9900 Building; however, said funding
does not include the costs associated with a portable dais nor improvements to the layout of the
facility.
Mr. Scott indicated the Village has spent over $700,000 in improvements to the 9900 Building.
Mayor Harris indicated the importance of revisiting the upgrade concerns during budget season.
No action was taken.
10) MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Scott provided an update regarding operational matters, announcing the appointment of Interim
Police Chief David Golt as Police Chief.
11) ANNOUNCEMENTS
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements.
Public Works Director Christopher Miranda provided an update regarding Shores Estate Septic to Sewer
Conversion project and the NE 96 Street project.
12) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Alice Burch- Councilmember Burch spoke about the upcoming Black History Month
events and urged motorists to be mindful of pedestrians.
Councilmember Katia Saint Fleur- Councilmember Saint Fleur thanked the South Florida People of
Color for their display and acknowledged Councilmember Wagar as the first African American Mayor of
Miami Shores. She further congratulated Chief Golt. Councilmember Saint Fleur spoke about traffic and
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speeding. Lastly, Councilmember Saint Fleur spoke about the importance of the Councilmembers getting
to know each other and advocated for a team building outing or retreat.
Councilmember Crystal Wagar- Councilmember Wagar congratulated Chief Golt, requested
information regarding modern practices and promotional opportunities concerning the Department of
Public Works. She further spoke about improvements to Village facilities, particularly Village Hall, Police,
and Community Center. Lastly, in light of Black history Month, Councilmember Wagar spoke about the
history of Miami Shores throughout the 90 years, especially during the times of racial segregation.
Vice Mayor Daniel Marinberg- Vice Mayor Marinberg congratulated Chief Golt, spoke about the 90th
anniversary, and the diversity of the Village Council and Village administration. Vice Mayor commented
on Mr. John Bachay’s research regarding Black History Month at Brockway Memorial Library. Lastly, Vice
Mayor acknowledged Mr. Joe Schwartz for his qualification in the Maccabi Games.
Mayor Sandra Harris- Mayor Harris spoke about the diversity of the Village Council, announced the
various Black History Month events, and encouraged residents to get the COVID-19 booster shot.
13) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Village Council
Meeting Time: 02-01-22 18:30
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting
Time
Agenda
Items
Comments Support Oppose Neutral
Village Council 02-01-22
18:30
18 3 2 0 1
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
02-01-22 18:30
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS- 2 MINUTE TIME LIMIT 1 0 0 1
8.A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES
VILLAGE, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ZONING, APPENDIX “A”,
AMENDING ARTICLE V, DIVISION V, “OFF-5 STREET PARKING
REQUIREMENTS”, ADDING SECTION 6 521(2)(c), “REPLACEMENT OF
NON-CONFORMING DRIVEWAYS”; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS,
CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
(SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG).
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 5) PUBLIC COMMENTS- 2 MINUTE TIME LIMIT
Overall Sentiment
susan ackley
Location:
Submitted At: 10:11am 01-29-22
Susan Ackley, 1119 NE 99 St.
As I anticipate transitioning from my single-family home to an apartment, I’d like the opportunity to stay in Miami
Shores.
Therefore, my desire for the 9900 property is its redevelopment to a luxury residential building, similar to the
Quayside complex.
I am not opposed to raising the MSV building code height restriction to at least an additional 1 story capping it at
4, if that’s what makes the most sense for the developer’s financial considerations.
Agenda Item: eComments for 8.A) AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA,
RELATING TO ZONING, APPENDIX “A”, AMENDING ARTICLE V, DIVISION V, “OFF-5 STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS”,
ADDING SECTION 6 521(2)(c), “REPLACEMENT OF NON-CONFORMING DRIVEWAYS”; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS,
CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR DANIEL MARINBERG).
Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 1:39pm 02-01-22
I have lived in Miami Shores for 30 years. I worked in Code Enforcement/Planning and Zoning when I was 18
years old, and now years later I am a Country Club Board member. I love Miami Shores. I have a non-
conforming driveway. I am in the process of obtaining a permit to beautify my property and it is beyond me how
difficult it is to do this. No two properties are the same and they should not be treated as such. I understand
uniformity etc. but we should not look at our properties as if they were cookie cutter duplicates. There is plenty to
consider when it comes to approving driveways: what currently exists, the limitations due to the size of the lot,
where the property is located in the lot, possible drain field and tank location, reasonable space to park vehicles,
etc.
brian kronberg
Location:
Submitted At: 1:11pm 02-01-22
Good evening Mayor and Council Members - I continue to support this item related to driveways and believe in
passing this ordinance tonight you are improving the aesthetics within Miami Shores. Thank you for doing your
part to understand the challenge and taking the necessary steps to facilitate change.