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2023-06-06 Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES JUNE 6, 2023 6:30 PM 9900 BUILDING 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Burch called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor George Burch Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky Councilmember Jerome Charles Councilmember Sandra Harris Councilmember Daniel Marinberg Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Sarah Johnston Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) ORDER OF BUSINESS Village Manager Scott deferred Item 5E and added the FDOT Update Presentation to the order of business. 5) PRESENTATIONS 5.A CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO DOCTORS CHARTER SCHOOL DEBATE TEAM. Mayor Burch presented certificates of recognition to the following debate team winners and faculty. 2 Conan Matos, Miranda Chevalier, Avril Suarez, Luke Jackson, Arielle Joseph, Josie Chery-Ligert, Leanna Peterson and Emily Romano. Debate Team Coaches: Mr. Jean Carlos Amaya Mr. Timothy Wall 5.B 2023 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE PRESENTED BY: SENATOR SHEVRIN JONES. Senator Shevrin Jones and Representative Dotie Joseph presented the 2023 legislative update and answered questions posed by the Village Council. 5.C RECAP OF 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PRESENTED BY: THE SOUTHERN GROUP LOBBYIST, KATE DELOACH. Ms. DeLoach delivered specific information regarding the 2023 legislative session and answered questions posed by the Village Council. 5.D PRESENTATION ON BAYFRONT PARK SEAWALL DESIGN PHASE BY: CHEN MOORE. Patrick Kaimrajh with Chen Moore and Associates delivered a presentation and answered questions posed by the Village Council regarding the scope of work that has been performed, site investigation, public engagement, Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), the preliminary design considerations, cost and schedule. Mr. Kaimrajh indicated he would follow-up with Village Administration when he was asked if there is a difference in the cost if the height of the wall would need to be increased depending on the material. As far as the material of the seawall, it will be determined as Chen Moore develops the design and receives input from the public during engagement efforts. Similarly for drainage and fill materials, such costs will be developed when the Village and Chen Moore proceed with public involvement regarding the design. With respect to the cost of Phase One, the design, which incorporates that list of tasks, including survey, Geotech, arborist, coastal, seagrass, community engagement engineering, and landscape architecture, Patrick indicated that component is approximately $308,000. If you include permitting and bidding, the cost is approximately $58,000 for a total of just over $366,000. With respect to construction costs, Chen Moore has not begun design, therefore it is not possible to define what the cost is for construction at the moment. With respect to the implications of the FIND Grant, should the Village accept such grant, it will be paid out on a reimbursement basis. Thus, payment from the FIND Grant would need to be in conjunction with the grant requirements. Patrick further noted there is, in addition to FIND, an FDEP grant of approximately $1 million associated with this project. Responding to Mayor Burch’s inquiry regarding the $500,000 total cost stipulated in the contract, Patrick clarified such figure consists of construction administration, field investigation through design, permitting, and bidding, in addition to public involvement initiatives. This amount does not include construction costs. Vice Mayor Valinsky indicated accepting the FIND Grant is going to increase the cost of the project because the grant criteria requires the Village to construct more than a seawall. Responding to Vice 3 Mayor Valinsky’s inquiry regarding the cost of the seawall minus the grants, Patrick stated seawall construction ranges from about $2,500 to $3,500 per linear foot. The Bayfront Park seawall area is approximately 900 feet of seawall, which would equate to roughly, preliminarily (disclaimer) $2.7 million. The cost of the water access would depend on what the Village decides to incorporate, but in his estimation, it would be a fraction of the overall seawall construction. A non-corrosive reinforcing material would probably give the seawall the longest ROI in terms of lifespan according to Patrick. According to FIND, Mr. Scott indicated the Village may opt to add steps going down to the water at Bayfront Park as previously constructed. Councilmember Harris indicated she does not believe any degree of water access is going to be acceptable. The Village Council and administration thanked Chen Moore for the presentation. No action was taken on this item. 5.E PRESENTATION ON ZONING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK BY: CLAUDIA HASBUN, PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR DEFERRED. 5.G. FDOT PROJECT UPDATE Christian Gonzalez, Construction Community Outreach Specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation provided opening remarks regarding the upcoming roadway project along State Road 103rd Street or State Road 932 Northwest 103rd Street between Northwest 6th Avenue and Northeast 2nd Avenue. He further turned the presentation over to Mr. Colin Johnson, who is the FDOT Construction Project Manager, to provide specific details regarding the scope of the project and answer questions. 6) BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT Sylvia Clarke & Jessica Pluhar, Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) members, presented a statement on behalf of the RAC. Ms. Pluhar read the statement into the record, expressing support for the funding of the community center. Ms. Clarke further reported the RAC's support for water access at Bayfront Park. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS Maxwell Architect inquired about the scope of work and costs associated with the public seawall versus a private seawall. AJ Nichols spoke about improvements related to the website. He further spoke about possible height restrictions regarding the comp plan. He asked for the codification of zoning related stipulations. He further spoke in opposition to the kayak launch. Linda Schwartz raised concerns about allowing water access at Bayfront Park. 4 Tim Duerkop thanked the Village Manager and Chen Moore consultants. He spoke about the progress, but expressed reservations about imposing specific water access without the involvement of neighboring residents. Maria McGuiness spoke about the importance of determining why the steps were removed from the seawall. She further expressed urgency in repairing the seawall. Robert Menge spoke about determining whether there are other grants associated with the seawall repair. He further expressed support for addressing the comprehensive plan inconsistencies and flooding issues. Nancy Dowson asked for additional information regarding possible grants and the alternatives if the Village does not accept the grant(s). Giselle Kovac spoke about the second annual Pride Event which will be held on October 22, 2023. She further asked for Village Council support, specifically from Public Works, MSPD, and Parks & Recreation Departments in kind services. Patrick Sullivan thanked the Village Council and spoke about the importance of repairing the seawall and forgoing grant opportunities that require public access to the water. Linda Ortogoza asked the Village Council why the Village is considering the FIND Grant given the unintended consequences that may arise. She advocated for seawall repair. Village Clerk Rodriguez read eComments into the record. 8) CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Harris moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and Vice Mayor Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 8.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH CERES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. AS THE PRIMARY CONTRACTOR, DRC EMERGENCY SERVICES, LLC AS THE SECONDARY CONTRACTOR AND T.F.R. ENTERPRISES AS THE TERTIARY CONTRACTOR, TO PROVIDE DISASTER DEBRIS REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL SERVICES PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 2023-04-02 DISASTER DEBRIS REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL SERVICES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). PASSED ON CONSENT 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, BY AND THROUGH ITS POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO ALLOW THE VILLAGE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 8CC-11 OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO ENFORCE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE COUNTY CODE AND ISSUE CIVIL VIOLATION NOTICES; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE RENEWAL AND TERMINATION PROVISIONS CONTAINED THEREIN; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: POLICE CHIEF). 5 PASSED ON CONSENT. 8.C 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. (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER) PASSED ON CONSENT. 8.D APPROVAL OF THE MAY 16, 2023 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). PASSED ON CONSENT. 9) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 9.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, RE- INSTITUTING THE MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE, REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR REZONING AND/FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENTS, AS ENACTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 2022-04 AND EXTENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 2022-09, FOR AN ADDITIONAL SIX (6) MONTHS OR UPON FINAL APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS THROUGH THE REQUIRED APPEAL PERIOD, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Mayor Burch opened the public hearing. Carter McDowell spoke about submitting an application to the Planning & Zoning Board in hopes of initiating dialogue with the Village Council regarding Barry University’s prospective project. Mr. McDowell spoke about the importance of having a comprehensive dialogue. He further spoke about the various delays affecting the proposed project. Maria McGuiness spoke in support of the moratorium and urged Council to not treat Barry University differently. AJ Nichols spoke in support of the item. Robert Menge spoke in support of the item. Maxwell Architect urged Council to reinstitute the moratorium. He further asked about the status of the comprehensive plan. Carol Eannace Respondek spoke about the importance of being better stewards of the community. Ms. Claudia Hasbun, Planning & Zoning Director, provided an overview of the item and noted a change to the document regarding the expiration date which should reflect April 2023. Staff recommends approval of the ordinance on first reading. Councilmember Harris asked about the pending application from Barry University relative to the proposed temporary moratorium. Councilmember Harris asked that Barry University be exempt from the moratorium as an application was submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department after the moratorium expired. 6 Village Attorney Johnston noted that such moratorium is important to implement due to the comprehensive plan and zoning code inconsistencies. With the pending applications, Councilmember Marinberg posed the following questions: “what does the timeline look like with respect to the Village responding? Assuming a complete application, what does that mean for the Village at that point? What do we have to do as far as taking action on that? Ms. Hasbun clarified if an application is complete for a Land Use amendment and a map amendment, it will first go to the planning and zoning board. After that, it will go in front of council. Councilmember Charles moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and Vice Mayor Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9.B AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX, A, ZONING, SECTION 906, ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT ORDERS TO INCLUDE PREREQUISITES FOR DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY AND ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT NO. FLS000003; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Ms. Claudia Hasbun provided a brief overview, specifying state requirements and the ordinance’s compliance with such regulations. Ms. Hasbun indicated the ordinance incorporates language relating to development orders and the process the Village should adhere to when reviewing applications. Responding to Councilmember Marinberg, Ms. Hasbun clarified the Village has been reviewing applications through the lens of the proposed regulations. The purpose of the item, according to Ms. Hasbun, is to codify such regulations in the Village Code of Ordinances. Mayor Burch opened public comments. Maria McGuiness raised questions regarding the process. Carol Respondek raised concerns relative to stormwater issues and advocated for a Stormwater Master Plan in the near future. Mayor Burch closed public comments, hearing no further comments from the public. Councilmember Harris moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and Vice Mayor Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9.C AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, COMPREHENSIVELY UPDATING AND AMENDING CHAPTER 20, STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES, ARTICLE V., STORMWATER UTILITY BY ADDING DIVISION I, STORMWATER UTILITY SYSTEM AND CREATING DIVISION II, STORMWATER QUALITY, PERTAINING TO ILLICIT DISCHARGES AND CONNECTIONS, EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL, AND OTHER WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS; PROVIDING FOR 7 SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Ms. Claudia Hasbun provided a brief overview, asking the Village Council to disregard the highlighted area contained within the revised ordinance. Ms. Hasbun stated said section is not part of the ordinance. Ms. Hasbun further explained the premise of the ordinance which creates a new article (Chapter 20) regarding illicit discharges and a prohibition on illegal connections to the Village’s storm water system. Responding to Councilmember Charles’ inquiry, Ms. Hasbun clarified the ordinance was drafted by the Village Attorneys with suggested language from Kimley-Horn & Associates. Mayor Burch opened public comments. Seeing no member of the public approach the lectern, Mayor Burch closed the public hearing. Councilmember Charles moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and Councilmember Harris seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 10) RESOLUTION(S) 10.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, CREATING AN AD HOC TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ESTABLISHING THE SCOPE OF REVIEW AND COMPOSITION; PROVIDING FOR SUNSET OF THE COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, IMPLEMENTATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Attorney Johnston noted corrections to the following areas contained with the proposed resolution: - Section (4): Objectives: Revising the language to read, "The committee shall conduct a traffic analysis based upon the completed 2016 Miami Shores Village traffic study, community input, observation, and any technical studies and analysis provided for review and their consideration. The committee shall seek community input and participation and the committee shall provide a recommendation to the Village Council regarding proposed traffic mitigation or calming strategies and shall propose recommendations which pertain, but are not limited to street barriers, street closures, and implementation of speed humps and stop signs, in accordance with applicable law." - Delete: "the committee's recommendation shall be delivered to the Village Council within 90 days of its first meeting, unless an extension is granted by the village manager in writing." However, preserve the remaining language. - Amend Section 6, Sunset Language, to read, "The committee shall sunset when the committee reports to the Council that its designated goals have been accomplished." Councilmember Marinberg noted the resolution indicates the Mayor will appoint the Chair. Responding to Councilmember Marinberg, Village Clerk Rodriguez indicated, customarily, the chairperson is appointed by the respective board/committee at the first scheduled meeting for newly established boards. For existing boards, such action takes place during its first meeting following the annual board appointment process. There was consensus to amend the resolution to include language which reflects the current chair appointment process. 8 Councilmember Marinberg moved to approve the resolution as amended (including the aforementioned amendments), and Councilmember Charles seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 11)DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 11.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CONDUCTING A STUDY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SEWER AND STORMWATER SYSTEMS AFFECTING NE 104 STREET TO 91 TERRACE -FROM NE 12TH AVENUE TO THE WATER (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Mayor Burch provided opening remarks regarding the top two critical areas identified in the environmental vulnerability study (Shores Estates and NE 12th avenue to the water, from 104th street to 91st terrace), thereby advocating for a special taxing district to pay for the cost of a sewer project at the aforementioned NE 12th Avenue location. Mayor Burch indicated the expectation is for the Village to apply for a grant, thereby asking Council to consider engaging a consultant to conduct a preliminary study. Councilmember Charles and Vice Mayor Valinsky advocated for a Village-wide septic to sewer plan. In response, Mayor Burch spoke about the cost associated with said endeavor and expressed interest in addressing low-lying areas first. Councilmember Charles asked Village Manager Scott whether it is a state requirement to conduct a plan. Village Manager Scott indicated it is best practices, as it will help the Village acquire grant funding and it will provide a comprehensive view of the current septic and/or storm water systems. Councilmember Harris spoke in support of phasing out the projects. Village Manager Scott further indicated the master plan tells you the area that is most vulnerable and it tells you how the Village should approach it in phases. Councilmember Marinberg indicated the importance of managing the expectations of residents with realistic information concerning the phase approach should the Village Council proceed with such recourse. Responding to the Village Council, Village Manager Scott indicated the Village received a grant to pay for 50 percent of the Shores Estates Septic to Sewer Conversion Project. However, the grant agreement stipulates how the remaining 50 percent would be covered. Village Manager Scott referenced a Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) grant which requires the application to be submitted soon. Thus he asked Village Council to authorize him to proceed with the grant application for Shores Estates. Responding to the Village Council, Christopher Miranda, Public Works Director clarified what is a Master Plan. Mr. Miranda indicated the master plan would be a layout for the entire village. It includes the areas that would be best suited for connections to sewers, how many pump stations and the best locations, where the Village is going to connect, etc… Ms. Hasbun clarified the Comprehensive Plan does not address the aforementioned master plans. Vice Mayor Valinsky indicated one of the benefits of the master plan is that it provides residents with a timeframe as to when their respective area will undergo a septic to sewer conversion. Mayor Burch referenced the Village Environmental Vulnerability Study and indicated he asked the Village Clerk to circulate the study after the item was published. Responding to the Mayor, Councilmember Harris clarified the Village Environmental Vulnerability Study is not a septic to sewer master plan. 9 Answering Vice Mayor Valinsky’s inquiry regarding the document which specifies shovel ready projects, Village Manager Scott indicated the vulnerability study does not supplant a septic to sewer master plan based on his communication with the author of the vulnerability study. Councilmember Marinberg addressed the importance of phasing out a Village-wide septic to sewer plan in an informed and consistent manner that does not target just one area. He further raised concern about the Shores Estates residents being forced to pay for the sewer (other than their own personal connection from their home to the sewer line). Mayor Burch asked about the timeline to get the master plans underway in hopes of pursuing the septic to sewer conversion project. Vice Mayor Valinsky stated he believes in a cost-sharing approach with respect to financing the septic to sewer plan. Responding to Mayor Burch, Village Manager Scott asked the Council to allow him until the next meeting to provide preliminary information. Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to direct the Village Manager to seek grant funding from DEO for the master sewer plan and Councilmember Charles seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. Councilmember Marinberg asked the Village Manager to provide answers to the following questions when he presents his update: How long will the master plan take to complete? What is the cost of the plan? Is the Village able to modify what’s happening in Shores Estates regarding residents paying for their own portion (not the plan)? There was no further discussion. 11.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON FUNDING A NEW COMMUNITY CENTER OR RENOVATING THE EXISTING BUILDING (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Mayor Burch advocated for a new Community Center and asked for Council input regarding the matter. Mayor Burch asked the Finance Director, through the Village Manager, to determine how much debt the Village can absorb. Vice Mayor Valinsky expressed support for the exploration of multiple funding sources. Mayor Burch opened public comments. AJ Nichols spoke about the septic to sewer project and asked that high-lying areas be last on the list. Nancy Dowson spoke about the cost implication of septic to sewer conversion. Maria McGuiness asked Council to consider comparable community center design styles of neighboring municipalities. Linda Schwartz spoke about septic to sewer and asked Council to look into renovating the community center. Councilmember Marinberg spoke in support of funding a new community center. He further spoke about funding sources, such as taxes, revenue, and private-public partnerships. 10 Vice Mayor Valinsky spoke about the importance of including specific funding sources and financial thresholds as part of the discussion. Councilmember Marinberg asked about the exploration of possible revenue if the Village leased the public works site as a funding alternative. Mayor Burch asked the Village Manager to seek alternative funding sources by way of grants and determining how much debt the Village can absorb. Village Manager Scott indicated he is planning to bring the requested information to the pre-budget workshop to help the Council in prioritizing various initiatives. There was no further discussion. 11.C DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RULES OF ORDER RESOLUTION (STAFF: VILLAGE ATTORNEYS). Village Attorney Johnston indicated a policy and procedure has been drafted. However, she has received proposed amendments from the Village Clerk and Councilmembers. As she incorporates such changes, Village Attorney Johnston encouraged Council to provide individual feedback on any additions or deletions concerning Rules of Order. The item was tabled until the next Council meeting. 12) MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Scott provided an update on operational matters. 13) ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Johnston indicated the firm’s engagement agreement provides for a flat fee and then it provides for certain special projects that are outside of that flat fee, which requires that she seek Council approval. The hourly rate stipulated in the agreement is $260 an hour, and that would cover the extra work, not the day-to-day municipal baseline responsibilities. The legal review process would be limited to comprehensive plan amendments through the EAR process. Village Attorney Johnston sought approval for EAR amendment legal costs, including the participation of Attorney Susan Trevarthan at such meetings. Councilmember Harris moved approval of the proposed legal costs and Mayor Burch seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 14) ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements into the record. 15) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Sandra Harris- Councilmember Harris asked counsel to provide information regarding a resident letter, alleging the Village’s failure to comply with public notice requirements affecting the Comprehensive Plan Workshop. Village Attorney Johnston clarified the Village does not have additional 11 requirements for public notices in the Village Code of Ordinances. Therefore, staff refers to Florida statutes on the Comprehensive Plan. The notice requirements referenced in the letter affect official action taken on the Comprehensive Plan. The statutory requirements are that any comprehensive plan amendment comes before the governing body twice, and the local planning agency one time. Said hearings shall be noticed in a newspaper of general circulation and there are timeframes for each of those hearings. Although the Council has discretion to publish it in a newspaper, Village Attorney Johnston indicated the joint workshop public notice is posted in accordance with how the clerk posts our meeting notices because the Planning Board and the Village Council are not taking official action. Councilmember Jerome Charles- Councilmember Charles advocated for a Village Council retreat hosted by a neutral party. There was consensus for Councilmember Charles to work with the Village Manager in coordinating a retreat for the Village Council. Councilmember Daniel Marinberg- No comments. Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky- No comments. Mayor George Burch- Mayor Burch asked for a follow-up regarding the Anco Subdivision connection to the sewer line. Village Manager Scott spoke about his meeting with the City of North Miami regarding the process. The next course of action is to speak with DERM. 16) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:01 PM. Village Council Meeting Time: 06-06-23 18:30 eComments Report Meetings Meeting Time Agenda Items Comments Support Oppose Neutral Village Council 06-06-23 18:30 32 21 15 3 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 06-06-23 18:30 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 5.D) PRESENTATION ON BAYFRONT PARK SEAWALL DESIGN PHASE BY: CHEN MOORE. 12 7 3 0 5.E) PRESENTATION ON ZONING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK BY: CLAUDIA HASBUN, PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR 2 1 0 0 11.B) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON FUNDING A NEW COMMUNITY CENTER OR RENOVATING THE EXISTING BUILDING (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). 7 7 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.D) PRESENTATION ON BAYFRONT PARK SEAWALL DESIGN PHASE BY: CHEN MOORE. Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 3:27pm 06-06-23 Lele Tracy 1270 NE 95th Street Last month a 13-year-old neighbor of mine arrived at the bay by bike with her friend. They asked me if they were allowed to swim in the bay. I told them this is not like being at the beach with the clear water, soft sandy beach and having a lifeguard on duty and that the bay water is murky, dark, and the barnacles on top of the rocks are extremely sharp. She said, “But I have on crocks”. I replied, “barnacles could cut through the soft rubber.” She had heard about the possibility of a Kayak ramp and said, “I think the bay is perfect! Leave it the way it is!” We had a great time naming all the marine life we had seen over the years: manatees, dolphin, baby sharks, barracuda, sting rays, snook, needle nose and puffer fish. I’m 100% certain those young girls would have been in the water if there were steps. Plus, they never would have stopped to ask an adult. Why would they, when it would be the Miami Shores Village that is tempting them, welcoming them, and encouraging them to enter the water. I ask you, who is going to rescue a swimmer in trouble, let’s say on a raft that gets pulled out with the currents or the adult that goes out too far and cries for help? Who is going to enforce the rules? Currently our Park is open until 10:00pm. Additionally, think about the parents that walk with their children at night and often the children either walk behind or run in front, which when seeing the steps will almost certainly be enticed to investigate. The original 1950’s steps were removed and never replaced for a variety of good reasons. On May 18, 2021 our entire Village Council did their due diligence and unanimously voted down the kayak ramp, as liability was one of their main concerns. Why would our Village endorse and encourage people of all ages and ability to swim at the bay? It is a recipe for disaster! The Village faces a number of challenges, or better stated, problems that must be addressed, which defies any logic why we as a community would knowingly add another momentous problem. PS: The parking issues will be a nightmare. Daniel Brady Location: Submitted At: 1:08pm 06-06-23 I would like to congratulate Mayor Burch on bringing three items to the attention of the Village Council at tonight’s meeting. Those three items are the presentation on the Bayfront Park Seawall, and two items later in the aenda. Initiating a discussion of a sewer line for the eastern section of Miami Shores and the initiation of a discussion regarding replacing or significantly renovating the Community Center. These are three significant items which Mayor Burch discussed during his campaign for Council and deserve the attention of the citizens of the Village and the Village council. Addressing these issues is important to the longer term sustainability of Miami Shores as the community we all want it to be and remain. Avoiding moving forward will only make it more difficult (and expensive) to address them later. I encourage the members of the Council to give serious attention to these issues and to move forward in addressing them in the most positive nature. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 1:04pm 06-06-23 Hello my name is Dorothy Campbell, a resident of Miami Shores for 29 years. I am an avid paddle boarder and have been paddling the waters of Biscayne Bay for the last 15+ years. In order for me to launch onto Biscayne Bay I have to visit different municipalities and cities within Miami Dade County. It is unfortunate that I don’t have access to the bay from my own neighborhood. I do not feel that issues of crime or loitering would come up with the kayak/paddleboarder community. We are an earth friendly and caring group of people. We tend to get off the water by sunset, unless there is a beautiful full moon to watch. I am in support of a water access at the Bayfront Park Guest User Location: Submitted At: 11:48am 06-06-23 I think this may be an even worse idea than the kayak ramp that was proposed. Will lifeguards be part of the need? After all, even more people will potentially access/be in the water, the parking situation will be more dire, and the likelihood that someone will get hurt or drown followed by eventual lawsuits even greater. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 8:06am 06-06-23 Preference would be kayak ramp but if that's not an option I support this alternative access to the Bay to make more functional use of this great area that bwe are lucky to have. Rosemarie Bordeaux Location: Submitted At: 11:57pm 06-05-23 I am in favor of public access at the sea wall. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 2:44pm 06-05-23 Re: Bayfront Seawall I am submitting my support for the proposed seawall with kayak launch. Bayfront is a public park, and a kayak launch for Miami Shores residents would be ideal. It would also be fiscally irresponsible to reject a grant that would help us pay for a seawall that we will need any way to mitigate sea level rise. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 2:17pm 06-05-23 I support a seawall that allows for steps into the bay as well as a kayak launch. It amazes me that we may not accept the money just because of a few neighbors that don’t like the idea. It would give residents that don’t live on the bay access to the bay. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:37pm 06-05-23 Providing public access to an area that has zero maintenance or oversight, and is already overrun daily by the public is a shortsighted and miserly view of the future. The math of the grant is as follow: $1,300,000 / 10,000 residents = $130 per resident to contribute for a seawall upgrade. We can afford that as a community. Municipalities are required to pay for infrastructure upgrades. There is very little demand for water access by the neighbors here. The powers that be need to consider the neighbors and not shove the concept down everyone's throat after it has been shot down numerous times. Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:30pm 06-05-23 Bay Health Crisis: Over the past few decades, pollution, fertilizers, rising temperatures and seagrass die-offs have all contributed to the declining health of Biscayne Bay. We have seen its disastrous effects with our own eyes, multiple fish kill events, significant reduction in number of manatees in the area, oxygen reduction shocks with temperature changes and man-made activities. This is happening despite the low wake rules in our side of the Bay and no access to the water for kayaks, jet skis, etc... The water quality annual report by the Miami-Dade County’s Biscayne Bay Task Force had no single area tested "GOOD" in their recently published report. Twelve tested areas in the bay remain the same – or graded fair – and three areas have gotten worse than last year – graded poor. Our area is one of the poorest ratings in the Bay (all red in their report card map). Men-made "Progress" will certainly accelerate the Bay's health demise. We depend on the good Bay health for tourism and life quality. Too many days every year has seen the Bay with bad odors and environmental crisis. I would strongly recommend not taking the money from the grant and instead focus on managing more efficiently our budgets to increase throughput, while working to increase the positive environmental impact of our daily lives. What looks like easy money, $1.3M doesn't materially represent the impact on our environment. Not even if it was recurrent, yearly. For more details on the Bay's health, please check: 1) https://environment.fiu.edu/where-we-work/biscayne-bay/ 2)https://kbindependent.org/2023/04/27/biscayne-bay-report-shows-no-improvement-remains-at-tipping-point/ 3) https://news.mongabay.com/2021/07/building-back-miamis-biscayne-bay-do-natural-solutions-hold-hope/ 4) https://www.miamichamber.com/news/pollution-killing-biscayne-bay-theres-very-little-time-save-it-and-its-going- cost-lot-money 5) https://biscaynebayfoundation.org/trash-free-seas/ Fabiano S. Aguilar 9935 NE 13 Ave Miami Shores, FL Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:20pm 06-05-23 I support the addition of water access at Bayfront Park Wally Rodriguez 375 NE 102nd st John Ise Location: Submitted At: 12:14pm 06-05-23 I completely support notion of public water access via steps, kayak launch, or dock. What would be completely unacceptable is to surrender $1-plus million in state monies due to refusal to allow for water access. Agenda Item: eComments for 5.E) PRESENTATION ON ZONING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK BY: CLAUDIA HASBUN, PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 10:10pm 06-05-23 Bay Health Crisis: Over the past few decades, pollution, fertilizers, rising temperatures and seagrass die-offs have all contributed to the declining health of Biscayne Bay. We have seen its disastrous effects with our own eyes, multiple fish kill events, significant reduction in number of manatees in the area, oxygen reduction shocks with temperature changes and man-made activities. This is happening despite the low wake rules in our side of the Bay and no access to the water for kayaks, jet skis, etc... The water quality annual report by the Miami-Dade County’s Biscayne Bay Task Force had no single area tested "GOOD" in their recently published report. Twelve tested areas in the bay remain the same – or graded fair – and three areas have gotten worse than last year – graded poor. Our area is one of the poorest ratings in the Bay (all red in their report card map). Men-made "Progress" will certainly accelerate the Bay's health demise. We depend on the good Bay health for tourism and life quality. Too many days every year has seen the Bay with bad odors and environmental crisis. I would strongly recommend not taking the money from the grant and instead focus on managing more efficiently our budgets to increase throughput, while working to increase the positive environmental impact of our daily lives. What looks like easy money, $1.3M doesn't materially represent the impact on our environment. Not even if it was recurrent, yearly. For more details on the Bay's health, please check: 1) https://environment.fiu.edu/where-we-work/biscayne-bay/ 2)https://kbindependent.org/2023/04/27/biscayne-bay-report-shows-no-improvement-remains-at-tipping-point/ 3) https://news.mongabay.com/2021/07/building-back-miamis-biscayne-bay-do-natural-solutions-hold-hope/ 4) https://www.miamichamber.com/news/pollution-killing-biscayne-bay-theres-very-little-time-save-it-and-its-going- cost-lot-money 5) https://biscaynebayfoundation.org/trash-free-seas/ Guest User Location: Submitted At: 12:03pm 06-05-23 Restoration of the steps to the seawall would have little or no effect on traffic or park use. As residence since 1977 and four doors from the park on 96th street, the steps were rarely used because boat access is limited by shallow water and rocks. Agenda Item: eComments for 11.B) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON FUNDING A NEW COMMUNITY CENTER OR RENOVATING THE EXISTING BUILDING (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Overall Sentiment Guest User Location: Submitted At: 3:29pm 06-06-23 Miami Shores needs a new community center. The existing structure is outdated and is not large enough to service the entire community. Now is the time to get this done. Kate Mason Location: Submitted At: 11:12am 06-06-23 I urge the Council to move forward on this project. I encourage the public to review the Improvement Plan report prepared for us by the Urban Land Institute last June so you can become familiar with the specific needs we have in our community and how we are incapable of meeting those needs without a new community center, or at the very least a renovation of some sort. Aside from the fact that our existing building is too small to meet the demands of our residents, it is also near the end of its life and costs us significantly to maintain and insure. I believe our community is ready for progress. I urge the public to write in a public comment to indicate that you are ready for progress, and be specific on what that means to you. Please read the ULI report so you can see the path to success and that it includes design phases where we can be sure to meet the needs of the community, without going over the top. Construction costs are significantly higher than they were in 2017 when the community voted down the bond, but since costs are unlikely to decrease in the future, I believe now is the time to act. I urge Council to move forward now, and I urge the public to educate yourselves and stay engaged through the process so we have the best chance of success. John Ise Location: Submitted At: 10:30am 06-06-23 I support the exploration of funding a new community center and echo the resolution the Recreation Advisory Committee passed last night. Jennifer Baumann Location: Submitted At: 10:13am 06-06-23 I am on the Recreation Advisory Board for the Village and I would like to comment that I am in full support of a new community center. Whether we get funding from bond or some funding from community buy-in, we are in dire need of a new community center! Having a new state of the art, aesthetically pleasing community center will raise our property values and help get people of all ages coming out of their homes and being active, meeting people, joining in on new programs! This is much deserved for our village and if we wait any longer it will cost us millions as compared to six year ago. The time is now!!! Let's work on this ASAP! Guest User Location: Submitted At: 10:07am 06-06-23 I fully support community center construction! We have had a large influx of young families in the last five years, and desperately need this. Thank you Mayor Burch for sponsoring this agenda item. Jens Schwarte 9880 NE 9th ave. Laurel Worth Location: Submitted At: 9:46pm 06-05-23 I support discussing what option would be better for recreation Center, either remodeling or building a new one. I would prefer remodeling and adding on because it appears to be less wasteful and more budget friendly. If this option was pursued, I would want activities to be moved to another location during renovation. There are many churches in the neighborhood that aren’t using their classrooms and space during the week days. Maybe there could be an option to rent space such as this during renovations. If the above option, is it possible that I do support a new rec center. One thing is clear to me: something must be done about it. We are well past the proactive stage and now is the time to act. There isn’t enough space for all the programs our residents and their children deserve. -Laurel Worth Guest User Location: Submitted At: 4:27pm 06-02-23 Stephanie Daniel, MSV Resident, 273 NW 91 Street Support moving forward to create a committee/task force to develop a plan for community center renovation/overhaul. The process should start with some workshops and public meetings to gauge needs, interests and budgetary willingness. I am the parent of 2 kids and utilize the existing services extensively and full recognize and support the need for improved and more comprehensive facilities; however, we need to get the WHOLE community on the same page.