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2022-12-28 Special Meeting Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 28, 2022 6:30 PM 9900 BUILDING 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Sandra Harris Vice Mayor Daniel Marinberg Councilmember Alice Burch Councilmember Crystal Wagar Also Present: Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Attorney Sarah Johnston Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Clerk Rodriguez (Via Zoom) 4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Hutch Gurevitz spoke in support of Toni McCormick; additionally, Mr. Gurevitz spoke favorably about the streetlights that were installed on 96th street and Grand Concourse. Maureen Duffy voiced opposition to the Comprehensive Plan, and stated that there are numerous residents and a petition that states disagreement for the Comprehensive Plan AJ Nichols voiced concern over the appointment process for council vacancies. Mr. Nichols stated that the Village Charter should instill “strong” provisions that safeguard the selection process from the “overreach” of the State. Mr. Nichols additionally spoke in support of Toni McCormick, and Robert Menge. Pat Toomey voiced his concern regarding the Comprehensive Plan, and stated that he would like to see 2 more studies regarding the potential impact(s) of the Comprehensive Plan. Eli Bravo voiced his concern regarding a potential conflict of interest regarding Councilmember Wagar, and urged the council to appoint a candidate that does not have any ties to a lobbying firm or potential “conflict of interest”. Village Clerk Rodriguez read e-Comments into the record. 5) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 5.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW COUNCILMEMBER TO SERVE ON THE VILLAGE COUNCIL UNTIL APRIL 11, 2023 (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR SANDRA HARRIS). Mayor Harris called upon individual applicants to provide introductions. Andrew Bellinson introduced himself and spoke about his community involvement efforts. Mr. Bellinson spoke about his belief that there are “reasonable solutions to the problems that are in front of the Council.” Mr. Bellinson stated that he will be a candidate in April 2023 regardless of the results of the appointment later in this meeting. Wesley Castellanos introduced himself and made clear his desire to fill the vacancy, and stated that his professional background serves as a great asset to understanding the Comprehensive Plan and the needs of Miami Shores. Mr. Castellanos stated that as an Architect and General Contractor his work with other municipalities can serve as a huge help to the Council in meeting the needs of constituents. Mr. Castellanos also thanked residents for their e-comments voicing support for him. Timothy Crutchfield introduced himself, provided personal background information, and stated his admiration for the Miami Shores community. Mr. Crutchfiled spoke about his time serving on the Planning and Zoning Board, along with the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Crutchfield stated that he has no interest in running for election in April. Dianne Fischer (not present) Ganju Deepak (Provided e-Comments) Toni McCormick introduced herself and gave personal background information. Ms. McCormick raised concern regarding the Comprehensive Plan and the potential increase of population in Miami Shores. Robert Menge introduced himself and gave his personal and professional background information. Mr. Menge stated that his experience made him a viable candidate to fill the vacancy. Vice Mayor Marinberg posed several questions to Mr. Menge regarding his background. Discussion ensued regarding the method of voting that would be utilized to fill the seat vacated by Councilmember St. Fleur. Mayor Harris asked Village Clerk Rodriguez how the election would be conducted to which Village Clerk Rodriguez referred to the December 14 Council Meeting in which it was the consensus of the Council to cast “voice vote” in support of the top candidate. Village Attorney Johnston recommended the use of a paper ballot system based on her experience with such appointments. Village Attorney Johnston explained this process would involve Councilmembers selecting their preferred candidates on a hand written ballot. Village Attorney Johnston explained that this process could include multiple rounds of voting. For Round 1 of voting, Councilmembers were instructed to list their top 3 candidates. With 1st Choice as most preferred. 3 Round 1 Council 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Mayor Sandra Harris Tim Crutchfield Wesley Castellanos Andrew Bellinson Vice Mayor Marinberg Tim Crutchfield Wesley Castellanos No vote Councilmember Wagar Tim Crutchfield Wesley Castellanos Andrew Bellinson Council Member Burch Andrew Bellinson Wesley Castellanos Diane Fischer Upon the conclusion of Round 1, the following candidate(s) received majority vote: Timothy Crutchfield with 3 councilmembers voting him as “1st Choice". For Round 2 of voting, Councilmembers were instructed to narrow their list of preferred candidates to just two choices. With the 1st choice being most preferable. Round 2 Council 1st Choice 2nd Choice Mayor Sandra Harris Tim Crutchfield Wesley Castellanos Vice Mayor Marinberg Tim Crutchfield Wesley Castellanos Councilmember Wagar Tim Crutchfield Wesley Castellanos Council Member Burch Andrew Bellinson Wesley Castellanos Upon the conclusion of Round 2, the following candidate(s) received majority vote: Timothy Crutchfield and Wesley Castellanos, with Timothy Crutchfield receiving majority vote in the 1st choice category. For Round 3 of voting councilmembers were instructed to further narrow their list and select just one candidate. Round 3 Council 1st Choice Mayor Sandra Harris Tim Crutchfield Vice Mayor Marinberg Tim Crutchfield Councilmember Wagar Tim Crutchfield Council Member Burch Wesley Castellanos Upon the conclusion of Round 3, the following candidate(s) received majority vote: Timothy Crutchfield with 3 councilmembers voting him as “1st Choice". Vice Mayor Marinberg moved to appoint Mr. Timothy Crutchfield as the replacement Councilmember for the seat vacated by former Councilmember Saint Fleur until April 11, 2023 and Councilmember Wagar seconded the motion, which carried a 4-0 voice vote. Village Attorney Johnston indicated a resolution ratifying the appointment of Timothy Crutchfield as Councilmember will be presented to the Village Council at the next Council Meeting. The Village Clerk will also coordinate and administer the oath of office at the next regular Council Meeting. 5) ADJOURNMENT 4 There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned 7:45 PM.