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2024-05-21 Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES MAY 21, 2024 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1)CALL TO ORDER Mayor Burch called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM. 2)MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3)ROLL CALL Present: Mayor George Burch Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky Councilmember Neil Cantor Councilmember Jerome Charles was absent. Councilmember Sandra Harris was absent. Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez via Zoom 4)ORDER OF BUSINESS There were no changes to the order of business. 2 5) PRESENTATIONS 5.A PRESENTATION ON GRANTS (STAFF: ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAGE MANAGER/GRANTS MANAGER). Village Manager Scott introduced Item 5A and Grant Manager Elizabeth Keeley who delivered a presentation on grants and answered questions posed by the Village Council. Individual Councilmembers thanked Ms. Elizabeth Keeley for her diligence. 5.B PRESENTATION ON THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE TRANSPORTATION SMART PLAN BY KIMLEY HORN - MR. STEWART ROBERTSON Village Manager Scott introduced the item and Mr. Robertson who delivered the presentation and answered questions posed by the Village Council. 6) MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Scott provided operational updates. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS John Bolton, Planning and Zoning Board Chair, proposed the Council consider a code amendment that establishes specific lot coverage requirements in response to numerous public comments received by the board. Christine Garrido mentioned receiving a code violation for holding swim lessons at her home and requested the Council consider amending the Village Code to permit such activities. Michael Loffredo discussed the grants presentation and commented on the multimodal study. He recommended creating a walking path on NE 103 Street. Additionally, he addressed Ms. Garrido’s remarks and commended her swimming business. Richard Pluhar discussed the need for a comprehensive solution to reduce traffic speed on North Miami Avenue, advocating for improved signage and enhanced traffic enforcement. Nancy Dawson commented on the traffic congestion on Biscayne Blvd due to ongoing development. She also addressed the impact these initiatives have on the residential streets of Miami Shores. Village Clerk Rodriguez read eComments into the record. 8) CONSENT AGENDA Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to approve the consent agenda and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 3-0 voice vote. 8.A APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 16, 2024 VILLAGE COUNCIL MINUTES (STAFF: VILAGE CLERK). PASSED ON CONSENT. 3 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, OVERRULING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING & ZONING BOARD TO DENY THE VARIANCE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANTS, LANCE & JENNIFER TINKLER; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). PASSED ON CONSENT. 9) ORDINANCE(S) ON SECOND READING- PUBLIC HEARING 9.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE’S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 19, PLANNING, TO PROVIDE FOR ALTERNATE MEMBERS ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD WHEN A QUALIFYING EVENT TAKES PLACE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Mayor Burch inquired whether staff asked the Planning & Zoning Board about the proposed ordinance. According to the Board Chair, Mayor Burch stated the Planning and Zoning Board is opposed to the proposed ordinance. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of bridging communication gaps between the boards/committees and the Village Council. Mayor Burch opened the public hearing and closed it as no one present approached the lectern to provide comments. Vice Mayor Valinsky echoed the sentiments of Mayor Burch. Vice Mayor Valinsky asked Council to consider deferring the item to hear from the Planning & Zoning Board. Vice Mayor Valinsky further raised concerns regarding the item, stating the proposed ordinance may be a solution looking for a problem. Attorney Wood clarified that if the Council wishes to refer items to boards and committees, such a request should be expressed and voted on during a Council Meeting. However, she noted that there is no legal requirement for the above-mentioned ordinance to be referred to the Planning and Zoning Board. Attorney Wood suggested that if the item faces majority opposition and does not warrant further discussion, the appropriate action would be to deny the ordinance. Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to deny the ordinance and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 3-0 voice vote. No further action was taken. 9.B AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE’S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 11, HISTORIC PRESERVATION, SECTION 11-2, DEFINITIONS TO AMEND CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; SECTION 11-4, HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD, TO CLARIFY THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD REGARDING HISTORIC MARKERS AND CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION; AND SECTION 11-5, CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD 4 REVIEW OF HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED PROPERTIES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Mayor Burch raised concerns regarding properties that may be designated without owner consent. Attorney Wood clarified such provision has existed for several years. Mayor Burch opened the public hearing. Jeffrey Saadeh requested the removal of the term "districts" from the ordinance, noting that there are no historic districts in Miami Shores Village. He also asked the Council to give the Historic Preservation Board the authority to approve historic markers independently, contingent on the Council approving the standards for the signs. Nancy Dawson discussed the importance of the deed transfer and its limitations. She further suggested sending notices to prospective buyers, informing them of the historic designation of the properties. Mayor Burch closed public comments. Attorney Wood clarified the item grants the following: - Approval of historical markers; - Approval of the guidelines for the historical markers; - Certificates of Recognitions for individual sites and designated properties in a district. Attorney Wood clarified the reference to “districts” pertains to zoning districts, not historic districts. Referring to Mr. Saadeh’s comments, Attorney Wood explained the board is requesting authority to approve historic markers without the Council’s consent once Council has established standards for said signs. Said proposed amendment failed to gain support from the Council. To avoid confusion, Vice Mayor Valinsky asked for the inclusion of “zoning districts” versus “districts.” Attorney Wood indicated such revision would be included. Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to approve the ordinance on second reading as amended and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 3-0 voice vote. 10) BOARDS APPOINTMENT(S) 10.A APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez provided opening remarks, stating the Village Clerk’s Office received one application for the above-noted vacancy. If it’s the will of the Council to appoint Brandon Spirk, the Council may cast a vote by acclamation. Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to appoint Brandon Spirk to the Planning and Zoning Board and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 3-0 voice vote. 5 10.B APPOINTMENT TO THE SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez provided opening remarks, stating the Village Clerk’s Office received one application for the above-noted vacancy. If it’s the will of the Council to appoint Logan Schlosberg, the Council may cast a vote by acclamation. Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to appoint Logan Schlosberg to the Sustainability & Resiliency Committee and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 3-0 voice vote. 11)DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 11.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE COUNCIL'S ORDER OF THE TOP FIVE (5) INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Mayor Burch expressed concerns about the infrastructure presentation given at the May 4, 2024, Council Meeting, stating the presentation failed to address projects of public interest. Mayor Burch requested that the Council consider identifying the top five priorities (chronological order) the Village should focus its time and resources on and how the Village plans on funding the projects. Village Manager Scott provided an overview of the top strategic priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan, noting that the staff has been diligently working on and balancing the eleven (11) priorities. Mr. Scott stated the feedback for the Strategic Plan was based on resident survey responses and Council input. There was consensus for individual Councilmembers to provide the Village Manager with a list of the top five infrastructure projects in chronological order. No further action was taken. 11.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CONDUCTING A COMPENSATION STUDY (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Mayor Burch provided an overview of the item, advocating for a new compensation study to be conducted prior to approving a budget, citing employee salaries consist of fifty (50%) of the budget. Vice Mayor Valinsky and Councilmember Cantor voiced support for the compensation study. Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to direct the Village Manager to proceed with the compensation study and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 3-0 voice vote. No further action was taken. 11.C DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHARITABLE GIVING FOR EVENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Mayor Burch, in his opening remarks, advocated for organizations seeking charitable donations to present their requests directly to the Village Council instead of the Council allocating an aggregate amount in the upcoming budget. Attorney Wood clarified that the charitable resolution has been drafted and inquired if the Village would like to provide charitable donations. The resolution, as drafted, includes a maximum allocation amount, but it is not required to be included in the budget. 6 Councilmember Cantor stated that charitable donations should be left to the Council's discretion on a case-by-case basis. Attorney Wood clarified the draft resolution takes into account in-kind donations. Vice Mayor Valinsky asked for a list charitable organizations the Village has endorsed in the past. Vice Mayor Valinsky and Councilmember Cantor expressed reservations about including a predetermined amount in the budget for charitable organizations. Village Attorney Wood clarified that the resolution includes an aggregate threshold of $25,000 for charitable organizations to be included in the budget. There was consensus for individual Councilmembers to provide the Village attorney with comments required No action was taken. 12)MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Scott provided operational updates. 13)ATTORNEY'S REPORT No report. 14)ANNOUNCEMENTS No announcements. 15)VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Cantor extended his condolences to the Charles’ family. He praised the Citizen’s Academy. Councilmember Cantor further indicated he was approached by a neighboring municipality regarding the aquatic center under-utilization. Vice Mayor Valinsky thanked administration and staff for hosting the Citizen’s Academy. Mayor Burch discussed the condition of the recreation fields. He further referenced the integrated pest management movement, which he believes has negatively impacted the playing fields. 16) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.