2023_10-16 SRC MIN
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SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 2023
MINUTES
10050 NE 2nd Avenue
6:30 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER- Chair Ms. Meyer called meeting to order at 6:31pm
2. ROLL CALL
Present:
Ms. Rangel
Mr. Pluhar
Ms. Casey
Chair, Ms. Meyer
Ms. McSherry
Ms. Kang
Ms. Respondek
Also, Present:
Mayor George Burch
Esmond Scott –Village Manager
Christopher Miranda –Public Works Director
Claudia Hasbun –Planning and Resiliency Director
Alizgreeth Tezen –Planning and Zoning Technician
3. MINUTES (S):
3.a. Approval of the minutes July 12, 2023 (Revision)
https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/HbotApxXP2z9NdQ
Chair Ms. Meyer approved seconded by Ms. McSherry. 7-0.
3.b. Approval of the minutes September 13th,2023
https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/GzKQB2ZnwsZaP8T
Chair Ms. Meyer approved seconded by Ms. McSherry. 7-0.
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4. PRESENTATION:
4.a. Public Works and Capital Improvement Project Update
- Public Works Director Christopher Miranda
Mr. Miranda and Ms. Hasbun opened up the presentation by speaking about the capital
improvement projects that are being lead in the Village as well as other questions the SRC had in
the previous meeting. Mr. Miranda stated that most of the projects have a form of resiliency
implemented. Mr. Miranda stated that the septic to sewer master plan has already gone through
the RFQ’s and (5) five companies are on the sight of the master plan and waiting to be vetoed.
The Tree USA project will address some of the issues related to the recent tree ordinance that was
passed. Mr. Pluhar asked about the timeline for the septic to sewer master plan? Mr. Miranda
stated that the Village has not had a contract with any of the 5 companies and once that is selected
the timeline will depend on the design firm. Chair Ms. Meyer asked about the streets being open
during the septic to sewer construction and will they overlap with the storm water master plan?
Mr. Miranda stated that depending on the phase that the design company is in, then the areas in
higher need would be looked and analyzed before construction. Will there be a road map that
highlights the affected areas?
Chair Ms. Meyer asked and how does the vulnerability study play a role into this?
Mr. Miranda stated that the previous vulnerability study plus the new one would be used as a
base. The engineering firms will have the design and master plan before anything can happen.
Ms. Hasbun stated that the Florida statue used the adaptation areas as a language to designate
specific sites that are a component of the master plan. Mr. Miranda spoke about the process on
how the lines and pump stations work and what jurisdiction the county has in a force main that
was donated to the county in the past. The Flagler Trail Greenway Study was discussed and how
the Village selected a firm that will be doing the design of the trail. Mr. Miranda stated that some
of the materials being used include specific pavers. Mr. Scott stated that there was a lot of
feedback from the Village on the design. Ms. Rangel discussed how it would be important to
include the input of the community for the design of the trail. Mr. Miranda stated that there is no
approval from DOT for the beautification project. The C-A Biscayne Canal Grant was also
discussed on how creating pumping systems will help to mitigate large king-tide storms. 104th
Street drainage project will help with the flooding concerns. The second project east of 12th
avenue will be to increase the elevation and provide positive drainage systems especially during
king-tide seasons. Neat Streets grants have been awarded to the Village do to the tree replacement
initiatives and it is about finding the right location for the trees.
The Bayfront Park Seawall has been a hot topic for the Village and a portion on the seawall is
already blocked off due to safety concerns until it is ready to rebuild. Chair Ms. Meyer asked
about the cost and updating the public on what happened with Chen more. Wave breakers, natural
barrier methods and contribution to the sea life is the goal of the design, Mr. Miranda stated.
Chair Ms. Meyer asked about what happened with the money to repair the seawall? Mr. Miranda
stated that the Village got the grant for sea wall repair. Ms. Casey asked had staff had a chance to
look at other grants to add to the back of the private homes being affected by the flooding
concerns? Mr. Miranda stated that four agencies collaborated to get the funding for the extension
of the sewer lines in Little River Adaptation area. Ms. Casey asked why it is only for one block?
Mr. Miranda stated that is based on how far the grant can go. Mr. Miranda gave a list of
completed projects and what is up and running currently. Mr. Miranda spoke about the MSV
Permit system and SOP’s to comply with the requirements to meet the standards of NPDS. Ms.
Respondek asked who manages the SOP’s and Mr. Miranda stated that he checks on staff and
shares the information to the newsletter’s, website and additional education information. Ms.
Hasbun spoke about the CRS points rating system. The rating system helps to reduce on flood
homeowner insurance. Ms. Respondek asked about the recycling process and suggested to go on a
field trip to the recycling station to see how everything is processed, and get an insight on the
matter. There is a high 90% recycle rate for anything that is given to the Village. Mr. Scott stated
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that the contamination rate is low in the Village compared to other municipalities. Mr. Pluhar
asked if the plant in Doral affected the Village in any way? Mr. Miranda stated yes, the transfer
station had a fee compared to Doral. Mr. Miranda stated that the other option is the landfill. Mr.
Pluhar asked if we have any disposal area for hazardous chemical liquids? Mr. Miranda stated it
would only be in the county and the individual person would be allowed to dispose of it instead of
the Village as a collective. Ms. Rangel stated that the proper way to dispose water based paint and
similar items would be great for the Village to do as well as provide additional educational
material for residents to look into. Ms. Kang asked Mr. Miranda, in which way can the SRC help
to guide public works and provide a list of priorities that can help instead of crossing the same
task that public works is already doing? Mr. Miranda stated that communication and ensuring the
public is informed with the process on how to recycle, information of storm water drainage, and
getting the word out so the residents can help with the cause is what would help public works.
Ms. Kang asked would the SRC interfere with grants or projects that the Village seeks out. Mr.
Miranda stated that the departments come to work together and the best approach is collaboration.
5. ACTION ITEM (S):
5.a. Priorities and Research from committee members relating to Action Plan
Motion to item 5.b. to discuss by Chair Ms. Meyer.
5.b. Public Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance
https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/bsZ5Mg6MsQqa6RG
https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/dNRD7c3EHxaEsfS
Ms. Hasbun stated that the tree preservation ordinance will help to protect private land and it helps
to add as a buffer. The main objective is to minimize any aggression against well preserved
trees in the Village. It mentions that in case of an emergency such as; a hurricane that it will allow
for permits to chop down or provide relocation options for home owners a mitigation plan.
This also includes an established fee, minimal criteria’s, and it applies to the trees in the swale.
This is a tool that helps to reduce tree abuse and impose fines for those that do so.
There is also a section for exceptions and if the tree conditions are beyond repair then there is a
guideline on how to go about that. Mr. Pluhar asked how does one deal with trees affecting power
lines and if they cause an issue to the home owner then what are the options?
Mr. Miranda stated that anything related to the power lines is under FPL (Florida Power
Light) Jurisdiction. The sidewalk ordinance, states that the root of any tree planted by the owner
will be the homeowners responsibility to mitigate. However, if there was a tree planted by the
Village then it will be public works response to fix that. Ms. Rangel stated that it would benefit the
Village to clearly define how the owner’s responsibility would be if it were in the swale.
Mr. Scott stated that few municipalities have tree canopies like this one, and it is geared to
protecting the Village assets. The care and quality of the trees in Miami Shores Village is to make
sure we keep it that way.
Mr. Miranda stated that there is some level of tree abuse in Miami Shores and there is nothing in
place that the Village has to educate, protect and provide an enforcement for the trees that are being
damaged by the residents that are not aware. Ms. McSherry asked is this ordinance stricter
on the public to set a bar for the private property vegetation. Ms. McSherry asked Ms. Hasbun
where in the section of the ordinance can this address greenhouse effects, canopy benefits, etc.
Chair Ms. Meyer asked what is the next steps? Ms. Hasbun stated that this is going to council and
be part of the first reading. Mr. Scott stated that it would be benefitial to have some
recommendations from the SRC to add as a memo and someone from the committee can speak to
Village council on what should be included in the final format.
Ms. Kang asked is there some type of incentive for those residents that already actively
participating on bring awareness of maintaining the trees, or adding vegetation and be part of the
beautification of Miami Shores Village? Ms. McSherry stated that one issue is having two trees
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adjacent in the alley and received a warning from the Village on the trees brushing against public
works trucks. Ms. McSherry would like to have to type of solution or plan B for residents that
might run into similar problems with this ordinance. If the tree is in the public right of way or
if it is in the private realm same thing should apply. Ms. Rangel stated that it would be great to
educate the public on the cost market value of a mature tree. Ms. Hasbun stated that it is part of the
resolution so the residents can be informed. Mr. Scott stated that the next topic on the newsletter is
to go over mulch and it will provide some education in the future about the topics discussed in
tonight’s meeting.
Motion to recommend approval to council with clarification on the language on how it affects
the private homeowner replacing it on the swale; Layout the sustainability benefit and the
quantifiable measurement to understand the financial value; by Ms. Rangel seconded by
Ms. Mc. Sherry. 7-0.
5.c. Continue Adaptation Action Area conversation - Topic was not discussed.
:https://www.miamidade.gov/initiative/thrive305/resilient-communities/action8-1.page.
5.d. Sustainability Resiliency Committee- Action Plan Continuation – Topic was not discussed.
https://cloud.msvfl.gov/s/EPJBTWFsatAFFAq
6. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
7. NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING – November 6th, 2023
8. ADJOURNMENT- Motion to adjourn 8:54 by Chair Ms. Meyer. Seconded by Pluhar. 7-0.
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