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2024-06-18 Minutes MEETING MINUTES JUNE 18, 2024 6:30PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Burch called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 Neil Cantor Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) ORDER OF BUSINESS Village Manager Scott suggested moving Item 11A to the beginning of the meeting. Councilmember Charles asked to remove Item 13A from the agenda. Councilmember Charles moved to approve moving item 11A forward and removing item 13A. Councilmember Harris seconded the motion, which carried a dissenting vote from Mayor Burch. Mayor Burch asked to pull items 9B and 9C from the consent agenda for discussion. 5) PRESENTATIONS 5.A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE (PRESENTED BY: ORLANDO ESPINOSA, EMINEO MEDIA) Village Manager Scott reported that last year, during the budget process, a $25,000 investment in an economic development plan was approved. Mr. Orlando Espinosa's company was chosen to do the plan. Orlando Espinosa provided updates on the economic development initiative. He provided a timeline of what had occurred. A Business Workshop series was a five-part training program offered to Miami Shores' business owners. Orlando Espinosa discussed the workshop topics. There was a Strategic Alliance Memorandum to assist with expanding small businesses. The various programs to empower small businesses were discussed. Testimonials from business owners were presented. 6) BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT 6.A LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Library Board Chair Cheryl Gowing provided highlights of the year and answered questions posed by the Village Council. Individual Councilmembers thanked Ms. Gowing for her dedicated service. 7) MANAGER’S UPDATE Village Manager Scott discussed implementing Councilmember Cantor's suggestion of placing a timeline of Village projects on the website to make it accessible and easy to read. 8) PUBLIC COMMENTS Daniel Marinberg stepped to the podium and spoke about recent Council items which he deems are an attack on property rights. Mr. Marinberg discussed the importance of lot coverage versus floor area ratio, encouraging Council to review Planning & Zoning Board decisions which he believes are contrary to staff recommendations. Patrizia Bonaduce stepped to the podium to provide education on historic properties. 9) CONSENT AGENDA 9.A APPROVAL OF THE MAY 21, 2024 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK) Councilmember Charles moved to approve the minutes, and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9.B A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE RANKINGS OF RESPONDENTS TO RFP 2024-02-02 PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLANNING SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FRMWRK PLANNING + DESIGN, LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF A PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $136,110; AND IF NEGOTIATIONS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, TO NEGOTIATE WITH MILLER LEGG & ASSOCIATES, INC. (STAFF: PARKS DIRECTOR) Village Clerk Rodriguez read the resolution's caption into the record. Village Manager Scott announced that the Parks Master Plan had been budgeted and approved. A formal bid process was conducted, a committee of three members was assembled, rankings were established, and all three companies were invited to present their proposals. Mayor Burch raised concerns about the lack of implementation of existing Village studies. Councilmember Charles clarified Item 9B refers to a master plan, not a study. Councilmember Harris moved to approve item 9B, and Councilmember Charles seconded the motion, which carried a 4-1 vote, with opposition from Mayor Burch. 9.C A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORDIA, APPROVING A FLORIDA LOCAL AGENCY PROGRAM (“LAP”) AGREEMENT FM# 446054-1-58-01/68-01 WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (“FDOT”), PROVIDING FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO THE VILLAGE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $375,655 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND CONSTRUCITON AND ENGINEERING INSPECTION (CEI) SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE MULTIMODAL MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG NE 6TH AVENUE (SR 915) BETWEEN 96TH STREET AND NE 107TH STREET PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT AND PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the resolution's caption into the record. Village Manager Scott explained that it was a Local Agency Program (LAP) and thus federally funded. Public Works Director Christopher Miranda provided details on the multimodal mobility improvements. The resolution was necessary to proceed. Councilmember Harris asked if the LAP funding could have been applied without the study. Chris Miranda stated that they could not have. Mayor Burch discussed that the trail was successful in other cities until it reached Miami Shores. He stated that an alternative route was needed. Mr. Miranda explained that the Flagler Trail was separate from the current study. The Mayor opened the discussion to the public. Alice Burch stepped to the podium and spoke about the multi-modal improvements. Councilmember Charles moved to approve item 9C, and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 vote. 10) QUASI-JUDICIAL ITEM(S) 10.A APPEAL TO VILLAGE COUNCIL. A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, CONSIDERING THE APPEAL OF THE PLANNING & ZONING BOARD DECISION TO DENY THE SITE PLAN APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANTS, JOHNATHAN & CASSIDY BUCKLAND; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Village Attorney Wood provided information regarding testimony and disclosures for Councilmembers. Councilmember Charles reported that he spoke to staff and Council about the item. Mayor Burch stated that he had visited the house and spoke with the owner. Vice Mayor Valinsky stated that he spoke with staff, the Council, and members of the planning and zoning board. Councilmember Cantor stated that he spoke with staff and did an extensive site visit. Councilmember Harris stated that she had a couple of emails from residents, she drove by the site, and she spoke with Ms. Buckland and staff. Village Clerk Rodriguez swore in the witnesses. Mr. Joseph Cordino, the interim Planning, Zoning, and Resiliency Director, provided information regarding the site plan, stating the applicants submitted a site plan approval request to permit a new single-family home. The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing structure which is currently 2,501 square feet and was built in 1928. The new home would consist of 6,694 square feet with 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.The request for the site plan was heard by the Planning and Zoning Board many times. However, the Board voted 3-1 to deny the application. Edward Fortich, architect, provided background on the site plan. The Planning and Zoning Board had specific requests, and Edward Fortich stated that all of the requests were met. He stated that Planning and Zoning Board provided specific direction that he felt was not in the scope of a local planning agency. He presented the current design and explained the changes that had been made. He stated that all code requirements were met. Cassidy Buckland, property owner, discussed the need to demolish and reconstruct the home due its limited space which no longer accommodates her family size. She reiterated that the home was not considered a historically designated property and that it had only a 34% lot coverage. The Mayor opened the discussion to the public. Brandon Spirk stepped to the podium to speak and provide corrections regarding the plans. He stated that he reviewed the plans and that under harmony, the massing and volume were out of scale with neighbors' homes. Carol Respondek stepped to the podium to support the Planning and Zoning Board’s decision to deny the application. She raised concerns about the harmony in the neighborhood and lot coverage. Jeffrey Saadeh stepped to the podium to offer a compromise and redesign the house where the original façade could remain. Patrizia Bonaduce, Chair of the Historic Preservation Board, stepped to the podium to provide education on historic houses. She stated that the house had incredible historical significance since it had not been modified for 100 years and had a lot of relevance. Maria McGuiness stepped to the podium to state that the Board should deny the appeal due to the lack of harmony. Katherine Garcia stepped to the podium to echo everyone's points and discussed the value of historic properties. She stated that she appreciated the idea of a compromise. Village Clerk Rodriguez read the eComments into the record. Vice Mayor Valinsky discussed the function and how the neighbors were being affected. Edward Fortich discussed the definition of harmonious and stated that other homes in the neighborhood matched his design. He stated that all requirements were met. Cassidy Buckland stated that they had complied with many of the requests. The only complaint on April 25th was that it was not harmonious, and that was the reason the plan was denied. Vice Mayor Valinsky asked how the complaints were addressed. Edward Fortichand Cassidy Buckland explained what items were addressed and how they were addressed. Councilmember Harris stated that she loved both of the homes, but she ideally did not want to see homes demolished. She discussed the many issues with renovating homes. She stated that she would rule in favor of the applicant due to their compliance with the Village Code. Councilmember Cantor stated that he appreciated Ms. Buckland going back to the drawing board and readjusting the plan. He stated although the requirements were met, he did not feel the Planning and Zoning Board acted unreasonably in any way. Councilmember Harris expressed concern that the Planning and Zoning Board requested applicants to revise their plans, only to subsequently reject the revised plans. Councilmember Harris moved to overturn the Planning and Zoning Board’s decision and the motion failed for lack of a second. Councilmember Cantor moved to uphold the Planning and Zoning Board’s decision due to it being reasonable and appropriate, and Councilmember Charles seconded the motion which carried a 4-1 vote with Councilmember Harris opposing. 11) RESOLUTIONS 11.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, REINSTATING THE PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE CAMBRIDGE PROGRAM AT MIAMI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL; REQUESTING THAT THE SCHOOLS BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTRY CARRY FORWARD SURPLUS FUNDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PREVIOUS PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT FOR FUNDING OF THE CAMBRIDGE PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR APPROVAL, AUTHORIZATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER) Village Clerk Rodriguez provided a summary of the resolution and history of the agreement between the Village and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Ms. Rodriguez explained the implementation of the Cambridge Program was delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Village has disbursed $96,992 of which approximately $ 74,488.68 has been expended. Thus, MDCPS is seeking authorization to carry forward $22,503. Mayor Burch discussed that Cambridge Program would be rated an A school, and approximately 50% of those who attended Miami Shores Elementary lived in Miami Shores. He asked the Council to approach neighboring counties for help with funding. Councilmember Harris discussed the slow start of the implementation. Mayor Burch stated that everyone at the school was in favor of the resolution. He raised concerns that the long-term commitment would be more than $20,000. Councilmember Cantor stated that he had not heard one negative thing about the program. Village Clerk Rodriguez read the eComments into the record. Councilmember Harris asked Miami-Dade Public Schools for a tour of the school and a presentation on the current status of the program. Vice Mayor Valinsky inquired about what tasks remained unfinished and expressed a desire to hear what still needed to be completed. Councilmember Cantor moved to approve the resolution reinstating the program grant agreement for the Cambridge Program at Miami Shores Elementary School and authorizing surplus funds to be carried forward, and Councilmember Charles seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 12) BOARD APPOINTMENT(S) 12.A APPOINTMENTS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez reported there were two vacancies, and two applications were received. The two applicants, Marie Mennes and Barbara Lawless, stepped to the podium to introduce themselves. Councilmember Charles moved to approve the two candidates, and Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 13) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 13.A. DISCUSSION REGARDING UPDATES ON VILLAGE PROJECTS (SPONSORED BY MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). This item was withdrawn. 13.B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF ORDER (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Mayor Burch stated that the item was previously discussed during the Rules of Order Workshop, advocating for the removal of the Manager’s Update item from the beginning of the agenda to avoid discussing items more than once. Mayor Burch moved to remove Manager’s Update from the agenda and the motion failed due to a lack of a second. No further action was taken. 13.C. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON MAKING THE AD HOC TRAFFIC COMMITTEE A STANDING COMMITTEEE (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR GEORGE BURCH). Mayor Burch opened the discussion by noting that thirteen residents had raised traffic complaints. He expressed admiration for the Traffic Committee's handling of the Grand Concourse issue, resulting in the police installing a speed monitor, which residents reported had slowed traffic. Mayor Burch suggested that it might be beneficial for the committee to become a standing entity. Vice Mayor Valinsky asked if there was an end date for the committee. Village Clerk Rodriguez responded that there was no set end date, explaining that the committee would disband once its goals were achieved. She clarified that the committee's current purpose was to study and recommend traffic solutions. Mayor Burch mentioned that some committee members believed their work would conclude once their tasks were completed. Vice Mayor Valinsky remarked that making the committee permanent would require establishing a new, separate committee. Village Clerk Rodriguez noted that it was unusual for an ad hoc committee to meet for a year but emphasized that there was no intent to rush their work. Village Attorney Wood indicated that the committee's duration could be modified, though it might impact staffing. She stated the committee could be made permanent or given a specific time limit. Rodriguez added that the committee's lack of relevant education and professional background was part of why the process was taking longer. Village Manager Scott suggested that the committee review its scope. Councilmember Cantor observed that traffic issues would persist and recommended setting sunset dates for other committees as well. He emphasized the need to prioritize and reevaluate the committees' scopes. Vice Mayor Valinsky proposed a workshop to review each committee, which Village Manager Scott supported. Village Clerk Rodriguez explained the analysis of all boards and committees is a worthwhile endeavor which entails the investment of substantial timeto produce meaningful results for Council to consider. Ms. Rodriguez indicated the item is on the radar of the Clerk’s Office, but asked for the Council’s patience given the limited staffing level. Councilmember Harris highlighted that some complaints could be addressed without involving the Council. Village Clerk Rodriguez explained that the workshop would involve examining each committee's activities and documents and presenting findings to the Council. She noted that the committees' scopes had evolved beyond their original mandates. Mayor Burch stated that having a Traffic Committee did not impose an undue burden on the administration. Councilmember Charles pointed out that many traffic issues were beyond the committee's control. There was consensus to await the Traffic Committee's report before determining the committee's future. Councilmember Cantor offered to assist Village Clerk Rodriguez in organizing the workshop to review the committees. No further action was taken. 14) MANAGER’S REPORT Village Manager Scott reported that the Citizens Academy had one week left, and everyone would be invited to the final meeting at the library on Monday, June 24. Village Manager Scott recognized the Director of Parks and Recreation for her work with the summer camps, and he thanked Parks and Recreation for their efforts. Village Manager Scott stated that the police were proactive in closing roadways. There was a vulnerability assessment workshop being held on June 20th. He stated that the budget books would be sent shortly. 15) ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Wood provided an overview of the attorney’s report. 16) ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements. 17) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Charles stated that he attended the opening of Chick-fil-A. Councilmember Cantor announced there is a Michelin-starred restaurant that opened in Miami Shores. Vice Mayor Valinsky thanked Public Works and the police for their efforts. Mayor Burch stated that they needed to vote on the compensation study and asked about the timeframe of its production. Village Manager Scott reported that Evergreen was identified as the firm to conduct the compensation study.. The work was likely to be completed within 90 days. 18) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM.