2025-01-21 Council Meeting MinutesMEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 21, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Burch called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM.
2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3) ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor George Burch
Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky
Councilmember Jerome Charles
Councilmember Neil Cantor
Councilmember Sandra Harris — Absent
Also Present:
Village Manager Esmond Scott
Village Attorney Chanae Wood
Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez
4) ORDER OF BUSINESS
Village Attorney Wood requested items 8A and 9C to be heard together.
Mayor Burch deferred item 5A until the next Council meeting.
Mayor Burch moved to postpone item 5A and to hear items 8A and 9C as companion items.
Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 4-0 voice vote.
5) PRESENTATIONS
5.A PRESENTATION ON THE DOCTORS CHARTER SCHOOL AGREEMENT (SPONSORED
BY: COUNCILMEMBER SANDRA HARRIS).
This item was deferred.
5.B PRESENTATION ON MICRO -TRANSIT SERVICES BY VIA (SPONSORED BY: MAYOR
GEORGE BURCH).
Juliana Diquez presented information regarding on -demand micro -transit services. Via is the
15t" largest transit agency in the country, with over 800 partners in 50 countries and with over
150 million rides served. Via partners with Miami Dade County, Area Regional Transit, Buc
and Metro Connect. Via uses an app in which users may request rides. Via is also a turnkey
operation which covers all aspects of running the service from vetting drivers, vehicle
acquisition, branding, maintenance, live service monitoring, customer service and funding and
grant support.
Mayor Burch posed questions regarding costs, radius/distance of drive. Ms. Diquez noted the
plan is customizable, Via and the Village would jointly decide service hours based on the needs
and desire of the Village Council. Cost is directly related to service hours.
6) MANAGER'S UPDATE
No updates were provided by the Village Manager.
7) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Maria McGuinness asked Council to re -familiarize themselves with the Comprehensive Plan
relative to the CR District. Ms. McGuinness also asked Council to reconsider the input
summary from the workshop.
Alice Burch reminded the Council of the Miami Shores Community Alliance country concert
being held at the recreation fields February 23, 2025. Tickets are available on their website.
There will also be a donor box to accumulate funds for the Fine Arts Commission in Susan
Ackley's honor.
8) ORDINANCE(S) ON SECOND READING- PUBLIC HEARING
8.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 18, PERSONNEL, ARTICLE IV, POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT
SYSTEM, AMENDING SECTION 18-107, DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the Ordinance into the record.
Human Resources Director, Yamileth Slate -McCloud provided an overview of the item, stating
the amendment was unanimously supported by the (PRPB), Police Retirement Pension Board.
A (MOU) Memorandum of Understanding is needed since the code provision, Article 30 of the
FOP agreement, requires a MOU if there are any changes to the agreement and in a bargaining
session whereby the FOP and administration both agreed to move the item forward.
Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments.
Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to approve item 8A. Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion
which carried a 4-0 voice vote.
Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to approve item 9C. Councilmember Charles seconded the motion
which carried a 4-0 voice vote.
8.B AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ANIMALS, ARTICLE II., DOGS AND CATS TO UPDATE
REGULATIONS GOVERNING LEASH AND CONTROL REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS TO
ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROPERTY PROTECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (SPONSORED BY VICE MAYOR JESSE
VALINSKY).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the Ordinance into the record.
Vice Mayor Valinsky provided opening remarks, expressing reservations with enforcement yet
noting the need for clear language for residents to refer.
Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments.
Councilmember Cantor moved to approve item 8B. Councilmember Charles seconded the
motion which carried a 4-0 voice vote.
9) RESOLUTION(S)
9.A A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, APPROVING
AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH
STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES, INC. TO COMPLETE A WASTE RATE STUDY IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $34,850, PIGGYBACKING PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #22-0547-P; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the Resolution into the record.
Village Manager Scott provided an overview of the item, noting a study was conducted by
Stantec in 2020 (fact check), which revealed what the Village should charge for solid waste.
The Village lagged behind due to the inconsistency of the stated rate increases. As a result,
the solid waste fund balances have been greatly depleted, therefore, another study needs to
be conducted to determine the actual cost of operating a solid waste division and the true rate
for the residents before the next tax bill is issued.
Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments.
Councilmember Charles moved to approve item 9A. Councilmember Cantor seconded the
motion which carried a 4-0 voice vote.
9.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA,
APPROVING A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR PARKING BETWEEN
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE AND MIAMI SHORES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH; PROVIDING
AUTHORIZATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PARKS &
RECREATION DIRECTOR).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the Resolution into the record.
Village Manager Scott provided an overview of the item, stating a "handshake" deal has long
existed between both Miami Shores Village and the Miami Shores Presbyterian Church for the
overflow use of the church's parking lot. This resolution is now formalizing this deal. He stated
this allows for the terms and conditions by both parties to proceed with repairing the parking
lot area by bumper stops being repainted and for seal coating and restriping of the parking lot.
Councilmember Cantor moved to approved item 9B. Councilmember Charles seconded the
motion which carried a 4-0 voice vote.
9.0 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE,
APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MIAMI SHORES
VILLAGE AND THE GREATER MIAMI SHORES FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, LODGE
#63, INC., REGARDING THE DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN (DROP);
PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF:
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the Resolution into the record.
10) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS
10.A DISCUSSION REGARDING UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND POSSIBLE
LEGISLATIVE FUNDING INITIATIVES (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER).
Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the discussion item into the record.
Village Manager Scott read a memo regarding a list of legislative priorities into the record.
Village Manager Scott read the four unfunded projects:
-Belvedere Drive Drainage Project
-NE 94th Street Drainage Improvements — from Belvedere Drive to North Bayshore Drive
-NE 94th Street Roadway Improvements - from Belvedere Drive to North Bayshore Drive
-Septic to sewer land acquisition
The fiscal impact, according to Senator Shevrin Jones, is these projects will likely require
matching funds from the Village. Should funding be awarded, the Village will need to allocate
the necessary amounts in a future budget to match.
The Village Manager recommended the Council provide direction to staff on which projects to
submit to the appropriate legislative representatives through the Village lobbyist.
Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments.
Councilmember Charles asked if this is for a future project or the project associated with 94tn
Street. Village Manager Scott deferred the question to Grants Manager Elizabeth Keeley. Ms.
Keeley verified the land acquisition is for a project currently in joint collaboration with the Miami
Dade County in the Little River Adaptation area.
Village Lobbyist Kate DeLoach provided an overview of the upcoming legislative sessions and
answered any questions from the Village Council.
Mayor Burch inquired about the Live Local Act. Village Lobbyist DeLoach replied more housing
adjustments will be forthcoming this year.
Mayor Burch also asked if the Airbnb rental legislation will be raised again in the new session.
Ms. DeLoach replied she has not heard of any information as of yet.
Councilmember Charles moved to direct the Village Manager to proceed with submitting the
four unfunded projects to the appropriate legislative representatives through the Village
Lobbyist. Councilmember Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 4-0 voice vote.
11) MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Scott, in the spirit of transparency, provided an overview of Shores Estates
and the uniform method of assessment. He read a memo into the record regarding a 2020
matching grant for the Shores Estates septic to sewer project. He also stated Mr. Stephens
from Stantec Consulting Services was in the audience to answer and questions from Council.
Village Manager Scott stated the current proprietor of the Farmer's Market has sought to
transfer the bid to another party. This has resulted in the Village formally sending out
competitive bids for a company to establish our Farmer's Market.
Village Manager Scott requested the Council to authorize him to work with NGF on an
alternative conceptual plan to pursue competitive solicitations for Council consideration,
enabling MSCC to operate as a championship golf course.
Village Manager Scott noted 80% of the MSCC revenue derives from golfing activities.
Councilmember Charles asked if the scope would also include three different configurations to
coincide with the three options currently approved. He also emphasized the importance of
utilizing the parking lot on the south portion of the golf course as a FEMA staging area for storm
debris removal.
Vice Mayor Valinsky expressed concern regarding the unknown factors.
There was consensus for the Village Manager to proceed with the pursuit of alternative
conceptual plans for the golf course.
12) ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Attorney Wood noted the firm received a request from administration to pursue a title search
for the Miami Shores Country Club and Golf Course. The cost of the title search is $450.00.
13) ANNOUNCEMENTS
Village Clerk Rodriguez read announcements into the record
14) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS
Vice Mayor Valinsky - Vice Mayor Valinsky referenced an Airbnb publication sent by mail.
Mayor Burch - Mayor Burch referenced the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee Village
Code which notes there shall be a Councilmember who serves on such board as a non -voting
member. Councilmember Cantor accepted the nomination.
Vice Mayor moved to nominate Councilmember Cantor to serve on the Sustainability and
Resiliency Committee. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Charles, which carried a
4-0 voice vote.
Mayor Burch
Mayor Burch read in part from Code Section 18-39, to inquire if a Councilmember needs to
serve on the Police Retirement Pension Board. Village Attorney Wood suggested deferring this
issue to next council meeting, giving her time to review the code in its entirety.
Councilmember Charles —No comments.
Councilmember Cantor — No comments.
15) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM.
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