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2025-03-18 Council Meeting Minutes*000h1t6mle r�mes MEETING MINUTES MARCH 18, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Burch called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor George Burch Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky Councilmember Sandra Harris Councilmember Jerome Charles Councilmember Neil Cantor Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) ORDER OF BUSINESS Item 8D was moved before item 8C. 5) MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Scott expressed his pleasure in working with the Village Council and distributed a handout, cataloguing all of the Village Council's accomplishments in 2024. 6) PUBLIC COMMENTS Bekky Leonard, President of the Miami Shores Property Owner's Association, invited residents to attend the Candidates Forum tomorrow night, March 19, 2025, 7:00 PM at the Community Center. Bob Williamson, member of the General Employee Pension Board (GEPB), stated the Village Actuary concluded that the 401(a) plan costs were not considered in the study for the GEPB. Mr. Williamson stated the Council has no actuarial cost data to support or oppose the resolution. Mr. Williamson stated he researched nonunion plans from cities similar to the Village and found wide variances of contributions. He asked Council to use the GEPB's research on this issue and come back with a third party, fact -based analysis. Toni McCormick thanked the Village Council for their contributions and hard work they have put in to serving the Village. Leslie Fraser thanked the Councilmembers for their service and inquired as to the cost of the septic to sewer project for residents of Shores Estates. Alice Burch acknowledged the Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, Gigi Turkel. Ms. Burch stated the success of the Miami Shores Community Alliance brunch. Mrs. Burch stated the Alliance looks forward to distributing grants for education, non-profit organizations, the elderly, the arts and Village events. She thanked everyone that contributed. She advocated for the continuation of the Miami Shores Community Alliance. 7) CONSENT AGENDA 7.A APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 18, 2025 MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Councilmember Charles moved to approve the February 18, 2025 meeting minutes. Vice Mayor Valinsky seconded the motion, which carried a unanimous voice vote. 8) RESOLUTION(S) 8.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING 9328 NE 9th AVENUE AS A VILLAGE HISTORIC LANDMARK; PROVIDING FOR INSTRUCTIONS UPON APPROVAL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record Eddy Nunez, Interim Planning and Zoning Director, introduced the item, stating John D. Bachay applied for the historic designation of 9328 Northeast 9th Avenue. Mr. Nunez read a description of the home and stated it resembled the architectural style of an English cottage. The Historic Preservation Board was made aware of the residence and recommended to approve the application with a unanimous vote. Mr. Nunez introduced the homeowner Mr. Bachay who made himself available for any questions. Mr. Bachay introduced himself and expressed his desire to designate his home as a historical landmark to prevent demolishment as it is one of a few framed homes in the Village. Mr. Bachay noted his home has appeared in several commercials because of its architectural appeal. Mr. Bachay requested Council to approve this designation as it would add to a list of historically designated homes in the Village. Village Clerk Rodriguez read an eComment into the record. Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments Councilmember Cantor moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Charles seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN OFF -SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FM# 447827-1-52-01 WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF OFF -SYSTEM ROADWAYS; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Public Works Director Delroy Peters provided an overview of the item, explaining that the agreement allows the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to undertake construction on Northeast 6th Avenue through Northeast 105th Street, including sections of the Village's local roads. He then introduced Jessica Cruz from FDOT to address any questions. Director Peters clarified that local roads are classified as off -system roads, while roads under FDOT's jurisdiction are considered on -system roads. He noted that if any off -system roads sustain damage during FDOT's construction, the Village will be responsible for repairs. However, FDOT will resurface and pave encroaching local roads up to ten (10) feet. Councilmember Charles requested clarification on whether Northeast 8th Avenue was included in the project scope. Ms. Cruz confirmed that the affected area extends from Northeast 6th Avenue to Northeast 105th Street. She also outlined additional proposed improvements, including guardrail connections, signage and pavement markings, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance modifications, and pedestrian signal upgrades. In response to Councilmember Harris' inquiry about the project timeline, Ms. Cruz stated that construction is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2026, and conclude by April 6, 2027. She noted that the project is still in the design phase. Vice Mayor Valinsky asked how the project would impact traffic in the Miami Shores area. Ms. Cruz explained that traffic studies indicate most construction will occur at night. She assured the Council that factors such as noise and dust had been considered in determining work hours and that the road would not be fully closed during construction. Mayor Burch inquired about the potential impact on the business district along Northeast 88th Street and requested clarification on the meaning of "R7 in the supporting document. Javier Cavo, a representative from the design firm, explained that "R7 refers to the right or left side of the roadway. Mayor Burch also asked whether northbound or southbound lanes would be closed. Ms. Cruz clarified that each lane would follow its own schedule for closure and completion. The mayor then voiced concerns about construction occurring during rush hour. Councilmember Charles compared this project to a similar one in the Village that was completed in approximately four months and questioned why this one would take longer. Ms. Cruz responded that the timeline depends on the scope of proposed improvements. Councilmember Charles suggested increasing nighttime construction to shorten the project's duration. Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments. Councilmember Charles moved to approve the resolution. Vice Mayor Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 8.0 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE 401 (A) PLAN TO ALLOW ENROLLMENT OF CHARTER OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Manager Scott provided a brief summary of the resolution and delivered a presentation. He reviewed the five proposed recommendations discussed at the July 2024 general pension board meeting, noting that the Council approved three of the five changes. He also clarified that Charter Officers' retirement benefits are individually negotiated through employment agreements with the Village Council. Village Manager Scott explained the distinction between a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan (pension). He stated that the administration is recommending an amendment to expand the plan's covered class to include Department Directors and Executive Management. Additionally, he proposed a modification to the "whereas" clause in the 401(a) plan, allowing employees to contribute a minimum of 3% and a maximum of 6% of their salary. The 401(a) plan would offer the same investment options as the previous plan. Village Manager Scott cited the budgetary impact would consist of: • The first year's estimated Village contribution cost at approximately $74,256 plus a $25 annual account fee • The fiscal impact of this amendment would be a reallocation of funds the Village would have otherwise contributed to the defined benefit plan • An average Village contribution over the last 10 years was 12.21 % • A defined contribution survey showed an average contribution of 12.35% for Miami -Dade and Broward counties. Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. Jeff Camp stated the 12% employer contribution is unreasonably high. Leslie Fraser spoke in opposition to the 12% employer contribution. Bob Williamson stated that actuarial data had not been presented and recommended that the Council delay approval until such data was provided. Councilmember Charles emphasized that the 401(a) plan is an alternative benefit to the pension plan. He stated that the goal is to provide a competitive benefits package to attract and retain employees. Vice Mayor Valinsky expressed his preference to further expand the 401(a) benefit to help recruit and retain top talent within the Village. Mayor Burch asked how much the Village would need to contribute annually for the plan to remain competitive and whether the contribution rate would be reviewed yearly. Village Manager Scott clarified that the contribution amount is fixed. However, the Council may amend any resolution, as the Council deems necessary. Councilmember Harris supported the 401(a) plan but felt that the 12% contribution rate was slightly high. She suggested extending the plan to more employees and reducing the Village's contribution to 10%. 11 Councilmember Cantor asked Village Manager Scott whether the proposed change would impact his own retirement plan. Village Manager Scott clarified that he was not advocating for himself, as his benefits are covered under his employment agreement with the Village. Mayor Burch voiced concerns about the potential long-term economic impact on the Village's budget. A discussion followed regarding the best approach to employee retention and the appropriate level of Village contributions to retirement plans. Councilmember Harris asked Councilmember Cantor to clarify the administrative cost of the 401(a) plan. Vice Mayor Valinsky referenced the presentation, stating that the cost was $25 per account annually. Village Manager Scott confirmed that the Village's contribution to the 401(a) plan could be adjusted by Council at any time through a resolution or ordinance. Mayor Burch asked whether Village Manager Scott participates in a 401(a) plan. Village Manager Scott confirmed that he does, as he was included in the plan as part of the previous Village Manager's benefits package. However, he noted that he does not participate in the Village's 401(a) plan due to the ten-year vesting requirement. Councilmember Cantor commended the Council for its fiscal responsibility and expressed his support for the resolution. Councilmember Charles stated that the resolution aligns with the Village's goal of attracting qualified employees. Councilmember Harris reiterated that a 10% contribution would be more reasonable. Mayor Burch noted that, at present, the plan would apply to only six employees. Councilmember Harris moved to amend the resolution with a 10% employer contribution. Mayor Burch seconded the motion which carried a 3-2 voice vote. Councilmember Charles and Councilmember Cantor voted in opposition. Councilmember Harris moved to approve the resolution as amended. Vice Mayor Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 8.D A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE VULNERABILITY REPORT PREPARED BY COASTAL RISK CONSULTING, LLC PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Public Works Director Delroy Peters introduced Albert Slap and Rajiv Krishnan of Coastal Risk Consulting, LLC, along with Brian Cook from Applied Sciences, who joined via Zoom to present the final draft of the Vulnerability Study Report. Mr. Cook provided an overview of the study, outlining the three phases of the adaptation planning process: vulnerability assessment, adaptation planning, and implementation of adaptation measures. He noted that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requires a completed vulnerability assessment as a prerequisite for funding. These assessments evaluate sea level rise and storm surge impacts, using 2040 and 2070 as planning horizons. The study follows sea level rise projections established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically using the intermediate -high and intermediate -low scenarios designated by the FDEP. The scope of the vulnerability assessment included several key tasks, such as: • Conducting an initial public outreach meeting • Gathering background data • Compiling an inventory of critical and regionally significant assets • Performing exposure and sensitivity analyses Mr. Cook cited key takeaways on the report, • The core of the Village is built on a ridge, providing some protection. • Rainfall -related flooding affects a significant portion of Miami Shores Village. • Three areas in the Village are at low elevation and close to sea level, making them more vulnerable. • Parts of the golf course are particularly susceptible to chronic flooding from rainfall, sea level rise, and storm surge. Mr. Krishnan mentioned that the final report will include detailed findings and that the next steps will focus on securing grant funding. Mr. Slap emphasized that this study serves as an update to the 2018 plan, with several recommendations from that plan still being relevant. He also noted that the adaptation process aligns with the Village's current septic -to -sewer conversion efforts. Director Peters concluded by stating that the cost of the assessment is approximately $250,000. Councilmember Harris moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Charles seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9) MANAGER'S REPORT No updates were provided by the Village Manager. 10) ATTORNEY'S REPORT No updates were provided by the Village Attorney. 11) ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read announcements into the record. 12) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Cantor — No comments. Councilmember Charles — No comments. Councilmember Harris — No comments. Vice Mayor Valinsky — No comments. Mayor Burch — No comments. 13) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM.