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2025-05-06 Council Meeting Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES MAY 6, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Jerome Charles called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Jerome Charles Vice Mayor Neil Cantor Councilmember George Burch Councilmember Patrick B. Devaney Councilmember Jesse Valinsky Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) ORDER OF BUSINESS No changes. 5) MANAGER'S UPDATE No updates. 6) PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments were offered. 2 7) RESOLUTION(S) 7.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL COURSE MANAGEMENT II, LTD.; EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT AND AMENDING CERTAIN TERMS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Manager Scott presented the resolution, explaining that it was an extension of the current arrangement with Professional Course Management II, LTD. (PCM). He noted that the extension would be through April 30, 2026, and that all financial aspects had been prorated accordingly. Mr. Scott also pointed out an error in the fiscal impact section of his memo, which incorrectly stated the date as April 30, 2016, instead of 2026. Council member Burch noted some inconsistencies in terminology throughout the document, referring to the manager, contractor, and PCS/PCM. Village Attorney Chanae Wood acknowledged the issue and stated that future agreements would define terms more clearly to avoid confusion. Council member Burch moved to approve the resolution. Council member Valinsky seconded the motion. Mayor Charles opened the floor for public comment on this specific item. Hearing none, he called for a vote. The motion carried unanimously. 8) VILLAGE COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- 8.A APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (ONE VACANCY). Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez provided background information on the vacancy and the application process. Eight applications were received from Victor Bruce, Joan Canny, Beth Dunlop, Rhys Gilbertson, Catherine Salow, Veronica Tortoza, Natalia Trishin-Jimenez, and Christian Ulvert. Ms. Rodriguez noted that two applicants currently serve on decision-making boards and would need to resign if appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board. By way of consensus, the Village Council agreed to fill the vacancy for the full two-year term rather than the unexpired term of Connie Nappier III. Several applicants were present and given the opportunity to introduce themselves: Christian Ulvert expressed his love for Miami Shores and his desire to protect and preserve its character while allowing for new opportunities. 3 Veronica Tortoza highlighted her experience in real estate development and design, as well as her commitment to helping preserve the essence of Miami Shores. Beth Dunlop shared her extensive background in architecture, planning, and writing, emphasizing her deep knowledge of the community. Victor Bruce, an architect and long-time resident, expressed his desire to help applicants and contribute to the Village's evolution. Catherine Salow, a licensed architect and 36-year resident, emphasized the importance of rules and regulations in shaping the community. Natalia Trishin-Jimenez, a real estate attorney, expressed her willingness to learn and volunteer for the benefit of the community. After the presentations, the council members voted by paper ballot. The Clerk Rodriguez read the following votes into the record: Applicant Name Burch Devaney Valinsky Cantor Charles Total Votes Victor Bruce Joan Canny Beth Dunlop ✔ 1 Rhys Gilbertson Catherine Salow ✔ ✔ ✔ 3 Veronica Tortoza ✔ 1 Natalia Trushin- Jimenez Christian Ulvert Catherine Salow was appointed to serve a full two-year term on the Planning and Zoning Board. 4 8.B APPOINTMENT OF ONE COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE GENERAL EMPLOYEE PENSION BOARD. Village Clerk Rodriguez provided background information on the board and its responsibilities. Council member Burch volunteered for the position. Council member Valinsky moved to nominate George Burch to the General Employee Pension Board. Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 8.C APPOINTMENT OF ONE COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE POLICE RETIREMENT PENSION BOARD. Village Clerk Rodriguez explained the composition and requirements of the Police Retirement Pension Board. After discussion, the Council decided to maintain the current structure with two residents (non- elected official) serving on the board instead of a council member. 8.D APPOINTMENT OF ONE (NON-VOTING) COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE SUSTAINABLITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE. Mayor Charles nominated Vice Mayor Neil Cantor for the non-voting SRC position. Council member Valinsky seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 8.E APPOINTMENT OF A COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE AND AN ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MIAMI-DADE LEAGUE OF CITIES. Council member Burch moved to appoint Mayor Jerome Charles as the representative and Council member Jesse Valinsky as the alternate to the Miami-Dade League of Cities. Mayor Charles seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 8.F APPOINTMENT OF A COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES. Council member Burch nominated Council member Patrick Devaney as the representative to the Florida League of Cities. Mayor Charles seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 5 8.G APPOINTMENT OF A COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GREEN CORRIDOR DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Mayor Charles nominated Vice Mayor Neil Cantor as the representative to the Green Corridor District Board of Directors. Council member Valinsky seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 9) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSION IN THE VARIOUS AREAS OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Council member Burch initiated a discussion on the approach to paying for a sewer system in Miami Shores, emphasizing the need for fairness across all areas of the Village. He highlighted the urgency of the issue, particularly in low-lying areas like Shores Estates and the area from 12th Avenue to the water. Council member Valinsky agreed on the importance of fairness and reproducibility in the funding scheme. He mentioned the upcoming master plan that would prioritize different areas of the Village for sewer conversion. Mayor Charles noted that grant money is typically tied to specific projects and that the Village is working with neighboring municipalities on some aspects of the sewer conversion. He emphasized that more clarity would come with the completion of the master plan. Vice Mayor Cantor stressed the importance of seeking as much grant money as possible to mitigate costs to residents. Village Manager Scott informed the Council that the master plan should be available in two weeks, which would provide more clarity on the projects and phases of the sewer conversion. No action was taken on this item. 9.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ROAD STRIPING AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS FOR OUR VILLAGE (SPONSORED: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Council member Burch presented concerns about the condition of road striping and pavement markings throughout Miami Shores. He showed photographs of faded or missing lane markings and reflectors on various streets, emphasizing the safety concerns, especially for those with vision impairments and the increasing number of self-driving cars. Public Works Director Delroy Peters explained that the typical lifespan of road markings is about five years. He mentioned an upcoming meeting with the county to discuss restriping projects, particularly on county-managed roads like Second Avenue. Peters also noted that the Village is pursuing funding through various means to expedite these projects. 6 Village Manager Scott acknowledged the concerns and stated that the administration would assess the situation to identify immediate remedies and consider long-term solutions through the Capital Improvement Plan. 10) MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Scott provided a detailed explanation of the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) process, outlining the steps from solicitation to final selection. He emphasized the importance of following proper procedures to ensure fairness and compliance with regulations. 11) ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Wood reported ongoing work on various contracts, code interpretations, and ordinances. She mentioned plans to revisit the tree ordinance and noted that the office is tracking new laws that may impact the Village. 12) ANNOUNCEMENTS Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements. 13) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Jesse Valinsky- Councilmember Valinsky wished a happy Mother's Day to all mothers. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor- Vice Mayor Cantor provided updates on electric charging stations, discussed efforts to support downtown businesses, and expressed concerns about Doctors Charter School, proposing to lead an investigation into improving the school. Councilmember Patrick Devaney- Councilmember Devaney expressed support for public school institutions and commended the planning and zoning board applicants. Councilmember George Burch- No comments Mayor Jerome Charles- Mayor Charles asked Council if there is an appetite for a Council retreat. There was consensus. Mayor nominated himself to be the communication point person for Country Club negotiation meetings. Mayor Charles read a statement into the record. 14) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.