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2025-06-03 Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES JUNE 3, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:32 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 Councilmember Burch requested to delete item 12b from the agenda, as it would be discussed as part of a presentation. The Council reached consensus to strike item 12b from the agenda. 5) PRESENTATIONS 2 5.A PRESENTATION ON THE LOGISTICS FOR THE START-UP CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHORES ESTATES SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSION PROJECT AND PRELIMINARY OUTCOME OF THE ASSOCIATED UNIFIED METHOD OF ASSESSMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE COST OF THE PROJECT (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Village Manager Esmond Scott introduced the item and turned the presentation over to the Public Works Director. Public Works Director Delroy Peters provided an overview of the septic to sewer conversion project for Shores Estates. He explained the project history, noting septic failures due to rising water tables and the Village's efforts to secure funding over the past 8 years. Mr. Peters highlighted that construction began on June 2nd and outlined the project status, timeline, and logistics. The total project cost is over $4 million, with funding secured from various sources including DEP grants. Mr. Peters emphasized the importance of the sewer connection component for residents and noted that while preliminary costs exist, final numbers are still being determined. The construction schedule is estimated at 38 weeks, with completion expected by March. Peters detailed the phased approach and measures to minimize disruption to residents. He assured that solid waste collection would continue as normal, with staff adjusting schedules to work around construction. Grants Manager Elizabeth Keeley provided a funding timeline for the project, detailing grants received since 2019 totaling over $4.4 million. She explained that residents would be responsible for approximately 25% of the project cost through a uniform method of assessment, a significant reduction from the initial 50/50 split due to additional funding secured. Ms. Keeley noted that hookup costs for residents are still being determined, but some assistance will be available from the recently received $2 million grant. She emphasized that final costs and assessment details will be presented at upcoming meetings. Council members asked clarifying questions about resident notifications, mandatory hookups, and septic tank abandonment procedures. Staff explained that a community meeting was planned to provide more information to Shores Estates residents. Mr. Peters stated it is mandatory for all residents of Shores estates to connect to the sewer system. No action was taken. 6) BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT 6.A HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION REPORT REGARDING PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ON POWER AND DUTIES. Jeffrey Saadeh, representing the Historic Preservation Board, presented proposed amendments to the Village code regarding the board's powers and duties. He explained the changes would align the Village code with Miami-Dade County requirements and formalize practices already in use. Key points included: ● Allowing nomination of non-locally designated properties to the National Register ● Clarifying the board's authority to designate historic landmarks, districts, and archaeological zones ● Expanding and codifying educational and research capabilities ● Addressing the board's role in relation to other Village boards 3 Mr. Saadeh requested direction from the Council to have staff and the Village attorney modify the code to incorporate these changes. Council members expressed interest but requested more time to review the proposals. The Village attorney suggested staff first review the county code requirements to ensure compliance before making additional changes. There was consensus amongst the Council to direct staff to identify the minimum standards and determine whether enhancements are needed. 7) MANAGER'S UPDATE The Village Manager had no updates at this time. 8) PUBLIC COMMENTS Maria McGuinness expressed concerns about Senate Bill 180 and its potential impact on local zoning control. She urged the Council to continue working on residential district improvements despite the bill's restrictions. Nancy Dawson spoke in opposition to the proposed historic designation changes, arguing they infringed on property owners' rights. 9) CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Valinsky moved to approve the consent agenda and Mayor Charles seconded the motion which carried a 4-1 voice vote. Councilmember Burch voted in opposition. 9.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER OR DESIGNEED TO ENTER INTO A PIGGYBACK AGREEMENT WITH ESR, LLC FOR THE ACTIVATION OF SANDBAG TRUCK AS NEEDED, UTILIZING THE CITY OF WEST MIAMI CONTRACT RFP No. 2023-03282023 - EMERGENCY SANDBAGS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,450; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (VILLAGE MANAGER). PASSED ON CONSENT. 10) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 10.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE'S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING SECTION 1002, NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, TO AMEND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Interim Planning and Zoning Director Eddy Nunez presented the proposed ordinance to strengthen public notice procedures for land use applications. He explained the changes would codify existing practices and introduce new requirements to enhance public awareness and involvement. Mayor Charles opened the public hearing. 4 Andrew McIntosh asked Council to change the notice requirement from 10 days to 30 days. He further asked why the notice would have to be published in the newspaper instead of online means. Lastly, he asked the Council to change the radius perimeter from 500-1000. Maria McGuinness asked the Council to further strengthen the ordinance, increasing the 10-day notice to 30 days and expanding the radius to 2500 feet. Linda Schwartz asked the Council to consider all sectors of the Village. Mayor Charles asked staff to elaborate on the enforcement of the proposed public notice requirements. Key changes included: ● Extending publication and property posting notice periods from 7 to 10 days ● Introducing mailed notice requirements for certain applications ● Expanding the notification radius to 500 feet for most applications Council members and residents discussed potential modifications, including: ● Increasing notice periods further (to 30 days) ● Expanding the notification radius to 1000 feet or more ● Improving electronic notification methods ● Addressing concerns about equity in notification requirements across different areas of the Village After extensive discussion, the Council agreed to further modify the ordinance to increase notice periods and expand the notification radius. The Village attorney advised that these changes could be made for first reading, with the understanding that further refinements may be needed before second reading. Councilmember Cantor moved to approve the ordinance as amended, with the following changes: • Increase publication and property posting notice periods from 10 to 20 days • Increase mailed notice period from 14 to 30 days • Expand notification radius from 500 to 1000 feet, including for single-family home applications Mayor Charles seconded the motion which carried a 4-1 voice vote. Councilmember Burch voted in opposition. 11) RESOLUTION(S) 11.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION STUDY PREPARED BY EVERGREEN SOLUTIONS, LLC; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Mr. Scott provided a brief introduction to the item and turned the presentation over to Evergreen representative, Karl Fuchs, who presented the findings and recommendations of the compensation and classification study. He outlined the study goals, process, and key findings, including: ● The Village's overall market position was 18.9% behind market rates ● 87 employees would be impacted by the recommended implementation methodology ● adopt proposed pay plan structure, reassign classification paygrades based on internal and external equity, reassign classification paygrades, align employee parity 5 ● The total cost of the hybrid implementation would be approximately $440,000, or 5.4% of overall payroll Human Resources Director Yamileth Slate-McCloud endorsed the study's findings and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of establishing proper pay ranges and addressing salary compression issues. Council members asked numerous questions about the implementation process, long-term sustainability, and potential impacts on the budget. The Village Manager clarified that the recommendation was to adopt the hybrid year parity option, with implementation planned for October 1st of the next fiscal year. Village Manager Scott noted a memo correction on (second page, under fiscal impact, average adjustment) the last paragraph should reflect adjustment of payroll. Councilmember Cantor moved to approve the resolution, adopting the hybrid approach. Mayor Charles seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 12) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 12.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHANGING THE COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT ORDINANCE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch deferred the item due to time constraint. 12.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE FUNDING SOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SHORES ESTATES SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSION PROJECT (SPONSORED BY: COUCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch withdrew the item. 12.C DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE MAYOR'S ROLE WHEN REPRESENTING THE VILLAGE COUNCIL IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch deferred the item due to time constraint. 13) MANAGER'S REPORT The manager had no report. 14) ATTORNEY'S REPORT The attorney had no report. 15) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read the announcements. 16) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS 6 Councilmember Burch inquired about the confirmed date for the Council retreat, which the Village Manager confirmed would be on the 13th. The manager also noted he would be sending out additional information regarding individual Council member meetings with the facilitator. Councilmember Devaney- No report Councilmember Valinsky- No comment Vice Mayor Cantor- No comment Mayor Charles – No comment 17) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.