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2025-06-17 Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 Mayor Charles asked if there were any additions, deletions, or deferrals to the agenda. He proposed deferring the vote on the Doctor's Charter School Board vacancies, stating he would like more time for interviews. He noted they received the applications last Wednesday and there were a decent number of applicants he hadn't been able to interview yet. The Mayor explained they had previously discussed potentially reducing the number of board members but hadn't reached a conclusion. He believed they still had enough time to vote on this at the July 1st meeting and still appoint the board before the school year. 2 Councilmember Valinsky asked if deferring would leave the board with vacancies. The Village Clerk clarified that according to the code, board members serve until their successor is appointed. Councilmember Devaney stated he would be amenable to deferring. Mayor Charles stated that he would appreciate it if those present for that item would still speak during public comment. Councilmember Valinsky expressed being torn about deferring given the number of people present. Mayor Charles suggested considering it a job interview. Councilmember Burch felt the applicants had sufficient time to contact the Council within the existing timeframe. He noted he had received several calls and assumed others had as well. The Village Clerk clarified a motion would be needed to amend the agenda to defer the Doctor's Charter School Board appointments to the July 1st meeting. Mayor Charles moved to defer the DCS Board appointments to the July 1, 2025 Council Meeting and Councilmember Devaney seconded the motion which carried a 4-1 voice vote. Councilmember Burch seconded the motion. 5) BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT 5.A PRESENTATION ON ANNUAL REPORT (BY: LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES) Chair Christine Gay, on behalf of the board, delivered a presentation regarding the annual Library Board of Trustees report. 6) MANAGER'S UPDATE No update was provided by the Village Manager. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS Elizabeth spoke on behalf of SAVE (Safeguarding American Values for Everyone), Florida's longest- serving LGBTQ advocacy organization. She noted it was Pride Month and commended the Village for displaying pride flags. She highlighted that Miami Shores has a large LGBTQ population per capita, ranking 5th in the U.S. at one point for LGBTQ households. Elizabeth noted Miami Shores' Municipal Equality Index score is 92 out of 100, below several other Florida cities. She proposed the Council consider an equity study to determine why they can't reach 100 and how to get there. She emphasized the importance of local protections given recent anti-LGBTQ bills in Florida. Christian Ulvert spoke about the Doctor's Charter School Board. He commended the Mayor for deferring the appointments to allow more time. He stated he has served on the board for 6 years and reapplied for another term. He believes the school is turning a corner despite challenges. He shared that he and his husband are planning a major investment in a marketing campaign for the school. He expressed readiness to give 2 more years of service. Regarding Pride, Mr. Ulvert thanked the Council on showcasing pride during the month. Clark Reynolds spoke about the history of SAVE, which was founded in 1993 in response to efforts to outlaw sexual orientation protections in Florida municipalities. He highlighted SAVE's role in passing Countywide non-discrimination protections in 1998 and defeating a referendum to overturn them in 2002. 3 Dennis Leyva spoke about his involvement with SAVE since 1993, including recently volunteering on the SAVE history project. He recounted getting involved with Miami Shores in 2012 when the Council initially did not pass a non-binding marriage resolution, leading to community turmoil. He emphasized the importance of continuing to make LGBTQ residents feel welcomed, especially given current threats to rights. Peter Walsh shared the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, who was assassinated in 1978. He urged the Council to write a letter to the White House opposing the decision to remove Milk's name from a Navy ship, stating it would be something to look back on with pride in 20 years. Marina Braynon, Advocacy and Outreach Manager at SAVE, called on the Council to build on existing LGBTQ protections and take concrete actions like ensuring youth programs have anti-bullying protections, providing services for LGBTQ seniors and people with HIV, vetting board applicants for diversity, expanding access to gender-neutral restrooms, and aiming to raise their Municipal Equality Index score to 100. She offered SAVE's support in developing an equality strategy. Wesley Castellanos spoke about the importance of LGBTQ equality, relating his experiences growing up in New York City and Miami Beach. He expressed support for SAVE's efforts. He also voiced support for deferring the Doctor's Charter School Board appointments, stating he has a vested interest as his son attends the school. He aims to make Doctor's Charter a top choice for Miami Shores children. Alice Burch spoke about communication improvements like the new marquees at Doctor's Charter School and Five Corners. She mentioned the Miami Shores Community Alliance recently gave away over $41,000 to local nonprofits. Regarding the Doctor's Charter School Board, she noted she will not be in town July 1st but expressed interest in continuing to serve, highlighting her experience and passion for the school's success. Barbara Quinaz spoke about her long residency in Miami Shores and experience in education, including previous service on the Miami Shores Barry University Charter School board. She emphasized her qualifications and desire to contribute to Doctor's Charter School's success. Rachel Fabricant spoke about her service on the Doctor's Charter School board since 2020, including roles on the finance committee, as vice chair, and now as board chair. She highlighted her perspective as both a parent and Village resident. She expressed commitment to seeing the work through at least the 2026-2027 school year and detailed her efforts to examine systems, processes, and decision-making structures at the school. 8) CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Charles moved to approve the consent agenda and Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 8.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGECOUNCILOF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; ACCEPTING A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CYBERSECURITY GRANT; APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES RELATING TO THE GRANT; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGEMANAGER). PASSED ON CONSENT. 9) ORDINANCE(S) ON SECOND READING- PUBLIC HEARING 4 9.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGECOUNCILOF 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 AND ZONING). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Eddy Nunez, Interim Planning & Zoning Director, presented the second reading of the ordinance amending notice requirements. He noted the Council had deliberated and made modifications at the previous meeting, which were integrated into the current version. Staff recommended approval with an effective date of August 1, 2025 to allow time for implementation. Mayor Charles confirmed the Council was amenable to the August 1st start date. There was consensus amongst the Council to observe the August 1 start date. Mayor Charles opened the public hearing, but there were no comments offered. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to adopt the ordinance as amended and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 10) ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 10.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGECOUNCILOF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 1, GENERAL PROVISIONS TO UPDATE THE FINE ARTS COMMISSION NAME; AMENDING CHAPTER 24 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES, TO RENAME THE FINE ARTS COMMISSION TO THE ARTS AND CULTURE BOARD AND PROVIDE CLARIFYING REVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Angela Dorney, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the ordinance to rename the Fine Arts Commission to the Arts and Culture Board. She explained this change was proposed by the commission to better reflect its expanded mission beyond traditional fine arts. The ordinance also clarifies the public art requirement applies to qualifying private development projects of 10,000 square feet or more in gross floor area, as previously voted on by the council. This aims to address confusion in implementing the requirement. Councilmember Burch inquired about potentially lowering the square footage threshold, noting there is currently no money in the fine arts budget. He expressed concern that few developments would meet the 10,000 square foot requirement. After discussion, the Councilconsidered lowering the threshold. Vice Mayor Cantor proposed 5,000 square feet. Attorney Wood clarified the goal of the ordinance is to increase art in public places. Should the applicant choose not to display art, the alternative is to donate to the Art in Public Places fund. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the ordinance as amended, modifying the threshold to 5,000 square feet. Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 5 11) BOARD APPOINTMENTS (STAFF: VILLAGECLERK) 11.A APPOINTMENTS TO DOCTORS CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD (4 VACANCIES). This item was deferred to the July 1, 2025 Council Meeting. 11.B APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES (1 VACANCY). The Village Clerk explained there was one vacancy, with two applicants to consider after one withdrew. Liangy Calli spoke about her involvement with the library, including creating a Scholastic Book Fair and doing marketing work. She expressed interest in furthering the library's goals as a board member. The Council cast paper ballots. The Village Clerk announced the results: ● Vice Mayor Cantor: 1 vote for Rebecca Leonard ● Councilmember Devaney: 1 vote for Rebecca Leonard ● Councilmember Valinsky: 1 vote for Rebecca Leonard ● Councilmember Burch: 1 vote for Rebecca Leonard ● Mayor Charles: 1 vote for Rebecca Leonard Rebecca Leonard was appointed to the Library Board of Trustees. 11.C APPOINTMENTS TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD (TWO VACANCIES). The Village Clerk explained there were now three vacancies to fill after a recent resignation - two 3-year terms and one 1-year term. Five applications were received. The Council cast paper ballots to select three applicants. The results were: ● John Berryman received 4 votes ● Rod Buenconsejo received 5 votes ● The remaining candidates (Julio Martinez, Alejandro Real, Veronica Tortoza) received 2 votes each As a majority vote is required, only John Berryman and Rod Buenconsejo were appointed to the 3-year terms. A second round of voting was held to fill the 1-year term. The Council cast paper ballots. The Village Clerk announced the results: ●Vice Mayor Cantor: 1 vote for Veronica Tortoza ● Councilmember Devaney: 1 vote for Julio Martinez ● Councilmember Valinsky: 1 vote for Alejandro Leal ● Councilmember Burch: 1 vote for Veronica Tortoza ● Mayor Charles: 1 vote for Julio Martinez After two rounds with no majority, the Council cast paper ballots. The Village Clerk announced the results: ●Vice Mayor Cantor: 1 vote for Veronica Tortoza ● Councilmember Devaney: 1 vote for Julio Martinez ● Councilmember Valinsky: 1 vote for Julio Martinez 6 ● Councilmember Burch: 1 vote for Veronica Tortoza ● Mayor Charles: 1 vote for Julio Martinez A third and final vote resulted in Julio Martinez receiving 3 votes and being appointed to the 1-year term. 12) RESOLUTION(S) 12.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGECOUNCILOF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGEMANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXPEND GRANT AND UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL FORFEITURE FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE FROM AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS, IN CAR VIDEO CAMERAS, TASERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $886,482; PROVIDING THE VILLAGEMANAGER WITH THE AUTHORITY TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: POLICE CHIEF). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Captain Justin Zalonis presented a consolidated agreement with Axon Enterprise for body worn cameras, TASER devices, and related services. He explained Axon had failed to invoice the department for the past 3 years, so they proposed a more favorable consolidated contract to rectify the error. The new agreement would terminate current contracts on October 1, 2025, roll in remaining balances, and provide discounted pricing. It includes upgrades to newer equipment with features like AI integration and extended battery life. Councilmembers asked questions about the equipment lifespan, flexibility to modify services, and data privacy concerns. Captain Zalonis addressed these, noting the equipment is expected to last the full 5-year contract term. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the resolution authorizing the purchase from Axon Enterprise. The motion was seconded. Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 12.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGECOUNCILOF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGEFLORIDA; APPROVING A PIGGYBACK AGREEMENT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR FIFTY APX NEXT SINGLE-BAND POLICE RADIOS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT, UTILIZING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SOURCEWELL CONTRACT RFP#042021-MOT (RFP); APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 CAPTIAL BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGEMANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PIGGYBACK AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: POLICE CHIEF). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Captain Joseph Keeley presented the agreement to purchase 50 new police radios to replace 10–15- year-old equipment. He explained the new radios have features like cell phone service backup and GPS. Councilmember Valinsky asked about the durability given the touchscreen interface. Captain Keeley assured they are military-grade rugged devices. 7 Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the resolution. Mayor Charles seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 13) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 13.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING CHANGES TO OUR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch expressed concern about inconsistencies between the comprehensive plan allowing 13 units per acre and zoning code only allowing 8 units per acre according to a consultant. He suggested aligning the two to reflect what is desired and achievable. Other councilmembers and staff provided clarification on the relationship between the comprehensive plan and zoning code. The Village Attorney explained the comprehensive plan sets the maximum, while zoning further specifies requirements that may reduce density. Councilmember Valinsky stated he was satisfied with the current regulations given there is no specific development proposal to consider. He expressed openness to modifications if a concrete plan emerges that requires changes. Mayor Charles emphasized the zoning was developed through community workshops and resident input, not arbitrarily. No formal action was taken on this item. 13.B DISCUSSION CONCERNING NORTHEAST 12th AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch requested information on road striping costs and methods. Delroy Peters, Public Works Director, explained a project to restripe the area between 91st and 94th streets would cost $27,000. This includes stop bars, double yellow lines, and 6-inch yellow edge lines using thermoplastic paint. He noted raised reflectors are not used due to issues with street sweepers. Mr. Peters clarified center lines are typically not striped on local roads. He stated this project is being done as a change order to an existing project for efficiency. There was discussion about historical striping practices in the Village and potential lighting improvements. No formal action was taken. 13.C DISCUSSION CONCERNING THE STATUS OF THE SEPTIC-TOSEWER MASTER PLAN (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). This item was not discussed. 14) MANAGER'S REPORT 8 No report was offered by the Village Manager. 15) ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Wood provided updates on ongoing legislation and projects: ● Several ordinances have been completed recently, including readopting the zoning map, addressing smoking in parks, historic preservation board duties, and streamlining R-district amendments. ● Upcoming work includes amendments to the zoning code, updating the comprehensive plan, revising the tree ordinance, and reviewing procurement guidelines. ● She requested authorization to provide legal representation on a risk protection order case and for matters related to the golf course management. The Council provided consensus for both authorizations. 16) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read announcements into the record. 17) VILLAGECOUNCILCOMMENTS There was brief discussion about the potential reduction of the Doctor's Charter School Board and how that might affect upcoming appointments. 18) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:34 PM.