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2025-07-15 Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES JULY 15, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:39 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL 4) ORDER OF BUSINESS Vice Mayor Cantor took a moment to highlight that Doctor's Charter School in Miami Shores had received an "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2024-2025 academic year. He noted that improvements planned for the upcoming year include new furniture for the cafeteria and music room, interactive panels, and expanded AP and dual enrollment programming. He mentioned they are also seeking outside partnerships and sponsorships. Mayor Charles requested to defer item 11.C regarding the ICE agreement, citing ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding the 287g program. He explained that a lawsuit filed by the City of South Miami was currently pending and that Miami Shores' legal office was directly involved in the case. The Mayor stated it would be premature to move forward until the legal matter was resolved. Mayor Charles moved to defer Item 11C to the pending litigation and Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion, which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 2 5) BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT 5.A PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD RECOMMENDATION REPORT This item was moved to the September 3, 2025 Council Meeting. 5) MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Esmond Scott provided an update on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. He described it as an "unprecedented" and "historic" budget with approximately $6-7 million in increases over the current year. Mr. Scott explained that approximately $1.3 million in additional ad valorem taxes would be directed toward capital improvement projects in the general fund. He noted that while last year's budget pledged $300,000 for capital improvements in the general fund, this year's budget would allocate $1.4 million. In total, capital improvement projects would receive approximately $6 million. The Village Manager highlighted that the budget includes $2.5 million for stormwater projects (up from $805,000 in FY 2025) to address flooding issues. He mentioned that the Village has secured approximately $27 million in grants and services and has a robust fund balance/reserve that will help fund some of these projects. Mr. Scott encouraged residents to review the budget on the Village website and invited public comments before the budget hearing scheduled for September 3. He emphasized that the budget represents a significant investment in infrastructure that has been needed for a long time. 6) PUBLIC COMMENTS Thomas Kennedy, Immigration Coalition, thanked Council for deferring Item 11C. Clark Reynolds asked Council to reconsider his appointment with the Police Retirement Pension Board given his background on compliance and state regulations. He further thanked Council for deferring Item 11C. Nancy Valdez thanked Council for deferring Item 11C. Isabel spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. She shared how the approval may jeopardize the peace and safety of the community and that of the police chief. Martin M spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. Sylvia Clarke spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. Gwen Byrzicki spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. Susan Howell spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. 3 Liangy Calli spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. Angel Rivas spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. Dina Scarmet spoke in opposition to Item 11C and thanked Council for deferring the item. Village Clerk Rodriguez read eComments into the record. Vice Mayor Cantor thanked residents for sharing their opinions and emphasized the excellence of the Miami Shores Police Department, particularly commending Chief Golt for his compassionate leadership. 7) CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Burch 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 VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE FLORIDA; APPROVING A CHANGE ORDER TO THE CONTRACT WITH YC GROUP FOR THE BAYFRONT PARK SEAWALL ELEVATION PROJECT TO INCORPORATE LIVING SEAWALL PANEL; APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 CAPITAL BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Passed on Consent. 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO RECHTIEN INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2025 ALTEC AT41M BUCKET TRUCK, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $222,579, UTILIZING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FLORIDA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM BID FSA23-VEH21.0 ("ITB"); APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 CAPITAL BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Passed on Consent. 8.C A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE FLORIDA; APPROVING A "PIGGYBACK" AGREEMENT WITH MUSCO SPORTS LIGHTING, LLC FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF TENNIS/PICKLEBALL COURT LIGHT POLES, UTILIZING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SOURCEWELL CONTRACT RFP#041123-MSL ("RFP"); APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 CAPTIAL BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PIGGYBACK AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR 4 IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR). Passed on Consent. 8.D A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA APPROVING A TURF AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) FOR TURF AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ON STATE ROADWAYS LOCATED WITHIN THE VILLAGE LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Passed on Consent. 8.E A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA APPROVING THE VILLAGE TITLE VI/NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AND PLAN FOR SUB-RECEIPIENTS OF THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA) ECONOMIC STIMULUS GRANT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Passed on Consent. 9) ORDINANCE(S) ON SECOND READING- PUBLIC HEARING 9.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 9, GARBAGE AND TRASH, ARTICLE III, SECTION 9-42, SCHEDULE, OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO SET ASSESSMENT RATES BY RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Village Manager Scott explained this was the second reading of an ordinance that would carve out the rate schedules for solid waste from the existing ordinance. Mayor Charles opened public comments. Seeing no one approach the lectern, Mayor Charles closed the public hearing. Councilmember Burch moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 5 9.B AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE VI., CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORITY, TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORITY BOARD AND INCREASE THE SPENDING THRESHOLD OF THE AUTHORITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Village Attorney Chanae Wood noted this was the second reading of the item amending the Charter School Authority Board. She mentioned one change was needed at line 79 to reflect that with the reduction of the board from 13 to 9 members, a 5-member quorum would be required (not 7 as previously indicated). Councilmember Burch proposed keeping the two PTA members instead of reducing the seats to one, citing their active involvement and commitment to the school. He suggested removing both Barry University seats instead. Vice Mayor Cantor responded that he wanted to give Barry University a chance to revitalize their relationship with the school by leaving them one seat. He noted the Council could reevaluate the arrangement in six months. Councilmember Valinsky added that the Village seats have no residency requirement, giving the Council flexibility in appointments, and that the current PTA representative who lost a seat was given a Village seat. Mayor Charles opened the public hearing. Former Councilmember Alice Burch spoke about the role of the conflict liaison on the Charter School Board, noting that PTA representatives often serve in this capacity due to their close connection to school activities. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to adopt the ordinance as amended and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 10) BOARD APPOINTMENT(S)- 10.A APPOINTMENTS TO THE COUNTRY CLUB ADVISORY BOARD (4 VACANCIES). Village Clerk Rodriguez announced that there were four vacancies and the Clerk's office had received applications from Thomas Halloran, Debbie Madsen, Scott Maroon, Charles Mennes, David Shoaf, Jason Rutkin, and Samuel Soriero. Several applicants spoke about their qualifications and vision for the Country Club. Mayor Charles asked each about their thoughts on the future management structure for the club. The Village Council proceeded to cast paper ballots in support of their top four applicants. After voting, Village Clerk Rodriguez read the following results into the record: Councilmember Burch- Halloran, Maroon, Mennes, Soriero 6 Councilmember Devaney- Halloran, Madsen, Mennes, Soriero Councilmember Valinsky- Halloran, Maroon, Mennes, Soriero Vice Mayor Cantor- Madsen, Maroon, Shoaf, Soriero Mayor Charles – Madsen, Maroon, Mennes, Shoaf Scott Maroon, Charles Mennes, and Sam Soriero received four votes each and were automatically appointed. A second round of voting between Thomas Halloran and Debbie Madsen resulted in Thomas Halloran receiving three votes to Thomas Halloran, securing him the fourth position as noted below: Councilmember Burch- Halloran Councilmember Devaney- Halloran Councilmember Valinsky- Halloran Vice Mayor Cantor- Madsen Mayor Charles- Madsen Mayor Charles emphasized that even those not appointed should stay active, as there will be significant community input needed in the coming months regarding the Country Club. 10.B APPOINTMENTS POLICE RETIREMENT PENSION BOARD (2 VACANCIES) Village Clerk Rodriguez noted that the two incumbents, Clark Reynolds and Martin Maguth applied to serve on the board. Councilmember Burch moved to appoint both applicants to the Police Retirement Pension Board and Mayor Charles seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 10.C APPOINTMENTS TO THE GENERAL EMPLOYEE PENSION BOARD (3 VACANCIES) Village Clerk Rodriguez announced that the office had received applications from incumbents Robert Williamson and Thomas Longman, as well as a new applicant, Sharon Thompson. Mayor Charles opened public comments. Village employee Elizabeth Keeley requested that the Council delay the appointments until they could review the General Employee Pension Board structure at a workshop. She cited concerns about attendance issues, inappropriate comments regarding ERISA regulations, and what she described as unfair board composition and appointment method of the employee trustee representatives. After discussion, the Council agreed to defer items 10.C and 10.D until after the Board and Committees workshop. 7 10.D APPOINTMENT TO THE GENERAL EMPLOYEE PENSION BOARD (1 EMPLOYEE VACANCY) This item was deferred. 11) RESOLUTION(S) 11.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, DETERMINING THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE, AND THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND PUBLIC HEARINGS AS REQUIRED BY LAW; DIRECTING THE VILLAGE CLERK AND VILLAGE MANAGER TO FILE THIS RESOLUTION, IF REQUIRED, WITH THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO CHANGE THE BUDGET HEARING DATES IF NEEDED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Manager Scott explained that municipalities must inform the County of their highest possible millage rate by August 4. He noted that the current rate is 7.8 mills and the proposed budget is built on maintaining that rate. He shared that a reduction of one-tenth of a mill would result in savings of approximately $51 per taxpayer while decreasing Village ad valorem revenue by an estimated $254,835. Mayor Charles opened public comments: Nancy Dowson spoke in opposition to the proposed millage rate, citing that newer residents are carrying a disproportionate tax burden compared to long-time residents. Mayor Charles pointed out that property valuation issues are primarily the responsibility of the County property appraiser rather than the Village Council. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the resolution, and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 11.B A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE BORROWING OF NOT EXCEEDING $3,460,000 FROM THE POOLED COMMERCIAL PAPER LOAN PROGRAM OF THE FLORIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT AMONG MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AND THE FLORIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE COMMISSION, IN ORDER TO REFINANCE LOANS PREVIOUSLY MADE TO FINANCE VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE VILLAGE; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LOAN NOTE OR LOAN NOTES TO EVIDENCE SUCH BORROWING AND AGREEING TO SECURE SUCH BORROWING WITH A COVENANT TO BUDGET AND APPROPRIATE LEGALLY AVAILABLE NON-AD VALOREM REVENUES OF THE VILLAGE, ALL AS PROVIDED IN THE LOAN AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO EFFECT SUCH 8 BORROWING; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Special Projects/Grants Manager Elizabeth Keeley explained that this resolution would allow the rollover of an existing loan for the septic-to-sewer conversion on Northeast Second Avenue. She noted that the loan has a 5-year term limit with the Florida Local Government Finance Commission and is scheduled to roll over on September 2. Mayor Charles opened public comments and subsequently closed seeing no one approach the lectern. Councilmember Burch moved to approve the resolution and Vice Mayor Cantor seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 11.C A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL, AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITIED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (ICE), A COMPONENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECUIRTY (DHS), AS A PARTICIPATING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AGENCY; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT AND TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATIOIN OF RECITALS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: POLICE CHIEF). This item was deferred. 12) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 12.A DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BOATS ANCHORED ON MSV WATERWAYS (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch explained that Miami Shores Village includes 2.5 square miles of land and 1 square mile of water, with the Village limit extending from the C8 canal to the Intracoastal Waterway. He discussed a new state law passed on May 25 that allows communities to regulate boat anchoring in waters they oversee. Councilmember Burch expressed concern about boats anchoring for extended periods in Village waters, noting issues such as improper sewage disposal, trash, and damage to seagrass beds. He referenced problems south of 79th Street where approximately 20-30 boats have accumulated, creating a de facto mooring field. He also mentioned that abandoned vessels are sometimes left anchored to avoid proper disposal costs. Discussion centered around enforcement challenges. Police Chief David Gold confirmed that Miami Shores has an excellent relationship with Miami-Dade Police's Intracoastal Division, which could potentially assist with enforcement. 9 The Council agreed to have the Village Attorney research County regulations and potential enforcement mechanisms before considering an ordinance. 12.B DISCUSSION ON CLEANING UP THE WATERWAYS OF THE VILLAGE (SPONSORED BY: COUCILMEMBER GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch described how the southeast winds that prevail for six months of the year create a natural trap for debris in a corner of the Village's waterfront where the seawall makes a 90-degree turn. He explained that this area accumulates seaweed, trash, and sometimes animal carcasses. Councilmember Burch noted that in the past, the Village had contracted with someone who used a barge with a claw to remove the debris, which would then be hauled away by Village solid waste trucks. Village Manager Scott confirmed that such a service had previously been used at a cost of approximately $10,000, and Village staff would investigate whether funding or grants might be available through County or NOAA coastal cleanup programs. 13) MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Scott announced that Deputy Village Manager Kathleen Gunn would be leaving her position to pursue other interests. He thanked her for her service and competence, noting that she would be missed. 14) ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Wood discussed Senate Bill 180 and its impact on the Village's ability to make changes to its comprehensive plan and land development regulations. She explained that the law prevents local governments from adopting more restrictive land use regulations during hurricane emergencies, which affect Miami-Dade County and all its municipalities. Attorney Wood noted that her law firm is organizing municipalities to challenge the law, similar to what was done with Form 6 requirements. The participation cost would be approximately $10,000, contingent upon at least 10 municipalities joining the effort. The Council expressed support for joining the legal challenge, citing concerns about home rule authority and the importance of zoning control to the Village. Attorney Wood indicated she would bring back a resolution for formal approval in September. 15) ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements into the record. 10 16) VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Council members expressed appreciation to all who attended and participated in the meeting. 17) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:14 PM.