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2025-09-03 Council Meeting Minutes MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Mayor Cantor called the meeting to order at 7:38 PM. 2. MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Jerome Charles via Zoom Vice Mayor Neil Cantor Councilmember George Burch Councilmember Patrick B. Devaney Councilmember Jesse Valinsky Also Present: VillageManager Esmond Scott VillageAttorney Chanae Wood VillageClerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4. ORDER OF BUSINESS ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, & DEFERRALS There was a discussion about board appointments scheduled for the meeting. Mayor Charles inquired if Council members had enough time to interview all the candidates, particularly noting the Education Advisory Board applications were received late. Council members Burch expressed concerns about not having sufficient time to contact and interview candidates. Vice Mayor Cantor noted it was important for each of these boards to have full membership as some haven't met for months due to lack of quorum. After discussion, the Council reached consensus to: ● Defer all board appointments to the September 16th meeting ● Reopen applications specifically for the Planning and Zoning Board ● Allow candidates present at the meeting to speak during public comments 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A POST-SESSION UPDATE BY STATE SENATOR SHEVRIN D. JONES (SD-34). Senator Shevrin Jones was unable to attend due to an emergency, but his senior legislative aide, Kai Garel, presented the update. For Miami Shores specifically, the Northeast 94th Street roadway improvements request for $750,000 was included in the budget but was vetoed by the governor. Councilmember Burch asked about progress on the issue with South Florida Water Management. Kai Garel promised to follow up with that information. 6. BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT 6.A HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD ANNUAL REPORT Patricia Bonaduce, Chair of the Miami Shores Historic Preservation Board, presented a comprehensive report. Council members expressed appreciation for the board's dedication to preserving the Village's architectural heritage. 6.B PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD RECOMMENDATION REPORT The Chair of the Planning and Zoning Board was not present to deliver the report. 7. MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager updated the Council regarding the solid waste rate increase, noting: ● Two mailings had been sent to residents about the matter ● The hearing would take place tonight, but no decision would be made ● A special meeting was scheduled for September 15th at 10 AM when a vote would be taken ● The proposed rate increase for residential is approximately $100 more per year ● The rate increase was necessary because solid waste is an enterprise fund that must support itself 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit Sarah Bramlett addressed issues with bulk trash pickup at her condominium. Despite multiple calls and emails since May, service has been inconsistent. She was told by staff that the published schedule doesn't apply to condominiums, but wasn't given a clear alternative schedule. Kristen Adsit spoke about her commitment to the Arts and Culture Board. She further raised concerns about crossing guards at Miami Shores Elementary School leaving due to below- county-standard pay rates. Victoria Row-Traster introduced herself as an applicant for the Arts and Culture Board, highlighting her experience as artistic director at Miami Theatre Center and her involvement with local schools and cultural initiatives. When questioned about the one-year residency requirement, Village Attorney Chanae clarified that the requirement could be waived by a supermajority vote of the Council. Dana Vignale spoke about her reapplication to the Education Advisory Board, noting her 25 years of education experience and efforts to strengthen the K-12 pipeline in Miami Shores. She emphasized the importance of positioning Miami Shores as a place to move to because of public education options. Rhonda Charles described problems with others dumping yard waste and construction materials on her property. She has received citations for trash that isn't hers. Councilmember Burch suggested she install security cameras to catch those responsible. Nataki Cooper expressed concerns about the proposed solid waste fee increase, noting the financial burden on residents with modest incomes. Victor Bruce spoke about reapplying to the Planning and Zoning Board, emphasizing the importance of having an architect on the board who understands the zoning code. Pablo Arrieta introduced himself as an applicant to the Education Advisory Board, highlighting his engineering background and experience running STEM programs. Eileen Wilson expressed concerns about the proposed waste fee increase, noting the impact on retirees with fixed incomes. The VillageClerk read e-comments 9. CONSENT AGENDA All items listed within this section entitled "Consent Agenda" are considered to be self-explanatory and are not expected to require additional review or discussion, unless a member of the VillageCouncil requests, in which case, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered along with the regular order of business. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the consent agenda and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9.A APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 13, 2025 COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGECLERK). Passed on consent. 9.B APPROVAL OF THE JULY 1, 2025 VILLAGECOUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGECLERK). Passed on consent. 9.C APPROVAL OF THE JULY 14, 2025 VILLAGECOUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGECLERK). Passed on consent. 9.D APPROVAL OF THE JULY 15, 2025 VILLAGECOUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGECLERK). Passed on consent. 9.E A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGECOUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGEFLORIDA; AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN A LAWSUIT SEEKING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO DECLARE THAT SB 180 IMPOSITION OF A BLANKET STATEWIDE PROHIBITION ON THE EXERCISE OF HOME RULE AUTHORITY OVER LAND USE AND ZONING REGULATIONS, IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND SHOULD BE ENJOINED, AND RETAINING WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE AND BIERMAN, PL TO PROSECUTE THE LAWSUIT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGEATTORNEY). Passed on consent. 10.BOARD APPOINTMENTS (STAFF: VILLAGECLERK) 10.A APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARTS & CULTURE BOARD (4 VACANCIES). Deferred to September 16, 2025 Meeting. 10.B APPOINTMENTS TO THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD (4 VACANCIES). Deferred to September 16, 2025 Meeting. 10.C APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (1 VACANCY). Deferred to September 16, 2025 Meeting. 11.RESOLUTION(S) 11.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGECOUNCIL OF THE VILLAGEOF MIAMI SHORES, FLORIDA RELATING TO THE VILLAGE’S SEPTIC TO SEWER PROGRAM; DECLARING THE IMPOSITION OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS FOR WASTEWATER COLLECTION WITHIN THE SHORES ESTATES RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION LOCATED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; ESTABLISHING THE METHOD BY WHICH THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE CALCULATED; ESTIMATING THE REVENUE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVIDING FOR THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM; PROVIDING FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS FOR WASTEWATER COLLECTION; PROVIDING FOR THE METHODOLOGY AND APPORTIONMENT OF THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS TO THE BENEFITTED PARCELS; CONFIRMING THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION; ESTABLISHING THE METHOD BY WHICH THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE MADE; PROVIDING FOR EQUALIZATION, FILING, AND LIEN ON PROPERTIES TO BE ASSESSED; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. This item was opened as a public hearing. There were no further public comments. The Council continued this item to September 15th at 10 AM at Village Hall. 11.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGECOUNCIL OF THE VILLAGEOF MIAMI SHORES, FLORIDA RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES LOCATED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; ESTABLISHING THE METHOD BY WHICH THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTON AND DISPOSAL SERVICES SHALL BE CALCULATED; ESTIMATING THE COST FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTON AND DISPOSAL SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR THE METHODOLOGY AND APPORTIONMENT OF THE NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTON AND DISPOSAL SERVICES; CONFIRMING THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION; ESTABLISHING THE METHOD BY WHICH THE PROPOSED NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTON AND DISPOSAL SERVICES SHALL BE MADE; PROVIDING FOR EQUALIZATION, FILING, AND LIEN ON PROPERTIES TO BE ASSESSED; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. This item was opened as a public hearing. There were no further public comments. The Council continued this item to September 15th at 10 AM at Village Hall. 11.C A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE AWARD OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFP) 2025-06-01 FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS, MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, LIFE, SHORT AND LONG- TERM DISABILITY AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGEMANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS FOR MEDICAL COVERAGE WITH THE FLORIDA MUNICIPAL INSURANCE TRUST / UNITED HEALTH CARE, DENTAL AND VISION COVERAGE WITH HUMANA, AND RETAINING LIFE AND LONG-TERM DISABILITY COVERAGE WITH MUTUAL OF OMAHA; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. The Human Resources Director, Yamileth Slate-McCloud, explained that after pursuing the competitive solicitation process, they were able to negotiate the insurance rate increase down from 25% to 21%. She noted that Aetna declined to bid due to lack of competitiveness, and Florida Blue's bid was received after the deadline. Vice Mayor Cantor opened public comments. During public comments, Nataki Cooper suggested reaching out to other insurance companies and encouraging more employees to join the plan to potentially lower costs. The Village Manager explained that they had gone through a thorough request for proposal (RFP) process with multiple companies bidding, and procurement had assembled an evaluation team to review options and negotiate the best deal possible. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the resolution and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 3 7 12.DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 12.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE 9999 BUILDING (SPONSORED BY: VICE MAYOR NEIL CANTOR). Vice Mayor Cantor introduced this item, explaining that the ground floor of the 9999 Building on the downtown corridor has remained vacant for a long time due to an issue with the Miami Shores code. The code requires the first floor to be 4 feet above the crown of the road, but the existing floor is about 0.78 feet below the requirement. Brian Gross, the building's listing agent and a Miami Shores resident, explained that they need to pour concrete at the same level as the sidewalk to provide adequate ceiling height for tenants. He noted they've lost three potential tenants, including two national brands, because of this issue. Property owner Alex Edelman and property manager Julio Martinez also spoke, explaining that other buildings on the same street have floors at the same level as the sidewalk. Mr. Edelman emphasized the urgency of the situation due to ongoing financial losses. Building Director Ismael Naranjo explained that the finished floor elevation inside the building is currently about 0.78 feet below the minimum design requirement in Section 6-9 of the Village code, making it a "nonconforming finished floor elevation." Village Attorney Wood clarified that there is currently no mechanism in the code to grant a variance for this issue, and the Council would need to direct staff to create such mechanism. Discussion ensued amongst the Village Council. The Council directed staff to create a mechanism to amend the code with urgency to allow the 9999 building to move forward with tenants. 13.MANAGER'S REPORT The Village Manager had no additional report. 14.ATTORNEY'S REPORT The Village Attorney had no report. 15.ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read announcements into the record. 8 16.VILLAGECOUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Jerome Charles thanked staff and colleagues for allowing him to participate via Zoom. Councilmember George Burch discussed the issue of trash in the Bay and expressed interest in an autonomous robotic system that could clean up the canal, which was being explored by staff. Vice Mayor Neil Cantor directed staff to bring back the Planning and Zoning Board recommendation at the next meeting. After discussion, it was clarified that the recommendation regarding demolition permits would likely violate SB 180's restrictions on more restrictive local regulations. Council members and the Village Attorney discussed postponing consideration of this item until there is clarity on SB 180 or including it in the broader R-district updates. 17.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:51 PM.