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2025-09-16Council Meeting Minutes MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:40 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 ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, & DEFERRALS Mayor Charles requested to postpone the vote on Planning and Zoning Board appointments to the next meeting, noting that clarification was needed from the attorneys regarding one of the applicants. There was consensus amongst the Village Council to defer Planning and Zoning Board appointments. 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A A PRESENTATION BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO AWARD THE OFFICERS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTER FOR 2025 (STAFF: CHIEF OF POLICE). Chief of Police David Golt presented awards to two officers: ● Sergeant Joshua Koop was awarded Officer of the First Quarter 2025. The Chief described how Sergeant Koop, while traveling on I-75 for professional development training, encountered a road rage incident where an armed suspect was holding a driver at gunpoint. Sergeant Koop activated his emergency lights, confronted the suspect with his firearm drawn, secured the suspect's weapon, and maintained control until Florida Highway Patrol arrived. The Chief noted that this demonstrated officers are always on duty regardless of location. ● Officer Zachary Bakewell was awarded Officer of the Second Quarter 2025. During this quarter, Officer Bakewell issued 301 traffic citations to motorists violating traffic laws, investigated multiple hit-and-run incidents, served as a field training officer, assisted with property and evidence operations, ensured compliance with radar and laser regulations, and served as an acting supervisor on 18 occasions. 6. BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT 6.A PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD RECOMMENDATION REPORT John Bolton, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, presented the board's recommendation that the Council consider requiring demolition permits to be held until the Planning and Zoning Board has approved plans for new construction. Brandon Spirk, boardmember who sponsored the item, explained that this would help prevent vacant properties that result when homeowners underestimate renovation costs. Mayor Charles asked the Village Attorney if this would be considered restrictive under current state law. The Village Attorney responded that it would likely be considered more restrictive than what's currently allowed, as it would add a requirement to the current process. The attorney suggested taking the matter back to the legal team for further analysis. Mayor Charles suggested that perhaps the requirement could be tied to safety concerns, such as requiring construction fencing. The Village Attorney cautioned against discussing this strategy in a public meeting, noting that the intent was being openly discussed, which could impact future legal arguments. Building Director Ismael Naranjo explained that currently there is no language in the Village Code requiring a fence for demolition, though it is highly recommended. Responding to Councilmember Valinsky’s inquiry regarding the demolition permit process, Director Naranjo provided a detailed explanation. Brandon Spirk clarified that the proposal would include exceptions for properties that need demolition for life safety reasons. He also noted that the proposal wouldn't prevent demolition permits, but would change the order of the process. During discussion, Mr. Bolton suggested adding this requirement to their ongoing revisions to the residential building code, which could be revisited later when the Council considers the rezoning operation. Councilmember Burch voiced concerns about private property rights, the costs of maintaining a home intended for demolition versus an empty lot and questioned whether the Village should control what property owners do with their land. The Council directed the Village Attorney to explore options for implementing this requirement, either as part of the comprehensive code update or as a separate ordinance, and for such findings to be brought to Council for consideration. 7. MANAGER'S UPDATE No manager update presented. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit Julio Martinez inquired about the denial of a temporary fence permit for a dangerous property that was awaiting demolition, questioning the order of requirements when safety is a concern. Nancy Dowson raised a point about property rights, noting that some residents might want to purchase adjacent properties to create larger lots comparable to others in the neighborhood. Jerry Lance discussed a banyan tree in front of his home that he has maintained for nearly 50 years at his own expense. He explained that since 1975, when Mayor McIntosh was in office, he had permission to trim the tree. However, he said a contract he recently had to sign now prohibits him from trimming it, and it has become severely overgrown, presenting a risk during hurricanes. He requested permission to continue maintaining the tree as he has done for decades. The Village Manager indicated he would work with Mr. Lance on this issue. 9. BOARD APPOINTMENT(S) 9.A APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARTS & CULTURE BOARD (5 VACANCIES). The Village Clerk explained there were five vacancies on the Arts and Culture Board (formerly the Fine Arts Commission). One applicant, Victoria Road Traster, did not meet the one-year residency requirement, but could be appointed with a super-majority vote. Council members cast their ballots. The following received appointments: Kristen Adsit, Virginia Gil, Lucy McGuire, Victoria Row Traster, Mariano Valera. By consensus, Victoria Row Traster was appointed to serve the unexpired one-year term vacated by Peter Hosfeld, while the others would serve full terms. Applicant Name Burch Devaney Valinsky Cantor Charles Total Votes Kristen Adsit x x x x x 5 Virginia Gil x x x x x 5 Lucy McGuire x x x x x 5 Marcia Page x x 2 Victoria Row Traster x x x x 4 Mariano Valera x x x x 4 9.B APPOINTMENTS TO THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD (4 VACANCIES). Pablo Arieta, an applicant, introduced himself, noting he had lived in Miami Shores for over six years and wanted to bring his project management experience to implement activities in the education compact, particularly related to STEM projects. He mentioned that he has been teaching STEM classes to children ages 6-10 for the past two years and has a daughter attending Miami Shores Elementary School. After voting, the following were appointed to the Education Advisory Board: Isabel Alonso, Pablo Arieta, Ronnie Kirschenberg, and Dana Vignale Applicant Name Burch Devaney Valinsky Cantor Charles Total Votes Isabel Alonso x x x x x 5 Pablo Arrieta x x x x x 5 Ronnie Kirschenberg x x x x x 5 Lucy McGuire x 1 Dana Vignale x x x x 4 5 9.C APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (1 VACANCY). This item was deferred. 10.DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 10.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). The Village Manager introduced Ms. Elizabeth Keeley, Special Projects/Grants Manager to present the legislative priorities that staff had identified for lobbying in Tallahassee. Four projects were highlighted: ● Fuel Tank Replacement - The Public Works Director explained that the current underground fuel tanks are 31 years old and need to be replaced with above-ground ballistic tanks at an estimated cost of $2 million. The Village has only $500,000 set aside, so additional funding is needed. ● Northeast 94th Street Project - This would include drainage and roadway work that ties into Belvedere Drive, a low-lying area with repetitive flooding. Ms. Keeley noted that this project would connect with the 93rd Street pump station project already funded by a grant. ● Belvedere Drive - This would address flooding issues from 10th Avenue to the triangle where it meets 12th Avenue/Dixie Highway East. ● Septic to Sewer Conversion Land Acquisition - Ms. Keeley explained that funding is available that could reimburse the Village for land acquired for pump stations needed for septic to sewer conversions. Ms. Keeley noted that their lobbyists would be visiting in October or early November to discuss these priorities. She explained that while they typically submit 4-6 items, usually only one receives funding. Projects that combine multiple components (like roadway and stormwater improvements) tend to get more traction. Council Member Burch suggested adding health insurance costs as another priority, noting the significant increases in premiums and suggesting that municipalities might benefit from forming a cooperative to negotiate better rates. The Village Manager indicated that they are already exploring options through the Human Resources department and the League of Cities but did not think this would fall under legislative priorities. By consensus, the Council supported the four proposed legislative priorities. 11.MANAGER'S REPORT The Village Manager discussed the process of seeking a new management company for the golf course. He noted that an RFP is about 99% written but had not been issued yet, as they have been approached by firms wanting to discuss management options. The Manager requested guidance on amending the current month-to-month contract with Professional Course Management (PCM), which ends either upon construction or April 30, whichever comes first. He suggested adding a third trigger that would end the contract when a new management company is hired, and including a transition period. Mayor Charles suggested a 60-day overlap between the outgoing and incoming management companies to ensure proper transition of operations, noting that PCM had initially asked for 120 days. Council Member Burch 6 emphasized the importance of ensuring the Village receives fair financial returns from the golf course operation. The Village Attorney clarified that any changes to the agreement would require consent from both parties. She also noted that there appears to have been an enterprise fund for the golf course in the past, but there is no record of how it was created or ended. She recommended creating a new enterprise fund via ordinance, which would require two readings. Council Member Burch raised concerns about the current condition of the golf course and the potential costs to address deficiencies, estimated at $750,000 over four years. Mayor Charles noted that the Council has been lobbied by different entities regarding golf course management and that discussions with the district regarding plans for the golf course are ongoing and fluid. The Council provided direction to: ● Pursue amending the contract with PCM to add a new trigger for termination when a new management company is hired ● Include a 60-day transition period between management companies ● Create an enterprise fund for the golf course via ordinance 12.ATTORNEY'S REPORT The Village Attorney discussed the ongoing boards and committees workshop process, noting that as they make changes to various boards, they sometimes discover additional issues that need to be addressed. She specifically asked about the Country Club Advisory Board, wondering if the Council wanted to proceed with changes to its powers and duties given the quest for a new management company. Mayor Charles suggested waiting until after negotiating with a new management company before revising the Country Club Advisory Board, noting that the current language requires board members to be club members, which may need to be modernized. The Village Attorney also requested clarification that her firm's authorization to represent the Village on golf course matters could be consolidated under one title rather than having separate authorizations for renovations, South Florida Water Management District issues, and the management agreement. The Council agreed to this consolidation. 13.ANNOUNCEMENTS The Village Clerk read announcements into the record. 7 14.VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Burch raised concerns about two boards that still need appointments: the Personnel Appeals Board and the General Employee Pension Board. He noted that while the Personnel Appeals Board rarely meets, if the Council decided to keep it, members should be properly appointed. Regarding the General Employee Pension Board, he noted that the application process had been open longer than for any other board. The Village Clerk clarified that the Council had decided to review the General Employee Pension Board ordinance first to examine and potentially change its membership composition before making appointments, which is scheduled for the September 30 workshop. Council Members discussed ways to improve communication with boards and committees, with Vice Mayor Cantor suggesting having Council representatives liaise with each board. Mayor Charles suggested having a "job fair" style event at the recreation center where existing board members could explain their roles to interested residents. The Council also inquired about the status of the ad hoc Traffic Committee's report. Public Works Director explained that the committee has missed several meetings but is on the cusp of presenting their final report, potentially at the second meeting in October. 15.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.