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2025-12-02 Council Meeting Minutes MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2025 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:35 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 via Zoom Councilmember Jesse Valinsky Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4. ORDER OF BUSINESS ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, & DEFERRALS There were no changes to the order of business. 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A FINAL ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 (PRESENTED BY: INDEPENDENT AUDITOR, CBIZ) Village Manager Scott provided opening remarks and introduced the auditing firm. Branden Lopez, a partner with CBIZ, presented the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. Mr. Lopez noted this was the second year CBIZ has served as the Village's external auditors. Key highlights of the presentation included: ● The Village received an unmodified (clean) opinion, which is the optimal audit outcome ● Improved net position in both governmental and business-type activities ● The general fund unassigned fund balance increased to $16.7 million, showing a positive trend ● The water and sewer fund, while showing a deficit, is trending in the right direction with revenues increasingly covering operating costs ● General employee pension liability decreased from $3.6 million to $2.5 million ● Police pension liability decreased from $7.9 million to $5.5 million ● Funding ratios improved from 78% to 85% for police pension and similarly for general employee pension Mr. Lopez explained that these improvements were attributed to Village and employee contributions meeting requirements, coupled with strong investment returns. The auditor noted that there were three compliance findings this year, down from four the previous year, showing improvement. The financial condition assessment showed a five-year positive trend rather than deterioration. Council Member Burch inquired about how a potential stock market crash would affect pension funding. Mr. Lopez explained that while there would be fluctuations year to year, the discount rate of 7% is conservative compared to actual returns in the 20% range in recent years, which provides some buffer. He added that any funding gaps would be addressed through gradual increases in contributions rather than drastic changes. 6. BOARDS/COMMITTEES REPORT 6.A AD HOC TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PRESENTED BY: CHAIRPERSON TIMOTHY CRUTCHFIELD). Committee Chairman Timothy Crutchfield presented the findings and recommendations of the Ad Hoc Traffic Advisory Committee. He thanked the committee members for their dedication, noting that some members had to resign due to family matters and health issues. He especially acknowledged Public Works Directors Chris Miranda and later Delroy Peters for their service as staff liaisons. Mr. Crutchfield explained that the committee's key findings and recommendations included: ● The committee analyzed the 2016 Traffic Study and monitored implementation of speed tables (Phase 1), which is nearly complete. ● The committee recommended that Miami Shores Village commission a new traffic study rather than proceeding with Phase 2 hardscape changes from the 2016 study. Their rationale was that traffic patterns and conditions have changed significantly in nine years. ● The committee noted that speed tables have been effective in slowing traffic, but other recommended solutions like traffic diverters may no longer be appropriate for current traffic patterns. ● The committee recommended establishing a webpage on the Village website for residents to submit traffic concerns directly to the Public Works Department, rather than creating a permanent standing committee. Committee member Dennis Leyva emphasized that the Village should budget for traffic calming measures annually, noting that it had taken 10 years to implement Phase 1 of the previous study. Mayor Charles expressed disappointment that the committee had not worked more closely with county and state transportation authorities or explored grant funding options. Council Member Burch noted that some recommendations from the 2016 study, like speed humps on 12th Avenue, had not been implemented despite continued speeding issues. Council Member Valinsky suggested that while the committee's work highlighted the problems, a more proactive approach with the new study would be needed, noting that external pressures from development around the Village would continue to worsen traffic issues regardless of internal measures. The Village Council thanked the committee members for their dedicated service to the Village. 7. MANAGER'S UPDATE No update was provided by the Village Manager under this section. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit Janet Goodman thanked the Traffic Advisory Committee for their report and supported the recommendation for a new study. She highlighted concerns about speeding in Shores Estates and requested speed limit signs, noting that many residents think the speed limit is 30 mph when it should be 25 mph. 9. ORDINANCE(S) ON FIRST READING 9.A AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, PERSONNEL, ARTICLE III, GENERAL EMPLOYEES PENSION PLAN; AMENDING SECTION 18-48, DEATH BENEFITS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Pension Attorney Adam Levinson presented an ordinance to enhance death benefits for the General Employees Pension Plan. He explained the ordinance was prompted by the death of an employee who had served for nearly 26 years but passed away at age 54, just six months shy of early retirement eligibility at age 55. Under current rules, the employee's spouse would only receive a refund of contributions with 3% interest (approximately $130,000). The proposed change would create a new benefit category for employees with 25+ years of service who die before reaching early retirement eligibility, allowing their beneficiaries to receive a joint and survivor benefit starting at what would have been the employee's normal retirement date. Dina Lerner, the plan actuary, explained the projected cost would be approximately $27,000 to $28,000 annually over 20 years. She provided information about similar benefits in other municipal plans, noting that the Florida Retirement System provides joint and survivor benefits to vested members who pass away before retirement. Council members expressed several concerns about the ordinance: ● Council Member Burch questioned the process, noting that the full pension board had not reviewed the final proposal. ● Mayor Charles expressed concern about making permanent changes to the pension plan based on a single case. ● Council Member Valinsky requested more information about how the benefit would compare to options normally available to retirees. Mayor Charles opened the public hearing and subsequently closed it, as no one present provided comments. After extensive discussion, the Council agreed to defer the item to allow the general employee pension board to review the proposal, with instructions to watch the meeting video to understand the Council's concerns. There was consensus that while the Council wanted to help the affected family, they needed to ensure any change to the pension plan was properly structured for future situations. Councilmember Valinsky moved to defer and refer the draft ordinance to the General Employee Pension Board to review the Council’s discussion and the draft ordinance amending the death benefits section of the plan and provide any recommendations at their next scheduled meeting. Mayor Charles seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9.B AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX A, ZONING, ARTICLE V., ESTABLISHMENT OF REGULATIONS, DIVISION 12, RESERVED OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CREATE REGULATIONS THAT THE ESTABLISH REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES, PURSUANT TO STATE LAW; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Village Attorney Chanae Wood explained the purpose of this ordinance, which creates regulations establishing review and approval procedures for certified recovery residences pursuant to state law. She clarified that this ordinance does not create a new use or expand where recovery residences may locate, but rather aligns the Village code with the requirements of Senate Bill 954, which requires municipalities to adopt a clear written reasonable accommodation process for certified recovery residences. Mayor Charles opened the public hearing and subsequently closed it, as no one present provided comments. Attorney Wood emphasized that providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including those in recovery from addiction, is required by federal law regardless of whether the Village has a formal procedure. The ordinance creates a structured process that benefits both the Village and potential applicants. Councilmember Burch moved to approve the ordinance and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 9.C AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX A, ZONING, ARTICLE IX, ADMINISTRATION,SE CTION 906, AUTHORIZATION BY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REQUIRED PRIOR TO UNDERTAKING DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY, TO REQUIRE SITE PLAN APPROVAL BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD AND A MASTER BUILDING PERMIT FOR THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A DEMOLITION PERMIT FOR ANY BUILDING; PROVIDING FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD REVIEW FOR STRUCTURES BUILT IN, OR PRIOR TO, 1965; PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the ordinance into the record. Interim Planning & Zoning Director Eddy Nunez presented an ordinance requiring site plan approval and a master building permit before demolition permits can be issued. The ordinance also includes provisions for Historic Preservation Board review for structures built in or prior to 1965. Mr. Nunez explained that the Village currently allows demolition permits to be issued prior to site plan approval, which has sometimes left vacant lots that impact neighborhood character. The proposed ordinance would formalize the sequence of approvals related to demolition and redevelopment. Council discussed creating a more specific trigger based on the Historic Preservation Board's existing inventory of significant properties rather than the 1965 date. Village Attorney Wood suggested the board could review their inventory to ensure it includes all properties they seek to protect. Mayor Charles opened the public hearing Julio Martinez asked for clarification about situations where homeowners cannot afford reconstruction and need to demolish but leave a vacant lot for tax purposes. He wanted to know if property owners would be prevented from demolishing without immediate rebuilding plans. Maria McGuinness clarified that the Historic Preservation Board had agreed to 1960 at their meeting to capture mid-century modern homes. She distinguished between "historically significant" and "historically designated" properties, noting the Village has authority for unilateral designation under its own code. She stated only 35 original centennial homes remain in the Village, and the inventory includes approximately 200 homes, not 80% of the Village. She emphasized that Policy 6.4 of the comprehensive plan calls for adaptive reuse of historic structures. After extensive discussion, the Council agreed to amend the ordinance to: ● Revise language in the "whereas" clauses regarding vacant lots to be less negative ● Change the trigger for Historic Preservation Board review from "built in prior to 1965" to structures on the Historic Preservation Board's inventory ● Amend language requiring applicants to have "met with" the Historic Preservation Board to "appear before" the board for greater clarity ● Add language requiring a restrictive covenant when combining lots to prevent future separation The Council decided to approve the ordinance on first reading with these amendments, but wanted input from the Historic Preservation Board before second reading to confirm their inventory was sufficient for identifying properties of historic significance. Councilmember Valinsky moved to approve the ordinance as amended on first reading and to refer the item to the Historic Preservation Board to receive inventory confirmation before second reading. Councilmember Burch seconded the motion which carried a 5-0 voice vote. 10.BOARD APPOINTMENT(S) 10.A APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez presented applications for appointment to the Planning and Zoning Board. However, the Council discovered that one applicant, Paul Madsen, was missing from the materials provided to some Council members. The Council decided to defer this item to the next meeting to ensure all applicants received proper consideration. 11.RESOLUTION(S) 11.A A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, SETTING THE DATES FOR THE 2026 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez presented the proposed meeting calendar for 2026. She noted that traditionally the Village had only held one meeting in December, but the Council could amend the resolution to include a second December meeting. Council members discussed the tradition and agreed that having a second meeting in December 2026 would be beneficial, especially since the first meeting would fall on December 1, leaving sufficient time before the holidays for a second meeting. The Clerk also noted that January 6, 2026, coincides with Three Kings Day, which some residents observe. After discussion about holiday accommodations, the Council decided to proceed with the scheduled meeting. Vice Mayor Cantor moved to approve the resolution as amended and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which caried a 5-0 voice vote. 12.MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Esmond Scott provided a brief update on the golf course management RFP, noting that the Village had received responses and was now in a cone of silence period. He mentioned that inventory and walkthrough dates for prospective management companies had been scheduled. Mr. Scott also requested approval to close Village Hall on January 2, 2026 (the day after New Year's Day) to allow for tenting of the building for pest control. The Council agreed to the closure. Mayor Charles requested that the Village send an official letter to the Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of residents regarding a matter related to the golf course, which received consensus from the Council. 13.ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Chanae Wood had no report. 14.ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Rodriguez read the announcements. 15.VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS There were no comments offered by the Council. 16.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM.