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2026-01-06 Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2026 6:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:31 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 Councilmember George Burch requested to pull items 8A and 8B from the consent agenda for discussion. Village Manager Esmond Scott noted that there were some scrivener's errors found in item 8B that had been corrected, and the revised document would be distributed pending the Village Attorney's approval. 2 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A PRESENTATION ON STORMWATER PROJECTS UPDATE (PRESENTED BY: PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Public Works Director Delroy Peters provided a comprehensive update on the Village's stormwater projects. He began with an overview of the Stormwater Master Plan, which was initiated in January 2025 and had its final community meeting on December 9, 2025. The finalized plan is expected by the end of January 2026, with presentation to the Council anticipated for the second meeting in February. Director Peters highlighted key components of the master plan, including: ● Established flow patterns showing drainage to C7 canal, C8 canal, and the bay ● Comprehensive mapping of catch basins, control structures, and discharge points throughout the Village ● Modeling of potential flooding during storm events, with areas of concern identified primarily on the east side of the Village Director Peters presented five drainage improvement projects, focusing on three: ● Eighth Avenue Drainage Project - Recently completed with eight new catch basins installed. The project was completed ahead of schedule by the contractor, Pabon. ● 104th Street Northeast Project - Currently under design, involving drainage improvements and road raising. The project will include 12 new catch basins and exfiltration trenches. The estimated cost is $1.3 million, down from an initial $6-7 million plan that would have provided longer-term protection. ● 94th Street Belvedere Project - One of the most challenging areas for flooding. Currently in the design phase with a $100,000 budget allocation. During Council questions, Director Peters confirmed that staff already conducts quarterly maintenance of catch basins as required by NPDES permits, but noted that new installations will increase maintenance requirements. Councilmember Burch expressed concern about pollution treatment in stormwater systems, and Director Peters explained that more detailed pollution control measures would be addressed at the design stage rather than in the master planning phase. No action was taken. 6. MANAGER'S UPDATE Village Manager Esmond Scott discussed the history and context of the Biscayne Boulevard beautification project, which would be discussed later in the meeting. He explained that when he first arrived at the Village, he found staff spending approximately $60,000 annually in overtime to maintain FDOT's right-of-way on Biscayne Boulevard. 3 The Manager explained that the original concept was to implement FDOT's BOLD Initiative, which would have simplified median landscaping with grass and minimal plantings, reducing maintenance costs. However, resident input led to more elaborate planting designs. While the project costs have increased since first conceived in 2023, Manager Scott emphasized the benefits of removing staff from hazardous working conditions on Saturdays and redirecting overtime funds to other Village needs. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3-Minute Time Limit Maureen Duffy spoke regarding Item 9A on Grand Concourse improvements. She described her experience living in two homes on Grand Concourse and the positive impact the existing median has had on traffic calming between second and fourth avenues. She presented research findings against using stop signs as mid-block speed control measures, citing studies from multiple municipalities that found stop signs are ineffective for speed reduction and can create safety issues when unwarranted. She advocated for medians and curb extensions as more effective traffic calming measures. 8. 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 Village Council requests, in which case, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered along with the regular order of business. 8.A APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2025 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (STAFF: VILLAGE CLERK). Councilmember Burch raised concerns about the December 16 meeting minutes, stating they did not accurately reflect the Council's approval on three matters related to the traffic committee report: ● The preference for decorative poles for speed limit signs rather than standard poles ● Number of Signs and Implementation Areas ● Who would approve the type of signs and its locations After discussion, the Council decided to defer approval of the minutes pending the Village Clerk's review of the recording to verify whether clear consensus was reached on these matters. 8.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE AWARD OF INVITATION TO BID NO. ITB # 2025-11-01 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD MEDIAN LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIIDER, SFM LANDSCAPE SERVICES, LLC., AND AUTHORIZE THE VILLAGE MANAGER OR 4 DESIGNEE TO EXPEND AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $294,284.50 (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Public Works Director Delroy Peters and Village Manager Esmond Scott addressed Council questions regarding the Biscayne Boulevard median project. The total project cost is $294,284.50, with approximately $130,000 coming from a grant and the remaining $162,000 from Village funds. Councilmember Burch expressed concerns about the cost, questioning why the Village was spending significantly more than the required matching funds to beautify a road not owned by the Village. He noted that the current medians already appear well-maintained compared to neighboring areas. Councilmember Valinsky supported the project despite the cost, noting that with annual maintenance savings of approximately $60,000, the investment would be recouped over time. He also emphasized the importance of staff safety. Manager Scott confirmed that the project would begin in April 2026, ahead of FDOT's planned resurfacing project in May, and that any damage to the medians during FDOT's work would require restoration to the same condition. Director Peters explained that the new design would require less maintenance, with strawberry plants between palm trees and some grass, allowing staff to work more safely and efficiently. Vice Mayor Cantor moved approval of the resolution and Councilmember Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 4-1 voice vote. Councilmember Burch voted in opposition. 9. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 9.A DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS TO GRAND CONCOURSE (SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch presented data showing Grand Concourse between Fourth and Sixth Avenues as one of the worst streets in Miami Shores for speeding, with traffic regularly exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph or more. He contrasted this with the section of Grand Concourse between Second and Fourth Avenues, which has a median and shows no speeding issues in traffic studies. Councilmember Burch explained that Grand Concourse is 70 feet wide, effectively providing seven travel lanes, though it is currently unmarked. He noted that previous recommendations from a 2016 traffic study included adding a median, designated bike lanes, and reducing the road to one lane in each direction with parking on both sides. He emphasized that this problem has been known for at least nine years without resolution. 5 Councilmember Valinsky expressed concerns that while the existing median on Grand Concourse is visually appealing, it creates visibility and safety issues, making the area cluttered and difficult to navigate, particularly at night. He questioned whether implementing similar measures would improve safety. Public comment included: ● Julian Montero expressed concern with the ongoing dangerous speeding and passing on Grand Concourse, commending only the police department for addressing these concerns through regular enforcement. ● Andrew McIntosh suggested that duplicating the median structure from the other section of Grand Concourse could create additional problems, particularly for the condominiums where 15-30 vehicles currently park. He recommended a trial period with temporary stop signs before committing to expensive infrastructure changes. ● Jerome Hurtak noted improved conditions due to increased police enforcement and expressed concern that a median would diminish the unique character of the street. He opposed adding a median to his section of Grand Concourse. ● Brad Schmidt supported adding a median, stating that passing is a frequent issue and while police enforcement helps, it's not a long-term solution. Vice Mayor Cantor expressed agreement with Councilmember Valinsky's concerns about the overstimulation created by the existing median between Second and Fourth Avenues and opposed extending this design. Councilmember Devaney also suggested exploring other traffic calming solutions before investing in a median that would change the character of Grand Concourse. Mayor Charles emphasized the need for current data and formal planning, noting that the 10- year-old traffic study may no longer be valid. He suggested working through proper processes with public works and the manager to develop a comprehensive approach. Village Manager Scott informed the Council that the Village had recently received a $375,000 grant for a traffic action plan that could include addressing the Grand Concourse issues. He committed to working with Director Peters to explore options and report back to the Council, promising this issue would not languish for another nine years. No action was taken. 9.B DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CREATING AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE VILLAGE'S CURRENT AND FUTURE SEWER SYSTEM (SPONSORED BY: GEORGE BURCH). Councilmember Burch proposed creating a sewer ordinance that would require camera inspection of sewer lines from homes to the main connection prior to property sales. He explained this would protect homebuyers from purchasing properties with damaged connections and prevent environmental contamination from cracked or failing sewer lines. He also noted differences in connection requirements between jurisdictions: North Miami requires immediate hookup to available sewer lines (affecting the Shores Estates project), while Miami-Dade County does not mandate connection unless certain triggering events occur (such 6 as new construction, significant remodeling, septic failure, or environmental contamination). This raises questions about how the Village will handle connection requirements and fees for future sewer projects. Village Attorney Chanae Wood stated she would research the legal questions raised, including whether the Village could: ● Require camera inspections at property transfers ● Charge property owners for sewer infrastructure they don't intend to use ● Create more stringent connection requirements than the county The Council expressed interest in a comprehensive approach to sewer regulations and, by way of consensus, requested that the Village Attorney research best practices from other municipalities transitioning from septic to sewer systems. 10.MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Esmond Scott announced that bids for the new management company for the golf course would close the following day at 2:30 PM. 11.ATTORNEY'S REPORT Village Attorney Chanae Wood wished everyone a happy new year and a happy birthday to the Village Manager. She had no additional updates. 12.ANNOUNCEMENTS Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez read the announcements. 13.VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS Vice Mayor Cantor suggested that in future meetings, items requiring consultants be heard earlier in the agenda to minimize costs associated with their attendance. Mayor Charles urged residents to stay informed about House Joint Resolutions 201-215 regarding property tax reform being considered in Tallahassee, noting these could disproportionately impact communities like Miami Shores. Village Manager Scott committed to including a special legislative insert in the next Village newsletter to inform residents about potential impacts. Councilmember Valinsky suggested the Council consider preparing information for residents about the potential impacts of the proposed legislation, with Village Attorney Wood confirming such communications would be appropriate. 7 The Council wished Village Manager Scott a happy birthday and extended New Year wishes to all. Councilmember Burch- No comments. Councilmember Devaney- No comments. 14.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM